Torre Attack: Classical Defense, Petrosian Gambit (A46)

The Classical Defense, Petrosian Gambit is a variation of the Torre Attack, catalogued as ECO A46. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 e6 3. Bg5 c5 4. e3 b6 5. d5, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d5, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move after five moves.

On the Torre Attack generally: ECO A46. A chess opening with 6 known variations.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Torre Attack: Classical Defense, Petrosian Gambit — position after d5 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 e6 3. Bg5 c5 4. e3 b6 5. d5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2Nf3e6
3Bg5c5
4e3b6
5d5

ECO: A46

Stockfish: +0.41 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Classical Defense, Petrosian Gambit?

The Classical Defense, Petrosian Gambit goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 e6 3. Bg5 c5 4. e3 b6 5. d5. It is a variation of the Torre Attack and is catalogued as ECO A46.

What is the ECO code for the Classical Defense, Petrosian Gambit?

The Classical Defense, Petrosian Gambit is ECO A46. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Torre Attack.

Is the Classical Defense, Petrosian Gambit good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 e6 3. Bg5 c5 4. e3 b6 5. d5 at +0.41 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Classical Defense, Petrosian Gambit lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d5, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move.