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Train this openingAbout this opening
White pins the knight on move two and avoids the whole body of Indian theory, which is the practical appeal: you leave preparation behind almost immediately. e6 is the most played reply here, quietly developing and offering to break the pin later. Ne4 is the critical answer and scores best of the popular moves, hitting the bishop at once and gaining time. h6 asks the question directly. The thing to know is that White has moved the bishop before a knight and has not touched e4, so an early Ne4 or c5 hits back before that setup is complete.
Plans
- Play Ne4 to hit the bishop and gain time at once.
- Play e6 and break the pin with a bishop or the queen.
- Strike at the center with c5 while White develops slowly.
- Avoid weakening your kingside pawns to chase the bishop.
Where the pieces belong
- Knight: e4, hitting the bishop and grabbing the center
- Pawn: c5, the break against the unsupported center
- Bishop: e7, quietly breaking the pin
- Pawn: d5, claiming the center White has left alone
- Queen: b6, hitting b2 while White's queenside is loose
Unusual structures, often with a bishop traded for a knight early. Play on the center that White has not yet occupied and the surprise value disappears quickly.
Variations
Trompowsky Attack: Borg Variation
Ne4 3. Bf4 g5
Trompowsky Attack: Edge Variation
Ne4 3. Bh4
Trompowsky Attack: Poisoned Pawn Variation
c5 3. d5 Qb6 4. Nc3
Trompowsky Attack: Raptor Variation
Ne4 3. h4