Play White · 20 chapters

London System

A recognisable d4–Bf4 setup without mindless pawn placement. Responses to ...c5, ...Qb6, fianchetto and active bishops.

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Idea and repertoire boundaries

The London uses d4 and Bf4, often with e3, Nf3, c3 and Nbd2. No identical setup works best against every defence. This course separates the classical London from the Nc3 Jobava and also covers an Englund Gambit response. The collection’s five White courses are alternatives; you need not learn all of them for a first repertoire. Here the priority is identifying Black’s plan.

White’s plan

Develop Bf4 before e3 and complete development without rushing an attack. Bd3, Nbd2 and Qe2 can prepare e4; Ne5 is an outpost only when the centre supports it. Against ...g6, Be2 and h3 with an h2 retreat can be preferable. Against mirrored ...Bf5 consider Bd3 and exchanges or c4 instead of insisting on the same c3-e3 pyramid.

Black’s plan

Black has active ...c5, ...Qb6 pressure on b2, ...Bd6 exchanges and ...Nh5. Black may also develop to f5/g4 before ...e6 or fianchetto and play ...e5. If White merely follows a setup, Black can seize the centre safely. Each bishop or queen move should address actual threats, not the visual neatness of the position.

Structures and pawn breaks

The c3-d4-e3 pyramid is resilient but restricts Bf1 if it has not developed and prevents Nb1-c3. After hxg3 the h-file may help, but the king has different pawn cover. c4 and exchanges can transpose into Queen’s Gambit structures. In the Jobava, Nc3 blocks the c-pawn, changing b3/c4 or e4 preparations. Do not mix structures without checking the pieces.

Move order and tactics

Notice ...Qb6 immediately: Qb3 and Qc2 defend b2 differently. Qb3 can meet ...c4 with tempo, while Qc2 can face a developing ...Bf5 attack. Bxh7+ needs calculation and often does not exist against a fianchetto. The Jobava threatens Nb5/Nxc7, but ...Na6 or ...c6 may simply defend. Entering a system does not promise a win.

Transition to the middlegame and endgame

After exchanging active bishops focus on e4/c4, open files and d5 weaknesses. The London may give a comfortable endgame, but healthy pawns do not compensate automatically for passive rooks. When the centre opens, Ne5 may no longer be a permanent outpost. If Bf4 is gone, abandon attacks whose main participant has already been traded.

How to train this course

First practise against ...e6 and ...c5. Then study both ...Qb6 responses and bishop preservation against ...Nh5. Before each repetition identify Black’s structure: d5/e6, fianchetto, Dutch or mirrored London. Add the Jobava deliberately as a second system, not as a random Nc3 in a familiar line. Finish by choosing the appropriate e4 or c4 break.

Annotated variations

SAN: N — knight, B — bishop, R — rook, Q — queen, K — king.

1. Classical London — Bd3 and Ne5

1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Nf3 Bd6 5. Bg3 O-O 6. Bd3 c5 7. c3 Nc6 8. Nbd2 b6 9. Ne5 Bb7 10. O-O

Why these moves? Annotations · 3
1. d4
d4 controls e5 and opens Bc1. In the London the bishop usually reaches f4 before e3, but the opponent can still change the structure.
5. Bg3
Bg3 preserves the bishop against ...Bd6. An exchange on g3 followed by hxg3 may open the h-file; that does not make castling automatically wrong.
10. O-O
After Ne5 the d4-pawn supports the knight. Prepare e4 or kingside play, while watching ...cxd4 and ...Ne4. A strong enemy centre may require exchanges first.
FENr2q1rk1/pb3ppp/1pnbpn2/2ppN3/3P4/2PBP1B1/PP1N1PPP/R2Q1RK1 b - - 3 10

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2. Early ...c5 — central tension

1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 c5 3. e3 Nc6 4. c3 Nf6 5. Nf3 e6 6. Nbd2 Bd6 7. Bg3 O-O 8. Bd3 b6 9. O-O Bb7

