3...c5 4.e3 cxd4: aiming at h7 is variation 2 of 6 in the Torre Attack course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO A46). It runs 26 moves and begins 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 e6 3. Bg5 c5 4. e3 cxd4 …. Black trades on d4 and White takes back with the e-pawn. White puts the bishop on d3, the knight on e5 and the rook on e1. White gets space and attacking chances on the kingside. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. d4 – White takes space in the centre and frees the c1 bishop.
1... Nf6 – Black develops and stops White from playing e4 at once.
2. Nf3 – The Torre move order. White develops first and keeps every plan open.
2... e6 – Black opens the f8 bishop.
3. Bg5 – The bishop pins the f6 knight.
3... c5 – Black hits d4.
4. e3 – White supports d4.
4... cxd4 – Black trades the c-pawn for White's d-pawn.
5. exd4 – White takes back with the pawn. The e-file is now half open.
5... Be7 – Black breaks the pin and gets ready to castle.
6. Bd3 – The bishop aims at h7, the key target in this line.
6... O-O – Black castles.
7. O-O – White castles too.
7... d5 – Black takes a share of the centre.
8. Nbd2 – The knight develops and leaves c3 free for the pawn.
8... Nc6 – Black develops and hits d4.
The lesson goes on for 10 more moves, each with its explanation.
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