London System

A system played almost the same way against everything: bishop to f4, pawns on c3, d4 and e3, and a clear plan.

1.d4 d5 2.Bf4 Nf6 3.e3 e6 4.Nf3 c5 5.c3 Nc6 (ECO D02)

London System: 1.d4 d5 2.Bf4 Nf6 3.e3 e6 4.Nf3 c5 5.c3 Nc6

Key ideas

  1. The same setup in every game: less time memorizing theory.
  2. Knight to e5 and queen to f3 to attack the king.
  3. The c3-d4-e3 pawn triangle is very solid.

A trap to know

Beware of ...Qb6 attacking b2: have Qb3 or Qc2 ready at the right moment.

Who is it for?

For those with no time to study openings who want familiar positions.

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