June 30, 2026

[Katherine Wise](https://blog.duolingo.com/author/katherine/)

# Chess openings: What is the Trompowsky Attack?

Looking for a new opening to learn? Discover the Trompowsky Attack!

Learning openings requires understanding chess notation, the system for naming pieces and moves. [Get a refresher on chess notation here](https://blog.duolingo.com/chess-notation/)!

## Trompowsky Attack: 3 quick facts

- The Trompowsky Attack is named after Brazilian chess player [Octávio Trompowsky](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oct%C3%A1vio_Trompowsky?ref=blog.duolingo.com).
- It’s a [d4 opening](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#d4) that can be played either [positionally](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#positional) or in a more [attacking](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#attacking) style. While it isn’t a common choice at the top levels, it does occasionally appear in [grandmaster](https://blog.duolingo.com/how-to-become-a-chess-grandmaster/) games.
- The Trompowsky is easy to learn and much less theory-heavy than other d4 openings—like the [Queen’s Gambit](https://blog.duolingo.com/queens-gambit-opening/)—making it suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players. It also prevents Black from playing any of the Indian Defenses, like the [King’s Indian Defense](https://blog.duolingo.com/kings-indian-defense/) and the [Nimzo-Indian Defense](https://blog.duolingo.com/nimzo-indian-defense/), helping steer the game away from more [theoretical](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/#theory) openings.

## Trompowsky Attack: the moves

Here are the moves for the Trompowsky Attack:

1. d4 Nf6
2. Bg5

## A simple path to a strong game

For a straightforward and easy-to-play option for White, give the Trompowsky Attack a try!

If you’re looking for more openings, check out [our guide featuring over 30 options](https://blog.duolingo.com/popular-chess-openings/) for every skill level!