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Practice: London vs ...Bf5

Black copies White's bishop development

Black mirrors White's development with Bf5, leading to a straightforward trade of light-squared bishops. The resulting positions are solid with White having a slight space advantage.

1. d4 d5
2. Bf4 Bf5
3. e3 e6
4. Bd3 Bxd3
5. Qxd3 Nf6
6. Nf3 c5
7. c3 Nc6
♟

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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

  • Black's ...Bf5 is a natural response that copies White's setup
  • After 4.Bd3 Bxd3 5.Qxd3, White has a slight space advantage and the queen is well-placed
  • This line is simple and instructive — perfect for beginners learning the London

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.