Why these moves? Annotations · 3
1. d4
d4 controls e5 and opens Bc1. In the London the bishop usually reaches f4 before e3, but the opponent can still change the structure.
2... c5
...c5 attacks d4 immediately. e3 and c3 maintain the centre, but White cannot expect an attack without accounting for exchanges on d4.
9... Bb7
Connect the rooks with Qe2 or Re1. Count d4’s defenders before e4. Black can choose ...cxd4, ...Ne4 or pressure from Bb7.
FENr2q1rk1/pb3ppp/1pnbpn2/2pp4/3P4/2PBPNB1/PP1N1PPP/R2Q1RK1 w - - 2 10

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3. ...Qb6 — covering b2 with Qb3

1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nd2 Qb6 6. Qb3 c4 7. Qc2 Bf5 8. Qc1 e6 9. Ngf3 Be7 10. Be2 O-O

Why these moves? Annotations · 3
1. d4
d4 controls e5 and opens Bc1. In the London the bishop usually reaches f4 before e3, but the opponent can still change the structure.
6. Qb3
Qb3 protects b2 and offers a queen exchange. ...c4 gains a tempo, so the queen needs a retreat route.
10... O-O
Qc1 leaves a closed centre and White still needs to castle. b3 undermines c4, but check whether it opens a diagonal for Qb6. Do not grab b7 without calculation.
FENr4rk1/pp2bppp/1qn1pn2/3p1b2/2pP1B2/2P1PN2/PP1NBPPP/R1Q1K2R w KQ - 4 11

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4. ...Qb6 — solid Qc2

1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 c5 4. c3 Qb6 5. Qc2 Nc6 6. Nd2 g6 7. Ngf3 Bg7 8. Be2 O-O 9. O-O Bf5

Why these moves? Annotations · 3
1. d4
d4 controls e5 and opens Bc1. In the London the bishop usually reaches f4 before e3, but the opponent can still change the structure.
5. Qc2
Qc2 both protects b2 and supports e4. It is a quiet alternative to a queen journey via b3.
9... Bf5
...Bf5 attacks Qc2 along a diagonal, so White must respond before the planned e4. Consider Qb3/Qc1 or bishop exchanges as the position allows.
FENr4rk1/pp2ppbp/1qn2np1/2pp1b2/3P1B2/2P1PN2/PPQNBPPP/R4RK1 w - - 6 10

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5. Mirrored ...Bf5 — quiet Bd3

1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Bf5 3. e3 e6 4. Bd3 Bxd3 5. Qxd3 Nf6 6. Nf3 Bd6 7. Bxd6 Qxd6 8. O-O O-O 9. Nbd2 c5

Why these moves? Annotations · 3
1. d4
d4 controls e5 and opens Bc1. In the London the bishop usually reaches f4 before e3, but the opponent can still change the structure.
4. Bd3
Bd3 exchanges the opponent’s active bishop. Qxd3 centralises the queen, but it may become a target for ...c5 or ...Nb4.
9... c5
Without the light-squared bishops an h7 attack is much weaker. Work on c4/e4 and rook activity. Symmetry is not an excuse to play without a plan.
FENrn3rk1/pp3ppp/3qpn2/2pp4/3P4/3QPN2/PPPN1PPP/R4RK1 w - c6 0 10

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6. Mirrored ...Bf5 — c4 instead of the pyramid

1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Bf5 3. c4 e6 4. Nc3 Nf6 5. e3 c6 6. Qb3 Qb6 7. c5 Qxb3 8. axb3 Nbd7 9. Nf3 Be7

Why these moves? Annotations · 3
1. d4
d4 controls e5 and opens Bc1. In the London the bishop usually reaches f4 before e3, but the opponent can still change the structure.
3. c4
c4 immediately challenges d5 and changes the character of the London. Nc3 is available because the c-pawn is not on c3.
9... Be7
After axb3 the half-open a-file and c5 space may help. Prepare b4-b5 but watch ...e5; doubled pawns alone do not decide an endgame.
FENr3k2r/pp1nbppp/2p1pn2/2Pp1b2/3P1B2/1PN1PN2/1P3PPP/R3KB1R w KQkq - 3 10

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7. Early ...Bg4 — address the pin

1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 Bg4 4. Be2 Bxe2 5. Qxe2 e6 6. Nf3 Bd6 7. Bxd6 Qxd6 8. Nbd2 O-O 9. O-O c5

