London System (for White)

The London System (1.d4 d5 2.Bf4) is a setup more than a precise sequence of moves: White places the pieces almost the same way every time. Bishop on f4, pawns on e3 and c3, knights on d2 and f3, bishop on d3: solid, easy to learn and effective at every level.

The principle

The dark-squared bishop comes out before the e3 push, so it is not locked in. The c3, d4 and e3 pawns form a solid triangle; the pieces then settle behind it.

The main line

2...Nf6 3.e3 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nd2 e6 6.Ngf3 Bd6 7.Bg3 O-O 8.Bd3. When Black's bishop comes to d6, White retreats the bishop to g3; if Black trades it, recapturing with the h-pawn opens the h-file for White's rook.

The ideas

• White: push e4 at the right moment, or plant a knight on e5 supported by the f-pawn.
• Black: play on the queenside with the c5 push and the queen on b6, attacking the b2 pawn left undefended once the bishop went to f4.

Main variations

• Against the queen on b6: 1.d4 d5 2.Bf4 c5 3.e3 Nc6 4.c3 Qb6 5.Qb3. White defends b2 and offers a queen trade.
• Against the fianchetto: 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bf4 g6 3.e3 Bg7 4.Nf3 O-O 5.Be2 d6 6.h3. The h3 pawn gives the bishop a retreat square on h2.
• Jobava System: 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Bf4. A more aggressive version, with the knight on c3 eyeing b5.

Coach's advice

The danger of the London is playing the same moves without looking at what the opponent does. Check the b2 square and the opponent's e5 push on every move. Click the colored moves to see each line, then ask me your questions.

Main line

1.d4 d5 2.Bf4 Nf6 3.e3 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nd2 e6 6.Ngf3 Bd6 7.Bg3 O-O 8.Bd3