Torre Attack (1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 e6 3.Bg5): a comfortable system
Want a system with 1.d4 that’s played almost the same against everything and needs very little theory? The Torre Attack is perfect for that: natural development and an annoying bishop on g5.
The main idea
After 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 e6 3.Bg5, White brings the queen’s bishop out to an active square, pressing the f6 knight and, at the same time, preparing a comfortable game in the center.
- It’s a system, not a memorization opening.
- Named after Carlos Torre, who beat Lasker with it in 1925.
- A close relative of the London System and the Colle System.
The first moves
You play White. You develop with d4 and Nf3, and place the bishop on g5 to press f6. If Black asks with h6, you keep the tension with Bh4.
Who is it for?
For practical players who want a reliable weapon with 1.d4 without studying endless variations. If you like systems, also check out the London System and the Stonewall Attack.
Related openings: Semi-closed openings · London System · Colle System · Trompowsky Attack · All openings
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Preguntas frecuentes
What is the Torre Attack?
It's the system 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 e6 3.Bg5, in which White pins or presses the f6 knight with the queen's bishop. It's named after the Mexican player Carlos Torre, who used it to beat Emanuel Lasker in 1925.
Is the Torre Attack good?
It's a solid, very practical system, especially for club players: it requires little theory and is played similarly against many defenses. It doesn't promise a big advantage, but it gives comfortable, easy-to-understand positions.
How does Black respond to the Torre Attack?
The most common replies are ...h6 questioning the bishop, or developing naturally (...Be7, ...d5, ...c5). Black's idea is to complete development and strike the center with ...c5 at the right moment.