Torre Attack: ...e6, ...c5 and ...h6 is variation 4 of 5 in the Beating 1.d4 Sidelines course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO A46). It runs 20 moves and begins 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 e6 3. Bg5 c5 4. e3 h6 …. Black puts the question to the g5 bishop with ...h6 and takes the bishop pair, then plays ...d5, ...Bd6 and castles with a sound position and long-term trumps. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. d4 – White takes the centre.
1... Nf6 – Flexible development that stops e4.
2. Nf3 – White develops and keeps options open.
2... e6 – Black opens the f8 bishop; now if Bg5 Black can meet the pin calmly because ...Qxf6 is always possible.
3. Bg5 – The Torre: White pins the f6 knight and plans e3, Nbd2 and a quick e4.
3... c5 – Black hits d4 immediately, so White cannot build the e4 break at leisure.
4. e3 – Supports d4 and opens the f1 bishop.
4... h6 – Forces White to decide: retreat to h4 or give up the bishop pair.
5. Bxf6 – White gives up the bishop to keep his structure and speed up development.
5... Qxf6 – Recapturing with the queen keeps Black's pawns intact and the queen eyes d4 and b2.
6. Nbd2 – White develops and prepares e4 or c3.
6... cxd4 – Black clears the c-file and makes White decide how to recapture before he gets in e4.
7. exd4 – White recaptures with the pawn, opening the e-file and the c1-h6 diagonal.
7... Nc6 – Develops and attacks d4 a second time together with the queen.
8. c3 – White supports d4 with a pawn.
8... d5 – Black stakes his claim in the centre and stops any d4-d5 or e4 ideas.
The lesson goes on for 4 more moves, each with its explanation.
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