AI Chess TeacherA familiar structure. A fresh decision on every move.
1. d4 d5 2. Bf4
The London suits players who prefer recurring middlegame themes to a branching tactical repertoire. It can help you recognise development patterns across different Black setups. Choose it if you like steady central control; avoid treating it as a way to skip calculation or ignore early pressure against the queenside.
The c3-pawn supports d4, while Black's c5-pawn and c6-knight both put pressure on it. White's b1-knight needs a useful square that does not disturb the pawn chain.
1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 c5 4. c3 Nc6
Position notation (FEN)
r1bqkb1r/pp2pppp/2n2n2/2pp4/3P1B2/2P1P3/PP3PPP/RN1QKBNR w KQkq - 1 5
Three ideas to remember
Bring the bishop outside the chain
Bf4 before e3 keeps the c1-bishop active instead of shutting it behind the e3-pawn. The bishop helps control e5 and may support central play. If Black challenges it with ...Bd6, decide whether an exchange helps the structure rather than assuming the bishop must always stay on f4.
The triangle has a job
Pawns on c3, d4 and e3 support one another and give White a stable centre. That stability makes development easier, but c3 blocks the b1-knight's natural square. Nd2 is often useful, while c4 can be a later alternative when the position calls for a more direct central challenge.
e5 is a square to prepare
A knight on e5 can become a useful outpost if the d4-pawn and other pieces support it. Do not jump there only because it looks like a London position. Check whether Black can exchange the knight or undermine its support; a central outpost is valuable only while it remains secure.
Turn the structure into a plan
White's plan
White normally develops Nf3 and a bishop to d3 or another suitable square, connects the pieces and castles. Against a quiet setup, supporting e5 can give a clear plan. Against ...c5 and ...Qb6, pause to examine d4 and b2. A queen move such as Qb3 can be worth considering, but its timing depends on the actual position.
Black's plan
Black can contest the centre with ...c5, develop a knight to c6, and put pressure on d4. Early ...Qb6 also makes White account for b2 after the bishop has left c1. Against slower play, ...Bd6 can challenge White's active bishop. Black need not launch a kingside attack to make the London uncomfortable.
Common mistakes
Ignoring two targets at once
The legal sequence below brings Black's queen to b6 while ...c5 challenges d4. White must inspect both pawns before continuing a routine development scheme. This is not a forced win for Black; it is a reminder that an attractive setup can still have concrete defensive tasks.
1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 c5 4. c3 Qb6
Mixing the standard London with the Jobava
Playing Nc3 instead of c3 creates a different structure and blocks the c-pawn. The Jobava's early Nb5 ideas can attack c7, but they need specific calculation. You cannot freely combine every remembered London manoeuvre when your knight and pawn are competing for c3.
Representative variations
These are introductory sequences from existing training lines, not a complete repertoire or a promise of a forced result.
Main Line
1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nd2
The Main Line develops the b1-knight to d2 behind the c3-pawn. Observe how White keeps d4 supported while preparing to bring the remaining pieces into play.
vs King's Indian Setup
1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 g6 3. Nf3 Bg7 4. e3 O-O
Against a King's Indian setup, Black fianchettoes instead of copying ...d5. White still develops Bf4 and e3, but must reassess the centre and the long diagonal.
Jobava London
1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 e6
The Jobava London develops Nc3 early. Treat it as a separate training branch: its piece placement invites sharper play and changes the c-pawn's role.
A practical exercise
White to move in the diagram above
Find a developing move for the b1-knight that keeps the c3–d4 support intact. Explain what still needs doing before an attack.
1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 c5 4. c3 Nc6
Reveal the answer and explanation
5.Nd2 develops the knight without moving the c3-pawn. It also helps control e4. White still needs to develop the kingside and arrange king safety; this move is not an attacking signal by itself. Nf3 is another sensible candidate in this position, so the exercise asks for a plan rather than a unique engine answer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the London against every Black setup?
The Bf4 idea is flexible, but the follow-up is conditional. A fianchetto, an early ...c5 or a queen attack changes White's priorities. Learn what Black is threatening before deciding which familiar move belongs next.
Does the London guarantee a kingside attack?
No. A stable structure may lead to a quiet manoeuvring game. An attack needs suitable piece placement and a target; the opening name does not provide either automatically.
Understand it. Then practise it.
Replay the Main Line and the King's Indian branch side by side. Before each move, identify Black's central break and White's least active piece. Practise the Jobava separately so the early Nc3 move does not accidentally creep into your standard c3 setup.
Practice this openingChoose a line in the catalogue. Existing free and Premium access rules apply.