Winning with the Trompowsky

by Peter Wells

Batsford. 2003

Softcover, 240 pages

Figurine algebraic notation

ISBN: 0-7134-8795-X

 

Old is Gold!

 

Years ago when I was coaching students I used to recommend 1.d4 with White and avoid playing 1.e4. The advice against 1.e4 was based on legitimate fears that my students would never get through reams of theory based on the Sicilian alone and there would be no time for preparation for the rest

 

However, we soon realized that lines with 1.d4 also involved a lot of work. Little was known of the Trompowsky Attack then. It was only seen as an offbeat line to get away from theory. Currently it is well-established as an important system thanks to the efforts of British players like Julian Hodgson, Michael Adams and Peter wells, the author of this book.

 

The book makes a modest claim that the Trompowsky is an ideal weapon for club players.But a careful scrutiny would reveal that it has also been played at the highest level.Indeed, Viswanathan Anand beat Anatoly Karpov with the same line in their World Championship knockout Match at Lausanne in1998.

What can one say about this book? Six years after publication it still remains the best treatise on this opening. What is surprising, in many lines its evaluation continues to remain valid. Besides, the book also contains a number of original suggestions accompanied by independent analysis. Quite a few of them have proved their worth in practice. Here is a startling miniature by the author against Alexie Shirov:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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