Torre Attack - chess opening
Torre Attack
Definition
The Torre Attack is a queen-pawn opening characterized by the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 (or 2. e3) … 3. Bg5. By developing the dark-squared bishop early and pinning the knight on f6, White obtains a solid yet flexible setup that can be played against many Indian-type defenses without learning vast amounts of theory. It is classified in ECO codes A46–A48 and is named after the Mexican-American grandmaster Carlos Torre Repetto, who popularized it in the 1920s.
Typical Move Order
The most common sequence runs:
- 1. d4 Nf6
- 2. Nf3 e6 (or 2… g6 / 2… d5)
- 3. Bg5
White can also reach the Torre via 1. Nf3 and 2. d4, conveniently avoiding certain gambits such as the Budapest (1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 avoids 2… e5).
Strategic Ideas
- Early pin: The bishop on g5 hampers Black’s natural …e6–e5 or …g6–Bg7–d6–e5 plans.
- System setup: White often follows with e3, Nbd2, Bd3, 0-0, and c3, aiming for a kingside attack with moves such as Ne5, f4, and Qf3.
- Flexible center: Because White delays c4, the d-pawn remains mobile; c2–c4 can still be played later or omitted in favor of a direct assault.
- Transpositional weapon: The Torre may transpose into a Colle, London, Catalan, or even certain Queen’s Gambit structures depending on Black’s replies.
Main Variations
- 3… d5 — Classical Torre White can continue 4. e3, 4. Nbd2, or 4. c3, keeping a solid center.
- 3… e6 4. e3 c5 — Torre vs. Tarrasch structure. After 5. Nbd2 Nc6 6. c3, play resembles a Semi-Tarrasch where White’s bishop is already outside the pawn chain.
- 3… g6 — Torre against the King’s Indian or Grünfeld setups. White may choose 4. Nbd2 Bg7 5. e4 or the quieter 5. e3.
- 3… h6 4. Bh4 — Black challenges the pin. If 4… g5 5. Bg3 Ne4, the game enters sharper territory.
Historical Significance
Carlos Torre employed the opening with great success at Moscow 1925, defeating former World Champion Emanuel Lasker in a miniature famous for the “Windmill” tactic. Although strong masters have used it sporadically ever since (Petrosian, Grischuk, Kamsky, Nakamura), the Torre remains somewhat offbeat at elite level, valued more as a surprise weapon than a mainstay.
Model Game
(Adapted from Torre – Yates, Moscow 1925) White’s early bishop outside the chain allowed him to exert lasting pressure on d5 and eventually win a pawn. The middlegame illustrates standard Torre themes: central tension, piece activity, and smooth conversion.
Modern Example
In the 2016 U.S. Championship, Hikaru Nakamura defeated Fabiano Caruana with a Torre, showcasing its viability even against world-class preparation. After a restrained buildup, Nakamura unleashed f2-f4-f5 to rip open the kingside.
Practical Tips
- Ideal for players who like the London System’s solidity but seek more tactical chances.
- If Black plays …h6 and …g5 early, consider sacrificing a piece on g5 or h6—typical sacrifices can be potent because of Black’s weakened dark squares.
- Watch for the
Colle flip-over
: if Black commits to …d5 and …c5, White may drop the bishop back to f4 and transpose into a more positional game. - Against …c5 lines, be ready for an IQP structure after dxc5 or d4–d5; study model games by Petrosian for handling these positions.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The famous “Windmill” in Torre – Lasker (Moscow 1925) featured the sequence 24. Bh7+! Kxh7 25. Qh5+ Kg8 26. Qh8+! and Lasker resigned after realizing he would be caught in a perpetual series of discovered checks.
- Although Torre Repetto’s chess career was brief—he retired in his twenties—the opening that bears his name remains a living tribute.
- World Champion Tigran Petrosian used the Torre as a drawing weapon when playing Black needed only a half-point, reasoning that opponents would overpress trying to “punish” the seemingly quiet setup.
- On the internet, some bullet specialists play 1. Nf3 Nf6 2. Bg5!? (immediately) calling it the
Hyper-Torre
.