Why these moves? Annotations · 3
1. d4
d4 controls e5 and opens Bc1. In the London the bishop usually reaches f4 before e3, but the opponent can still change the structure.
4. Be2
Be2 questions Bg4 without weakening the kingside. After the exchange White need not play h3 and g4.
9... c5
After ...c5 decide whether to hold d4, exchange or play c3. Qe2 supports e4, but that break needs sufficient central control.
FENrn3rk1/pp3ppp/3qpn2/2pp4/3P4/4PN2/PPPNQPPP/R4RK1 w - c6 0 10

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8. ...Nh5 — preserve the London bishop

1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 d5 3. e3 e6 4. Nf3 Bd6 5. Bg3 Nh5 6. Bd3 Nxg3 7. hxg3 Nd7 8. Nbd2 c5 9. c3 b6

Why these moves? Annotations · 3
1. d4
d4 controls e5 and opens Bc1. In the London the bishop usually reaches f4 before e3, but the opponent can still change the structure.
5... Nh5
...Nh5 forces a decision about Bg3. After ...Nxg3 hxg3 White has the bishop pair and an open h-file in return for structural change.
9... b6
Before kingside castling, judge safety without the h-pawn. Qe2, centralisation and e4 may matter more than an immediate assault.
FENr1bqk2r/p2n1ppp/1p1bp3/2pp4/3P4/2PBPNP1/PP1N1PP1/R2QK2R w KQkq - 0 10

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9. ...Nh5 and Be5 — an active alternative

1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 d5 3. e3 c5 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. c3 e6 6. Nbd2 Nh5 7. Be5 f6 8. Bg3 Nxg3 9. hxg3 Bd6 10. Bd3

Why these moves? Annotations · 3
1. d4
d4 controls e5 and opens Bc1. In the London the bishop usually reaches f4 before e3, but the opponent can still change the structure.
6... Nh5
Be5 gains time by pressuring the knight, but ...f6 questions the bishop again. Bg3 is a deliberate structural decision.
10. Bd3
After hxg3 Black has weakened e6/g6 with ...f6 but controls the centre. Consider e4 or h7 pressure without ignoring ...e5.
FENr1bqk2r/pp4pp/2nbpp2/2pp4/3P4/2PBPNP1/PP1N1PP1/R2QK2R b KQkq - 2 10

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10. Fianchetto — London against a King’s Indian setup

1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 g6 3. e3 Bg7 4. Nf3 d6 5. h3 O-O 6. Be2 Nbd7 7. O-O Qe8 8. c4 e5 9. Bh2

Why these moves? Annotations · 3
1. d4
d4 controls e5 and opens Bc1. In the London the bishop usually reaches f4 before e3, but the opponent can still change the structure.
5. h3
h3 provides h2 for Bf4 against ...Nh5 or ...e5. Be2 rather than Bd3 reduces the tempi Black can gain by attacking the bishop.
9. Bh2
c4 creates a broad centre. After ...e5, Bh2 preserves the bishop; choose dxe5 or d5 according to the pieces, not one automatic setup.
FENr1b1qrk1/pppn1pbp/3p1np1/4p3/2PP4/4PN1P/PP2BPPB/RN1Q1RK1 b - - 1 9

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11. Fianchetto — Bd3 and an e4 centre

1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 g6 3. e3 Bg7 4. Nf3 d6 5. h3 O-O 6. Bd3 Nc6 7. O-O Re8 8. Bh2 e5 9. dxe5 dxe5 10. e4

Why these moves? Annotations · 3
1. d4
d4 controls e5 and opens Bc1. In the London the bishop usually reaches f4 before e3, but the opponent can still change the structure.
6. Bd3
Bd3 points at h7, but against a fianchetto there is no routine sacrifice there. Development should support e4 and central control.
10. e4
After exchanges e4 blocks Black’s e5-pawn. Develop Nb1, watch d4 and do not trade Bh2 for a knight without a positional reason.
FENr1bqr1k1/ppp2pbp/2n2np1/4p3/4P3/3B1N1P/PPP2PPB/RN1Q1RK1 b - - 0 10

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12. Fianchetto with ...d5 — less room for attack

1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 g6 3. e3 Bg7 4. Nf3 O-O 5. Be2 d5 6. O-O c5 7. c3 Nc6 8. Nbd2 b6 9. Ne5 Bb7

