Queen's Pawn Game · V. Opening Systems with 1.d4

Torre Attack

The Torre Attack is a reliable opening system for White. It plays similarly to the London and Colle, except the dark-square bishop develops to g5. White's intention with Bg5 is to subdue Black's knight, indirectly gaining influence over light squares in the center.

Side: white

Characteristics

🛡 PositionalSlower opening where plans, maneuvering, and structural advantages matter more than forcing tactics.
⚙ SystematicCan often be played from recurring setup ideas rather than heavy memorization of exact lines.
💎 UncommonLess common in practice, which can reduce opponent familiarity.
🍂 Very AttainableAppears extremely often relative to other openings, so practice opportunities are abundant.

Strategic guide

Plans and motifs

Since they are so similar in piece setup, many ideas in the London also apply to the Torre (e.g. Ne5, e4 break, etc.).
Because Black's knight on f6 is usually pinned, White can consider playing e2-e4 in one go. This results in a more open position.
White should generally try to maintain the pin for as long as possible.
If Black manages to break the pin, it is common for White to trade the bishop for the f6 knight, eliminating a key defender on Black's kingside.
With the knight on f6 gone, it is a natural plan for White to build a queen-bishop battery and threaten checkmate on h7.
Transposition from Trompowsky Attack.