← London System

Practice: Main Line

Classic London setup

White develops naturally and retreats the bishop to g3, where it cannot be chased. A safe, solid setup that avoids early theoretical complications.

1. d4 d5
2. Nf3 Nf6
3. Bf4 e6
4. e3 Bd6
5. Bg3 O-O
6. Nbd2
♟

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Key strategic ideas

  • White plays the same setup against almost anything: Bf4, e3, Nf3, c3, and Bd3. This system requires very little memorisation.
  • The main plan is to build a solid centre with c3 and d4, then attack on the kingside with Ne5, Qf3, and sometimes Bh6.
  • Black often struggles because there is no obvious way to disrupt White's setup. Every Black move has a predictable White response.

Common mistakes & traps

  • One annoying line for White: 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bf4 d5 3.e3 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nd2 Bg5! trades bishops and reduces White's attacking potential.
  • The Jobava London (1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4) avoids the Bg5 trade and adds new threats. Black who plays ...Nc6 too early can get hit by Nb5.

Pawn structure notes

White has a solid d4-c3-e3 centre with the bishop on f4. White avoids pawn weaknesses and builds a position that is hard to attack. The structure is similar to the Colle but with Bf4 instead of Bd3.

Tips

  • The Bf4→Bg3 retreat is key - the bishop is safe and supports the centre
  • White aims to complete development with Be2, O-O, and then push c4 or e4
  • The London is famously hard to lose with - great for building a solid repertoire

About this line

This line is rated beginner. Practice it repeatedly until you can play the entire sequence without thinking. The in-app trainer tracks your perfect streaks and celebrates milestones.