Trompowsky Attack · A45
Raptor Variation, Hergert Gambit
1. d4 Nf6 2. Bg5 Ne4 3. h4 Nxg5 4. hxg5 e5
The structure hands White the half-open h-file - rook pressure down it is a standing plan. 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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Where this fits
This line is one of 10 in the Trompowsky Attack. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.