3...c5 4.e3 Qb6: the b2 pawn gambit is variation 1 of 6 in the Torre Attack course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO A46). It runs 23 moves and begins 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 e6 3. Bg5 c5 4. e3 Qb6 …. Black hits b2 with the queen. White gives the pawn, develops fast and uses the open b- and e-files. Black has to be careful, because the queen is far from home. 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 and keeps the centre flexible.
3. Bg5 – The Torre Attack. The bishop pins the f6 knight to the queen.
3... c5 – Black hits d4 at once and opens the road to b6 for the queen.
4. e3 – White supports d4 and frees the f1 bishop. Note that b2 has no defender now.
4... Qb6 – Black attacks the b2 pawn at once. This is the sharpest test of the Torre.
5. Nbd2 – White develops and offers the b2 pawn. In return White gets fast development and open lines.
5... Qxb2 – Black takes the pawn. It is playable, but the queen is now far from its king.
6. Bd3 – White develops and gets ready to castle. The rook can soon use the b-file.
6... cxd4 – Black trades the c-pawn for White's centre pawn.
7. exd4 – White takes back. The e-file is now half open and d4 is safe.
7... d5 – The best move. Black takes the centre and keeps the f6 knight as a guard for the king.
8. O-O – White castles. The king is safe and the f1 rook can join the game.
8... Nc6 – Black develops and hits d4 again.
The lesson goes on for 7 more moves, each with its explanation.
chessGM