London System: main line, ideas and how to practise it
1.d4 for White. A main line to learn move by move, with the idea behind each key move.
The main line
1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Nf3 c5 5. c3 Nc6 6. Nbd2 Bd6 7. Bg3 O-O 8. Bd3
You play White. In the analyzer's drill the other side's moves are played for you and Stockfish checks each of yours.
Practise it with free drillsAnalyze one of your own games
The ideas behind the moves
- 2. Bf4: The London bishop gets outside the pawn chain before e3 shuts it in.
- 5. c3: The d4/e3/c3 pyramid keeps the centre rock-solid against ...c5.
- 7. Bg3: Keep the good bishop. If ...Bxg3, hxg3 opens the h-file for the rook.
- 8. Bd3: Both bishops aim at Black's king; Ne5 is a typical follow-up.
More openings to learn
- Italian Game: Giuoco Pianissimo
1.e4 e5 for White - Ruy Lopez: Closed
1.e4 e5 for White - Scotch Game
1.e4 e5 for White - Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox
1.d4 for White - Sicilian Najdorf: English Attack
Against 1.e4 as Black - Caro-Kann: Classical
Against 1.e4 as Black - French Defence: Advance
Against 1.e4 as Black - Scandinavian Defence
Against 1.e4 as Black - King's Indian: Classical
Against 1.d4 as Black - Queen's Gambit Declined: Tartakower
Against 1.d4 as Black