Facing the Trompowsky Attack: Ne4 — Black's Best Replies

The most popular move here is 4...d5, played in over 50,000 games. It's also the engine's top recommendation and the only move that keeps the position level. White scores just 46.3% after d5 — meaning you, as Black, actually outscore White from that line. The natural follow-up is e3 Nc6 Nd2, leading to a flexible, solid position where neither side has a clear plan forced on them. Your pieces develop naturally and you're fully in the game. By contrast, moves like 4...d6 and 4...g6 are classified as inaccuracies. The engine says d6 loses about half a pawn, and g6 loses roughly 0.6 pawns. Both give White a slightly-to-moderately better position. Stay disciplined — d5 is the move.

Many club players are tempted to chase the bishop with 4...g5, and it's actually the second-most popular move with 36,000 games. But the results are revealing: White scores 52.4% from that position, a meaningful jump. While pushing the bishop feels aggressive, it weakens your kingside and leaves gaps the bishop can exploit later. After 4...g5, White can simply retreat to a safe square (like Bg3), and your pawn on g5 becomes a target or a hook for a future h4 advance. The engine line doesn't even consider it — it prefers the calm, principled d5. Trust the centre, not the chase.

The Lichess database of 167,375 games at this exact position is huge enough to draw real conclusions. White wins 48.8%, draws 3.6%, and Black wins 47.6%. Those numbers are remarkably close — this is one of the most balanced early positions you'll face as Black. The high draw rate is low because both sides have room to play for a win without huge risk. If you know what you're doing (reply d5, develop naturally), you're not fighting for equality — you already have it. The edge is so tiny that your understanding of the resulting middlegame will matter far more than the opening moves themselves.

The engine's best continuation after 3.Bf4 is 4...d5 5.e3 Nc6 6.Nd2. Let's walk through what each move does for you. 4...d5 stakes your claim in the centre, challenging White's space. After 5.e3, White prepares to develop the kingside and keep the centre solid. Your 5...Nc6 develops with tempo, attacking the d4 pawn and bringing another piece into the game. White's 6.Nd2 targets your knight on e4 — you'll likely trade on d2, giving you a comfortable game with equal chances. There's no trick to memorise here, just sound development. The Trompowsky player who hoped to catch you off guard will find you ready.