D02
London System
1. d4 d5 2. Bf4
In the London System, aim to understand the plans and pawn structures, not just memorize the first moves.
The London System is a setup-based opening: Bf4, e3, Bd3, Nf3, c3, and Nbd2 in (almost) any move order. Its appeal is practicality — you reach a solid, familiar middlegame without memorizing reams of theory.
It exploded in popularity at the top level and is perfect for busy improvers. The flip side: it can be a touch passive if you play it on autopilot — learn the kingside attacking plans to give it teeth.
Key plans
- Standard setup: d4, Bf4, e3, Bd3, Nf3, c3, Nbd2, O-O.
- Attacking plan: Ne5, then f4 and a kingside pawn push.
- Beware early ...Qb6 hitting b2 and ...Nh5 hitting your bishop.
Play the London System? See where you go wrong.
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Analyze my games free →Variations of the London System
- Poisoned Pawn Variation1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 Qb6 5. Nc3