Reversed Torre Against the Reti – A Strategic Arsenal Built on Classical Principles
When Grandmaster Ioannis Papaioannou began exploring the Reversed Torre setup — where Black achieves the Torre Attack structure with colors reversed after 1.Nf3 Nf6 2.g3 d5 3.Bg2 c6 4.O-O (or c4) Bg4 — he discovered something remarkable: a complete system that transforms White’s flexible Reti into a concrete positional battleground.
Unlike theoretical labyrinths demanding constant memorization, this approach relies on understanding timeless strategic ideas — pawn majorities, piece coordination, and the transition from opening to endgame.
For players seeking a repertoire grounded in classical chess logic rather than computer-driven novelties, GM Papaioannou’s latest course provides exactly that foundation.
What Makes This Course Different
The course stands out for its structural, theme-based approach.
Rather than overwhelming the student with variations, GM Papaioannou organizes the material around the strategic concepts that define the Reversed Torre.
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Lessons 1–2: Establish the fundamental setups with d3–e4, comparing Black’s two main pawn structures — ...e7–e5 for active counterplay versus ...e7–e6 for flexibility.
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Lesson 3: Examines pawn majorities and minorities, including critical Carlsbad-type structures where White plays d4 and exchanges on d5.
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Lesson 4: Focuses on symmetrical positions where Black must create winning chances from equality.
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Lessons 5–6: Cover White’s most challenging setups — the immediate 4.c4 and systems with d4.
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Lesson 7: Analyzes typical endgames: bishop pairs, opposite-colored bishop endings, and good knight vs. bad bishop scenarios.
This thematic organization reflects GM Papaioannou’s teaching philosophy, previously demonstrated in his course Space Advantage – From the Opening to the Middlegame, where positional principles guide decision-making. Here, those same principles are applied within a complete, practical opening system.
The Author’s Vision
GM Papaioannou’s method rests on a clear conviction: strong players need repertoires based on positional understanding, not rote memorization.
The Reversed Torre delivers exactly that.
After 1.Nf3 Nf6 2.g3 d5 3.Bg2 c6, the move ...Bg4 establishes a solid position where plans matter more than move orders. Whether White chooses the flexible d3 setup or sharper c4/d4 systems, Black’s play revolves around mastering pawn structures, piece harmony, and the transition to favorable endgames.
As GM Papaioannou notes:
“This repertoire is based on solid strategic concepts, allowing us to play confidently based on our understanding of the position.”
The course features 10.5 hours of video instruction across seven comprehensive lessons, accompanied by detailed PGN files. Each lesson includes annotated games illustrating the key strategic motifs — from neutralizing the g2-bishop in symmetrical positions, to exploiting central majorities after c4 cxd5 exd5, to navigating the sharp moment after 4.c4 Bg4 5.cxd5.
Build Your Repertoire on Solid Ground
For players who value understanding over memorization — who want reliable positions, genuine winning chances, and strategic continuity across openings — GM Papaioannou’s Reversed Torre – Deep Understanding offers a professional-level repertoire built on classical principles.
This course ensures you’ll not only know what to play, but why — turning White’s flexible Reti into a structured battleground where your strategic knowledge becomes your most powerful weapon.
Explore the full course and add this timeless system to your arsenal today.