← London System

Practice: London vs Queen’s Indian Setup

Handling the QID structure

When Black adopts a Queen’s Indian setup (e6, b6, Bb7) against the London, White continues solidly with e3 and Nf3, keeping a flexible centre.

1. d4 Nf6
2. Bf4 e6
3. e3 b6
♟

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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

  • White develops normally and avoids the complex QID theory lines
  • Black’s Bb7 targets the centre while White maintains a solid pawn structure
  • White often plays Nf3, Bd3, Nbd2, and O-O for a reliable setup

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.