Thoughts on Trompowsky Attack

What are your thoughts on Trompowsky Attack?

1. d4 Nf6
2. Bg5

Prefer White or Black in this position?

Not very common but I have heard Magnus Carlsen played in one of his WC matches in 2016

I've seen this played a number of times. Of course I always get crushed ...

Recently I tried 2. … g6, but 3. Bxf6! is a clear plus for White.

Probably Ne4 besides c5 is best for KID players.

i hate to face it from black

I prefer Black. I feel very comfortable.

The english GM Julian Hodgson was really a champion of this opening in the 1990's with many ideas...
Dunno if he wrote a book on it....

I have a mixed feeling around this opening. I never considered it as dangerous even if I remember that indeed magnus used it ;) and even from time to time I encountered it.

4 or 5 months ago I got crushed as black and I explore my game and the theory. It is very very interesting and you can have some really great games as white. Very dynamic if black wants to play aggressive and very solid if black wants that. Overall completely playable, very surprising and strong. A kinda cheating repertoire is D4 D5 London system and against Nf6 Tromposky

As white I gave it a shot for 1 or 2 weeks (30 games ... In blitz) It surprises merely everybody but it is a all universe. Not really my taste I prefer normal Queen's gambit.

Now as black I respect that opening and do not know what to choose really. Ne4 and c5 with the idea of Qb6 is the main idea to have a sharp game. But that's is all I am gonna remember and it is very tactical ;)

So D5 is the solid approach with 3 exf6 but you are gonna suffer positionally and the main line is what Karjakin played against Carlsen but I have no clue or understanding of the position arising 1 d4 Nf6 2 Bg5 d5 3 Bxf6 gxf6! 4 c4 E5 !! Computer openings but it works.

So my practical choice is to play 2 Bg5 e6 hoping to transpose in known territory. You are somehow a bit behind of + 0.3 let's say but it is playable.

In few words: Surprising for black, very strong objectively and atypical positions arising.

It is strong if you are able to secure an advantage early/mid, as the bishop pair becomes stronger later.
But as a black player, i just try to avoid it, i remove my knight to attack the bishop. If it retreats, i come back. I had a couple of games where white just repeats because it wants to damage my structure and we draw.

It is very annoying to play, tbh.

I have studied it.
Somewhat.
I have the main book and it is decent but going through games is self explanatory.
My thoughts are similar to the Cole, Veresov or London... it's not very good but very solid.
I think it’s a good option for mid range players who are looking to play thematic solid chess against someone tricky (or if they’re tired).
I don’t think it’s advisable for beginners since “boring” positions mean you’ll have to rely on technique and positional understanding (as well as a decent understanding of fundamentals).