Torre Attack - Queen-pawn Opening
Torre Attack
Definition
The Torre Attack is a queen-pawn opening system that usually arises after: 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 e6 (or 2…g6) 3. Bg5. White develops the dark-squared bishop to g5 early, pinning the f6-knight and building a solid yet flexible structure. Named after the Mexican-American grandmaster Carlos Torre Repetto (1904-1978), the line is less theoretically demanding than many mainline Queen’s Gambit or Indian-Defence variations, yet carries enough bite for aggressive play.
Typical Move Order
There are two main branches, depending on Black’s second move:
- 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 e6 3. Bg5 — the “Classical” Torre (vs. a Queen’s Indian / Bogo-Indian set-up).
- 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. Bg5 — the “King’s-Indian” Torre (sometimes called the Torre-KIA hybrid).
White normally follows with e3, Nbd2, Bd3, 0-0, c3 and can later expand with e4 or a kingside pawn storm (h4-h5, g4) depending on Black’s set-up.
Strategic Ideas
- Early pin: By pinning the f6-knight, White inhibits …d5 or …e5 breaks and discourages an immediate …h6 in some lines.
- Solid centre: The pawn trio d4-e3-c3 forms a resilient “Colle-style” core while keeping options open for e3-e4.
- Kingside initiative: Because the bishop is already on g5, White can quickly launch h2-h4-h5, often followed by Qd2, Bh6, and even a rook-lift via Rh1-h4-g4.
- Piece play over theory: Most variations hinge on understanding middlegame plans rather than memorising long forcing lines, which appeals to club and rapid-play aficionados.
Famous Games & Illustrative Examples
The game that put the opening on the map was Torre’s stunning victory over the former world champion:
[[Pgn|d4|Nf6|Nf3|e6|Bg5|d5|Nbd2|Be7|e3|Nbd7|Bd3|b6|O-O|Bb7|Qe2|O-O|c3|c5|Rad1|Ne4|Bf4|f5|h3|g5|Bh2|h5|Ne5|g4|f3|g3|fxe4|gxh2+|Kh1|dxe4|Bb5|Nf6|dxc5|Qe8|c6|Bc8|c7|Bd7|Nxd7|Nxd7|Rxd7|e5|Bxe5|Qxe5|Rxf7|Kxf7|Bxe5|Qxe5|Bxd7|+-|Game|fen||arrows|]>]Carlos Torre – Emanuel Lasker, Moscow 1925. Torre uncorked the famous Rxf7!! rook sacrifice, culminating in a beautiful mating net. The game is still a staple of tactical anthologies.
Modern elite players occasionally employ the Torre as a surprise weapon:
- Anand – Gelfand, World Championship 2012, game 3. Anand used the Torre to avoid Gelfand’s Grünfeld preparation and scored a smooth draw with pressure.
- Carlsen – Nakamura, London Classic 2015 (rapid). Carlsen chose the Torre to keep the position fresh and eventually converted a small endgame edge.
Typical Tactical Motifs
- Exchange on f6: Bxf6 can double Black’s pawns and weaken the dark squares.
- Greek-gift themes: With the bishop already eyeing h7, sacrifices like Bxh7+ followed by Ng5 can appear if Black castles early and neglects development.
- Rook-lift swarms: Rh1-h4-g4 or Rh3-g3 hitting g6, especially against a fianchettoed king.
- e3-e4 break: Timed correctly, this central strike opens lines for bishops and rook on e1.
Historical & Practical Significance
While never the main battlefield of world-championship openings, the Torre holds lasting practical value:
- Pre-computer era: Torre, Rubinstein, and later Vladimir Simagin showed its latent attacking potential.
- Computer era: Engines rate the opening as sound; its low theory-density makes it a favourite in online blitz and rapid events.
- Teaching tool: Coaches recommend the Torre to illustrate harmonious development, pawn-structure understanding, and classic attacking patterns.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Carlos Torre defeated both Lasker and Capablanca in the same Moscow 1925 tournament—both with off-beat openings (Torre Attack and the “Mexican Defence”).
- The early bishop sortie to g5 was once considered “provocative” because it breaks the classical rule of “do not bring a bishop out before developing the centre.” Torre’s successes helped relax that dogma.
- GM Yasser Seirawan jokingly calls 3.Bg5 “putting the question to Black: do you know your theory-less theory?”
- Because it can arise from multiple move orders (1.d4, 1.Nf3, even 1.c4), some databases record the Torre under several ECO codes: A46, A48, or D03.
Quick Reference
- ECO Codes: A46, A48, D03
- Main Idea: Early Bg5 pin against …Nf6, aiming for a solid centre and kingside chances.
- Typical Plans: e3-e4 break, Bxf6 structural damage, h-pawn storm, rook-lift.
- Common Transpositions: Colle System, London System, Réti-type positions.