Break the Rules: Play the Trompowsky!

Play the coolest variation in chess - The RAPTOR!

Yes, this is just one of the super-sharp lines presented here in this aggressive repertoire for White.

Openings starting with 1.d4 usually try to be slow and positional. But not this one: here Polish FM Kamil Plichta overturns that assumption with a trendy Trompowsky repertoire that is light on theory and unashamedly attacking.

The Tromp was famously played by Magnus Carlsen in his first game of his 2016 world title defense against Karjakin in New York, and the Tromp has been taking the chess world by storm ever since.

UPDATED FOR 2020: FM Plichta brings you 36 new variations across 5 chapters, including a completely new setup against 6...e5.

Highly original and creative play!

After 1. d4 Nf6 FM Plichta plays 2.Bg5!? instead of the more common 2.c4, to cut out the vast swathes of theory needed to counter Black's array of responses.

The Tromp avoids the Grünfeld, Nimzo-Indian, Benoni and the King's-Indian defenses, not to mention the Benko/Volga Gambit, Budapest, Two Knights Tango and more.

It makes for an opening that while light on theory is heavy in attacking chances and, crucially, makes Black play on your terms.

Leave Black few paths to safety

The author makes no bones about the fact that objectively there is no advantage in The Trompowsky.

However, it is without a doubt hazardous for Black if he/she doesn't know exactly what to do. The Tromp is also still a rarely-played opening at club level that - unless your opponent is an expert in it - will bust through Black's prep.

FM Plichta's strong belief is that playing the Tromp you will get many positions with attacking chances, where the only side who will have a lot of fun is White.

With correct play, Black may be able to get positions which are close to being equal - but no more than that. And he has to tread very, very carefully.

This repertoire has been tested at the top level and comes recommended by FM Plichta's fellow Pole GM Kamil Dragun.
Richard Rapport has played it with great success, but recently another Pole, the Super GM Jan-Krzysztof Duda, has also used it to great effect in his rapid play.

This truly is a cool opening and one we'll see more of at top level in future years.