London System
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This article uses algebraic notation to describe chess moves. |
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The London System is a complex of related chess openings that begin with 1.d4 followed by an early Bf4. The London System requires very little knowledge of opening theory and normally results in a very closed game. Sverre Johnsen and Vlatko Kovačević, in the introduction to their 2005 book Win with the London System, state:
"Basically the London is a set of solid lines where after 1.d4 White quickly develops his dark-squared bishop to f4 and normally bolsters his centre with [pawns on] c3 and e3 rather than expanding. Although it has the potential for a quick kingside attack, the white forces are generally flexible enough to engage in a battle anywhere on the board. Historically it developed into a system mainly from three variations:
The line came into fashion in the 1922 London tournament as a way of meeting hypermodern setups. The line gives White a solid position, and critics of the line refer to it as the "old man’s variation" or the "boring system".[1] Even so, the opening can lead to sharp attacks and Vlatko Kovačević and David Bronstein are among the sharp tactical players who have played the London System.[2]
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[edit] Early play
[edit] 1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Bf4
It is reached by 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 d5 3.Bf4. Black may play 3...e6, then White can play 4.e3 or 4.Nbd2. Black may play 3...c5, then White can play 4.e3 or 4.c3. Black may play 3...Bf5 symmetrical, then White can play 4.e3. Black may play 3...c6, then White can play 4.e3 or 4.c3.
[edit] 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 e6 3.Bf4
Black may play 3...b6, then White can play 4.e3, follows 4...Bb7 5.Nbd2 Be7 or 5.Bd3. Black may play 3...c5, then White can play 4.e3, or 4.c3, follows 4...Nc6 5.e3 or 4..b6. Black may play 3...d5, then White can play 4.e3, follows 4...c5 5.c3 Nc6 6.Nbd2, 4...Bd6 5.Bd3, or 4..,Be7 5.Bd3; or, 4.Nbd2.
[edit] 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.Bf4
Black may play 3...Bg7, then White can play 4.e3 or 4.h3 or 4.Nbd2 or 4.c3. Black may play 3...d6, then White can play 4.e3 or 5.Be2 or 4.h3. Note that 4.e3 is a good move in any case.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Donaldson, John. "London System (review of Win With the London System)". jeremysilman.com. http://www.jeremysilman.com/book_reviews_jd/jd_chess_openings_london_system.html. Retrieved 2009-03-21.
- ^ Marsh, Sean. "Colle, Torre, and London System". Chessbase. http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=4745. Retrieved 2009-03-21.
- Win with the London System, Sverre Johnsen and Vlatko Kovacevic, Gambit, 2005. ISBN 1-904600-35-2
[edit] Further reading
- Lakdawala, Cyrus (2010). Play the London System. Everyman Chess. ISBN 978-1-85-7446-39-5.
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