1.d4 — the closed and Indian games
Veresov Attack
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bg5ECO D01
A Trompowsky cousin: Nc3 and Bg5 pin the f6-knight and aim for a quick e4 break, dodging mainline theory. Offbeat and aggressive, it hands White original attacking positions with little to memorise.
Key ideas
- Bg5 and Nc3 prepare e4, opening the centre for the pieces and pressuring f6.
- White often follows with f3 or Qd3/O-O-O for a kingside pawn storm.
- The trade-off is that Black equalises with accurate play (…Nbd7, …c5 or …Bf5); the value is the surprise.
Who it suits
1.d4 players who want an aggressive, low-theory system that avoids Indian mainlines.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Veresov Attack move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer