Lessons In The Trompowsky - Part 1 (Comfortable In The Uncomfortable)
Today I thought I'd share the beginning of a new series on an opening that strikes fear into the hearts of most 1. nf6 players... The Trompowsky Attack.
-
In the Australian chess scene and with my students it's a well-known fact that I consider the Trompowsky my favorite opening.
-
The reason why is simple...
-
By move 2, most players, including those who play 'systems-based openings' are in less familiar territory. With the immediate threat of double f-pawns and material imbalance, black is forced to make structural decisions early.
-
I've purposely started this series with what many consider the most outrageous variation of the Trompowsky, the Raptor variation. The following game will show how you can beat strong players by taking them out of their comfort zone and in essence, learn to be comfortable in uncomfortable positions.
-
The following is my best game in a FIDE-rated classical game using the Raptor variation, where I employed ideas that GM Julian Hodgson used to win several British Championships in the 20th century including a very strange early rook lift which is the star of the show.