Why these moves? Annotations · 3
1. d4
d4 controls e5 and opens Bc1. In the London the bishop usually reaches f4 before e3, but the opponent can still change the structure.
5... d5
...d5 stabilises the centre differently from a King’s Indian ...d6. Ne5 can be an outpost, but ...c5 continually challenges d4.
9... Bb7
Coordinate Nbd2-e5 with e3-d4. After ...Nxe5 dxe5 the position changes; check c3/e3 weaknesses and Bg7’s diagonal.
FENr2q1rk1/pb2ppbp/1pn2np1/2ppN3/3P1B2/2P1P3/PP1NBPPP/R2Q1RK1 w - - 2 10

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13. London against ...b6 and ...Bb7

1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 b6 3. e3 Bb7 4. Nf3 e6 5. Bd3 Be7 6. O-O O-O 7. Nbd2 c5 8. c3 d6 9. e4

Why these moves? Annotations · 3
1. d4
d4 controls e5 and opens Bc1. In the London the bishop usually reaches f4 before e3, but the opponent can still change the structure.
2... b6
...Bb7 targets e4. With Bd3 and Nbd2 White builds the centre that this bishop intends to challenge.
9. e4
e4 gains space. After ...cxd4, cxd4 is available, but assess ...e5 and pressure on e4. Control the centre before e5 or an attack.
FENrn1q1rk1/pb2bppp/1p1ppn2/2p5/3PPB2/2PB1N2/PP1N1PPP/R2Q1RK1 b - - 0 9

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14. London against the Dutch ...f5

1. d4 f5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Nf3 b6 5. Bd3 Bb7 6. O-O Be7 7. c4 O-O 8. Nc3 Ne4 9. Qc2

Why these moves? Annotations · 3
1. d4
d4 controls e5 and opens Bc1. In the London the bishop usually reaches f4 before e3, but the opponent can still change the structure.
1... f5
...f5 weakens e5 and the king’s diagonal but gives Black control of e4. Do not build a c3 pyramid automatically; c4 can be more energetic.
9. Qc2
Qc2 increases pressure on e4 and connects the pieces. Exchanging Ne4 may weaken black pawns, but the bishop pair and active f-file offer counterplay.
FENrn1q1rk1/pbppb1pp/1p2p3/5p2/2PPnB2/2NBPN2/PPQ2PPP/R4RK1 b - - 4 9

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15. Early ...c4 — undermine the wedge with b3

1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 c5 3. e3 c4 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. b3 cxb3 6. axb3 Bf5 7. Bd3 Bxd3 8. Qxd3 e6 9. O-O Nf6

Why these moves? Annotations · 3
1. d4
d4 controls e5 and opens Bc1. In the London the bishop usually reaches f4 before e3, but the opponent can still change the structure.
3... c4
...c4 closes the queenside at the cost of flexibility. b3 attacks the wedge and opens the a-file after exchanges.
9... Nf6
Ra1 may use the a-file. Develop Nb1-d2 and prepare e4, while preventing Black from occupying e4 uncontested.
FENr2qkb1r/pp3ppp/2n1pn2/3p4/3P1B2/1P1QPN2/2P2PPP/RN3RK1 w kq - 2 10

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16. ...Bd6 — immediate Bxd6

1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 e6 3. e3 Bd6 4. Bxd6 Qxd6 5. Nf3 Nf6 6. Bd3 O-O 7. O-O Nbd7 8. c4 c6 9. Nc3

Why these moves? Annotations · 3
1. d4
d4 controls e5 and opens Bc1. In the London the bishop usually reaches f4 before e3, but the opponent can still change the structure.
4. Bxd6
Bxd6 gives up the active bishop but removes a natural h7-defender and simplifies play. Retreating to g3 is not compulsory.
9. Nc3
After c4 White can prepare cxd5 or pressure d5. Qd6 may become a target for Ne5, but Black’s control of e5 matters.
FENr1b2rk1/pp1n1ppp/2pqpn2/3p4/2PP4/2NBPN2/PP3PPP/R2Q1RK1 b - - 1 9

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17. Jobava — the distinct Nc3 setup

