The Trompowsky Attack (1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5) aims to disrupt your usual plans right away. When White continues 2...c5 3.dxc5, you reach a critical early crossroads as Black. The engine rates this position at -0.17, a tiny edge for White so small it's essentially dead level — you are not worse here at all. In fact, the statistics back that up: across nearly 25,000 games, Black actually scores 53.8%, winning more often than White. The key is choosing the right reply. The drill below will let you practice the position and see what happens after the best response.
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Practice playing against the Trompowsky Attack: c5
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Find your own #1 mistake — free →Why the Statistics Favour You
It might feel uncomfortable giving up the centre on move three, but the numbers tell a clear story. In 24,643 games from this exact position, Black wins 53.8% of the time, against only 42.6% for White, with 3.6% draws. That's a healthy plus for the second player at the club level. The engine agrees: -0.17 is as close to equal as you'll see in a sharp opening. White's bishop on g5 looks active, but it's also a target. Your task is to choose a move that keeps the pressure on, and the stats suggest one reply stands out.
The Best Reply: 3...e6
The engine's top choice is 3...e6, played in 6,585 games — the most popular move by a small margin. It prepares to recapture on c5 with the bishop, giving you quick development and a harmonious setup. After 4.a3 (to avoid ...Bb4 pins) Bxc5, you have a comfortable position with no weaknesses. White's score drops to just 38.4% when you play this way. The idea is straightforward: develop naturally, castle quickly, and enjoy your slight lead in the statistics. You're not trying to trap White — just playing solid chess with a plus.
Watch Out: The Popular but Risky Alternatives
Two other common replies come with warnings. 3...e5 (2,960 games) looks natural, pushing in the centre, but the engine calls it an inaccuracy that loses about 0.8 pawns of advantage — the better move was e6. White's score jumps to 43.8% against it, and you'll find yourself struggling to justify the pawn structure. 3...g6 (942 games) is worse still: a full mistake losing roughly 1.1 pawns, as White scores 40.7% against it. The fianchetto looks tempting, but it leaves your dark squares too weak and doesn't address the centre. If you feel tempted by either, remember that e6 is both the engine's favourite and the statistical winner.
What About 3...Qa5+?
The check 3...Qa5+ is the second most common reply (6,297 games), and it's playable but slightly less effective than e6. White scores 44.5% against it. The idea is to regain the pawn immediately, but you give White time to develop with tempo moves like Nc3 or c3. You'll often end up in a similar structure, but the queen can become a target. If you prefer this line, it's not a mistake — but the data shows e6 gives you better chances. The drill will help you compare both and see which suits your style.
Results across 24,643 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | e6Main line | 6,585 | 38.4% |
| 2 | Qa5+ | 6,297 | 44.5% |
| 3 | Nc6 | 3,291 | 43.9% |
| 4 | e5 | 2,960 | 43.8% |
| 5 | Ne4 | 2,051 | 42.2% |
| 6 | g6 | 942 | 40.7% |
Frequently asked questions
Is 3...e6 really the best move for Black?
Yes, both the engine and the statistics agree. The position after 3...e6 is dead level (-0.17), and in practice Black scores 53.8% from here. The move prepares to recapture on c5 with the bishop, giving smooth development.
Why is 3...g6 considered a mistake?
The engine says 3...g6 loses about 1.1 pawns of advantage compared to e6. White's score against it is 40.7%, but the positional problems — weak dark squares and a lag in development — make it harder for Black to equalise.
Should I be worried about White's bishop on g5?
Not at all. The bishop looks active but is also exposed. After 3...e6, White often has to decide whether to exchange it or retreat, and either way you gain time for development. The stats show Black doing well.
What is the ECO code for this line?
This variation of the Trompowsky Attack falls under ECO code A45, which covers 'Queen's Pawn Game: Trompowsky Attack' and related sidelines.
How many games feature the Trompowsky Attack: c5?
Over 24K Lichess games have reached the Trompowsky Attack: c5 position. White wins 42.6%, Black wins 53.8%, with 3.6% draws — based on real rated games.