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A46bPlay as Black2 lines to train

Learn the Torre Attack

A flexible d4-Nf3-Bg5 system that develops naturally before choosing the pawn structure. Black aims to question the bishop and take central space before White finishes the setup.

Practice this openingUnderstand the moves
Main line

1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 e6 3. Bg5 d5

1.d41…Nf62.Nf32…e63.Bg53…d5

The idea

Why this opening works

The Torre Attack gives Black a clear route to question the bishop and take central space before White finishes the setup. Its recurring positions revolve around the f6 pin, the e4 break, and low-risk development, so the repertoire rewards understanding the structure as much as remembering the move order.

What to remember

  • Know the first 6 half-moves of the main line.
  • Understand the purpose of your key moves before adding more theory.
  • Practice the branches until you can respond without move-order guessing.

Move by move

The moves worth understanding

Theory sticks when every move has a job. Start with these ideas from the trainer.

Scroll down through 5 positions

  1. Position 1 of 5

    1...Nf6

    g8 → f6

    Nf6 begins the Torre Attack plan: question the bishop and take central space before White finishes the setup.

  2. Position 2 of 5

    2...e6

    e7 → e6

    e6 reinforces the center and prepares the next piece-development or pawn-break decision.

  3. Position 3 of 5

    3...d5

    d7 → d5

    d5 reinforces the center and prepares the next piece-development or pawn-break decision.

  4. Position 4 of 5

    3...Be7

    f8 → e7

    Be7 activates the bishop on a diagonal that supports the opening’s central and kingside ideas.

  5. Position 5 of 5

    4...O-O

    e8 → g8

    O-O secures the king and brings a rook closer to the files that matter in this structure.

Trainer variations

Lines you’ll meet

These are representative branches from the drill, not a demand to memorize everything at once.

Line 11. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 e6 3. Bg5 d5
Line 21. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 e6 3. Bg5 Be7 4. e3 O-O

Quick answers

Torre Attack questions

What is the Torre Attack?

A flexible d4-Nf3-Bg5 system that develops naturally before choosing the pawn structure. Black aims to question the bishop and take central space before White finishes the setup. The Torre Attack gives Black a clear route to question the bishop and take central space before White finishes the setup. Its recurring positions revolve around the f6 pin, the e4 break, and low-risk development, so the repertoire rewards understanding the structure as much as remembering the move order.

What is the main line of the Torre Attack?

This trainer starts with 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 e6 3. Bg5 d5. The exact move order can change by variation, so learn the purpose of each move as well as the sequence.

Is the Torre Attack good to learn as Black?

It can be a useful part of a Black repertoire if its positions match how you like to play. Learn the main plan first, then use the drill to test the recurring replies.

Study next

E60bKing's Indian DefenseA hypermodern defense — let White build the center, then counter-attack it.1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Be2 e5 7. d5 Nbd7D30bQueen's Gambit DeclinedHold the center with ...e6 and ...d5 — solid, reliable, and strategic.1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e3 O-O 6. Nf3 Nbd7D10bSlav DefenseMeet 1.d4 d5 2.c4 with ...c6 — keep a solid pawn chain and a free light-squared bishop.1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. a4 Bf5 6. e3 e6

Turn the guide into recall

Now play the Torre Attack from memory.

The drill gives you an opponent reply, checks your response, and repeats the branches that need more work.

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