1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 e6 4. e3 Bb4 5. Ne2 O-O 6. a3 Bxc3+ 7. Nxc3 c5 8. Nb5 Na6

Why these moves? Annotations · 3
1. d4
d4 controls e5 and opens Bc1. In the London the bishop usually reaches f4 before e3, but the opponent can still change the structure.
2. Nc3
Nc3 blocks the c-pawn but develops quickly and supports e4. This is Jobava-London: an alternative, not the classical pyramid.
8... Na6
Nb5 pressures c7. ...Na6 defends it, so White must develop Bf1 and the king instead of repeating a threat that has been met.
FENr1bq1rk1/pp3ppp/n3pn2/1Npp4/3P1B2/P3P3/1PP2PPP/R2QKB1R w KQ - 2 9

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18. Jobava — ...Bf5 and c7 pressure

1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 Bf5 4. Nb5 Na6 5. e3 e6 6. Nf3 c6 7. Nc3 Nb4 8. Rc1 Be7 9. a3 Na6

Why these moves? Annotations · 3
1. d4
d4 controls e5 and opens Bc1. In the London the bishop usually reaches f4 before e3, but the opponent can still change the structure.
4. Nb5
Nb5 uses the placement of Bf5, but ...Na6 simply defends c7. There is no guaranteed rook trap.
9... Na6
After a3 the b4-knight must retreat. White still needs Bf1 development and an e4 break; both knights have spent several tempi.
FENr2qk2r/pp2bppp/n1p1pn2/3p1b2/3P1B2/P1N1PN2/1PP2PPP/2RQKB1R w Kkq - 1 10

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19. Do not autopilot the London after ...e5

1. d4 e5 2. dxe5 Nc6 3. Nf3 Qe7 4. Bf4 Qb4+ 5. Bd2 Qxb2 6. Nc3 Bb4 7. Rb1 Qa3 8. Rb3 Qa5 9. a3

Why these moves? Annotations · 3
1. d4
d4 controls e5 and opens Bc1. In the London the bishop usually reaches f4 before e3, but the opponent can still change the structure.
1... e5
...e5 is the Englund Gambit, not a normal London. dxe5 accepts a pawn and Nf3/Bf4 develop while defending it.
9. a3
Rb1-b3 gains time against the queen and organises counterplay. After a3 Black must account for Bb4. Do not play an automatic Bc3? in ...Qxc3 trap positions.
FENr1b1k1nr/pppp1ppp/2n5/q3P3/1b6/PRN2N2/2PBPPPP/3QKB1R b Kkq - 0 9

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20. Model e4 break without a forced attack

1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Nf3 Be7 5. Bd3 O-O 6. O-O c5 7. c3 b6 8. Nbd2 Bb7 9. Qe2 Nbd7 10. e4 dxe4 11. Nxe4 Nxe4 12. Bxe4

Why these moves? Annotations · 3
1. d4
d4 controls e5 and opens Bc1. In the London the bishop usually reaches f4 before e3, but the opponent can still change the structure.
9. Qe2
Qe2 and Nbd2 jointly prepare e4. The break is justified by coordination, not by an obligation to play it in every London.
12. Bxe4
After the exchanges Bxe4 opens play and simplifies. Assess the bishop pair, d4 and rook activity; do not seek an h7 sacrifice when the centre offers a better plan.
FENr2q1rk1/pb1nbppp/1p2p3/2p5/3PBB2/2P2N2/PP2QPPP/R4RK1 b - - 0 12

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Check your understanding

Why are Qc2 and Qb3 not interchangeable?

On b3 the queen can face ...c4; on c2 it can face ...Bf5. The queen’s square also changes support for e4.

Does hxg3 always require queenside castling?

No. Compare open files and both sides’ attacking speed. The h-file is an opportunity, not a compulsory scenario.

What distinguishes the Jobava from the classical London?

Early Nc3 blocks the c-pawn, changes e4 pressure and creates Nb5 ideas. It prevents copying the c3-d4-e3 pyramid.

Scope and sources

MoveForge educational treatment. Names and initial sequences were cross-checked against public opening classifications; commentary and plan selection are original. These are 20 selected chapters, not every possible move or a claim to the latest engine theory.

2026-09-17