Trompowsky

So, I am an almost exclusive QG player when it comes to white. Recently, I have gone to a local chess club and have been met with the benko, benoni, budapest, KID and all those other annoying combos after 1.d4 nf6 2.c4. So I am thinking about cutting out learning responses to all that and just learning the Tromp. It seems to fit my style. Just thought I'd ask you guys if it was a good idea to take on the Tromp and if so what are some things to get started on. For example do I want to play the Borg or the super cool sounding RAPTOR VARIATION! Thanks! 

I play the Tromp and have no idea what those variations you mention are.

Yes, it's a good way to cut out a lot of theory, but still play for an advantage as white.

It tends to be better if you don't mind playing in an aggressive way...particularly if your idea of aggression involves using central pawns to grab space and then develop an attacking plan from there.  It can be played quietly, too, borrowing moves from the roll of d-pawn specials with all their Nbd2's and c3's, but I tend to think the more aggressive tries are the interesting and critical lines.

But ultimately, so long as you're not playing super GM's in tournaments, you'll be fine with any sound opening, and the Tromp is certainly that.  Go for it.  You might enjoy it.

If you can get your hands on Winning With the Trompowsky, by Peter Wells, so much the better.  One of my all-time fave opening books.  Though it's getting hard to find.

So when met with Ne4 what do you play next? Mr. Blunderful?

P.S. I love that name 

The Bf4 line with 5.d5.

When I learned the Tromp, we called that line by the clever name "5.d5."  Maybe by now it's called the Laser Shark Attack or something.

The only name I am aware of in the Tromp is the Vaganian gambit.  Which is so awesome it should be illegal.

Looks like the internet is lacking in its Tromp knowledge. The line you are talking about is:

d4 nf6 bg5 ne4 bf4 c5 f3 nf6 d5 Qb6 Nc3 Qxb2 Bd2 Qb6 right? 

Any and all links would be appreciated. 

Where's Rich?

All of this is over my head. The Trampoline or something opening does sound cool though.

No, the Internet is fine.  It's me that's always off-kilter.  I guess we must have called it "6.d5" then. ;)

1.d4 Nf6

2.Bg5 Ne4

3.Bf4 c5

4.f3 Qa5+

5.c3 Nf6

6.d5

Sorry, without playing through the moves in my head, I omitted a move.  At any rate, I was referring to the mainline.  Or...one of two branches of it, anyway.  Nbd2 being the other.