Trompowsky Attack: Edge Variation
The Edge Variation of the Trompowsky is 2...Ne4 3.Bh4, where White keeps the bishop on the h4-d8 diagonal instead of retreating it toward the center. Black can chase it with ...g5 or strike at d4 with ...c5, while White hopes the bishop on h4 ties Black's kingside down.
- Moves
- 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 Ne4 3.Bh4
- ECO
- A45
- Engine
- −0.29 · level (Stockfish 17.1, depth 20)
- Played
- 430 games in our lichess sample
- White scores
- 53.0%
Key ideas for both sides
White
- Answer ...g5 with f3, kicking the e4 knight so that after ...gxh4 and fxe4 White gets a big center for the bishop.
- After the trade on h4, develop with Nc3 and recapture on d4 with the queen if Black opens the c-file with ...cxd4.
- Against ...c5, play Nd2 to challenge the e4 knight, then e3 to hold d4 and keep the structure solid.
- Meet ...Qb6 with Rb1, as in the second engine line, rather than giving up the b2 pawn for nothing.
Black
- The engine's first choice is ...g5, gaining space with tempo; after f3 take on h4 and accept a split kingside for the bishop pair.
- Hit the center with ...c5 right after the bishop trade, so White's e4 and d4 pawns become targets.
- The quieter ...c5 with ...d5 and ...Qb6 puts pressure on b2 and d4 at the same time.
- The rare ...d5 and ...c6 moves lead to Hergert Gambit lines, where Black is ready to give material for activity.
Plans and pawn structure
If Black chooses ...g5, the game turns on a trade: White's bishop for the e4 knight. Black ends up with the bishop pair and doubled h-pawns, while White owns e4 and d4 and develops fast with Nc3. Black's plan is ...c5 and play against d4, often recapturing with ...cxd4 to open the c-file. White wants to finish development, keep the king safe and use the half-open f-file after fxe4. In the ...c5 and ...Qb6 setup, the fight is about b2 and the e4 knight instead.
What the engine plays from here
Stockfish 17.1 at depth 20 rates the position −0.29: level. Its three top choices for Black:
- −0.29 3...g5 4.f3 gxh4 5.fxe4 c5 6.Nc3
- −0.12 3...c5 4.Nd2 d5 5.e3 Qb6 6.Nxe4
- +0.01 3...d5 4.f3 g5 5.fxe4 gxh4 6.exd5
Pawns, from White's side.
How it scores on lichess
430 rated lichess games reached this position; White scored 53.0%.
Light: White wins. Grey: draws. Dark: Black wins. About the sample.
Where it goes next
- Edge Variation, Hergert Gambit3...d5 · rare
- Edge Variation, Hergert Gambit3...c6 · rare
How to play against it
As Black, the direct ...g5 is the most testing reply: it forces White to decide about the h4 bishop at once. Follow up with ...c5 to attack d4 before White completes development. Do not leave the e4 knight hanging after f3; take on h4 first so the trades come on your terms.
Questions
What are the moves of the Trompowsky Attack: Edge Variation?
The Trompowsky Attack: Edge Variation starts 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 Ne4 3.Bh4. Its ECO code is A45.
Is the Trompowsky Attack: Edge Variation good for White?
Stockfish 17.1 rates the position −0.29 at depth 20, which is level. In 430 lichess games from our sample, White scored 53.0%. A provocative choice for White players who like unbalanced pawn structures, but Black gets an easy plan with ...g5 and ...c5.
What is the main idea of the Trompowsky Attack: Edge Variation?
White keeps the bishop on the edge of the board, pointing at e7 and d8. Black's main answer is ...g5 to gain space, and after f3 gxh4 fxe4 the game becomes bishop pair against a strong center.
What should Black play next?
The engine's first choice is g5, with c5 and d5 close behind. ...g5 chases the bishop with tempo, and after f3 and the trade on h4 Black keeps two bishops and quick play with ...c5.
Related lines
Updated October 2026. Sources and method.