Trompowsky Attack · A45

Edge Variation, Hergert Gambit, after 3... c6

1. d4 Nf6 2. Bg5 Ne4 3. Bh4 c6 4. Nd2 Qa5 5. c3 Nxd2 6. Qxd2 d5 7. e4

The pawns on d5 and e4 stand in direct tension - the first player to resolve it chooses the structure. Bg5 on move two threatens to double the f-pawns and drags the game off known paths immediately - a practical weapon that trades theory for fresh positions.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4.
• 2. Bg5 Develops the bishop with tempo - it attacks the knight on f6. Theory calls this the Trompowsky Attack.
• 2... Ne4 Swings the knight to e4, hitting the bishop on g5.

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