The London System is a well-known opening system in chess that has been employed by players at various levels, from club players to grandmasters.
It is characterized by a specific set of moves that lead to a solid and often closed game.
Below we look at the London System in detail, including its move order, theory, variations, history, suitability for different levels of players, and its frequency in grandmaster play.
Move Order of the London System
The London System consists of a set-up for White employing the following moves: d4, Nf3, Bf4, e3, Bd3, Nbd2, c3.
The move h3 is often also played, enabling the bishop on f4 to drop back to h2 if attacked, thus remaining on the same diagonal and continuing to influence e5.
A sample line in a real game might include: 1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 e6 3. Bf4 Nf6 4. e3 Bb4+ 5. c3 Be7 6. Nbd2 c5 7. Bd3
Theory, Strategy and Purpose of the London System
The London System is designed to provide White with a solid and flexible structure.
By developing the dark-squared bishop to f4 and supporting the d4-pawn with pawns on e3 and c3, White aims for a stable position that can be adapted against virtually any Black defense.
The rapid development of the dark-squared bishop contrasts with the Colle System, where the bishop typically remains on c1 during the opening phase.
Variations of the London System
There are several variations within the London System, depending on Black’s responses.
Common options include:
- Queen’s Gambit Declined-type defence: d5, e6, Nf6, c5, Nc6 (or d7), Bd6 (or e7), 0-0.
- Queen’s Indian-type defence: Nf6, b6, Bb7, e6, d6, Be7, Nbd7.
- King’s Indian-type defence: Nf6, g6, Bg7, d6, 0-0.
Other options include mirroring White’s play, playing the Hippopotamus Defense, or employing Slav-type structures, Grünfeld-type structures, reversed Torre Attack, Chigorin-type play, etc.
A modern development named the Rapport–Jobava System combines Bf4 with Nc3, creating potential threats against Black’s c7.
How to WIN with the London System!
Rapport–Jobava System
The Rapport-Jobava System is a modern variation within the London System, named after grandmasters Richárd Rapport and Baadur Jobava.
It diverges from the standard London System by developing the knight to Nc3 instead of d2, combining it with Bf4.
This creates unexpected threats against Black’s c7 pawn, adding an element of surprise to the opening.
A sample line might include:
1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 d5 3. e3 c5 4. Nc3 cxd4 5. exd4 Nc6 6. Qd2 Bf5 7. O-O-O
Accelerated London System
The accelerated London System works by bringing the bishop out on move 2 after 1.d4.
Best Defense Against the London System (Counter)
The best defense against the London System can vary based on personal playing style.
But generally, playing solid and symmetrical setups like the King’s Indian Defense or the Slav Defense can be effective.
It’s also beneficial to counterattack the central and queen’s side pawns, and to develop pieces actively to challenge white’s setup.
History of the London System
The London System’s history dates back to the late 19th century.
James Mason was the first master-level player to regularly employ it, including at the strong 1882 Vienna Tournament.
The name “London System” derives from its appearance in the London tournament of 1922.
Although it remained rare in master practice for some time, it became the standard response for Black against the Réti Opening, named the New York Variation.
Is the London System Good for Beginners or Intermediates?
The London System is popular amongst club-level players due to its solid nature, clear plans, and lack of aggressive responses by Black.
It is considered suitable for beginners and intermediates as it comprises a smaller body of opening theory than many other openings, allowing players to focus on understanding strategic concepts rather than memorizing extensive lines.
It is analogous to the Colle System with the focus on:
- Good pawn structure
- Developing knights to the inside of the board
- Developing bishops
- Avoiding early queen development
- Prepare for castling to protect the king
How Often Is the London System Played at the Grandmaster Level?
Although rare in grandmaster tournaments, the London System has been played occasionally by players including Bent Larsen, Tony Miles, Teimour Radjabov, Vladimir Kramnik, and Fabiano Caruana.
More frequently, it has been employed by players such as Gata Kamsky, Levon Aronian, and Magnus Carlsen.
One of the most famous games of the 21st century utilizing the London System was round 6 of the 2023 World Chess Championship between Ding Liren and Ian Nepomniachtchi.
It was the first time it had been played in the World Championship.
Ding, who had played the opening, won the game.
What Are the Flaws of the London System?
The London System is a solid and flexible opening system for white in chess.
It starts with the moves 1.d4 and 2.Bf4, focusing on a quick development of pieces without committing to any particular pawn structure.
While it’s a popular choice among club players and even some grandmasters, the London System has its drawbacks:
- Predictability: Since the London System has a set pattern of development, players who are familiar with its plans and strategies can easily prepare against it.
- Lack of Ambition: The London System is often criticized for being too passive and not challenging black’s setup directly. This can allow black to equalize without much difficulty.
- Limited Pawn Breaks: In many lines of the London System, white’s pawn breaks are limited, which can lead to a lack of dynamism in the position.
- Potential for a Passive Bishop: If black can effectively challenge and exchange the Bf4 bishop, white can be left with a passive bishop on c1 in some lines.
- Over-reliance: Some players rely too heavily on the London System, which can hinder their overall chess development. It’s essential to be versatile in openings to improve as a player.
- Not Always the Best Choice: Against certain setups, the London might not be the most challenging option available. For instance, against the King’s Indian Defense, white might have more aggressive options than the typical London setup.
- Potential for Early Equality: Since the London System doesn’t always challenge black’s center directly, black can often achieve an equal position relatively early in the game.
- Can Become Repetitive: For players who use the London System exclusively, the games can become repetitive, leading to a lack of variety in their play.
Despite these drawbacks, the London System remains a favorite among many players due to its simplicity and solid structure. It’s essential to understand both its strengths and weaknesses to use it effectively.
Principles to Help Defend Against the London System
Here are some helpful tips to defend against the London System:
1. Counter with Early Development
One of the best ways to counter the London System is to develop your pieces quickly.
By doing so, you can challenge white’s setup and prevent them from achieving their ideal setup.
Example:
- d4 d5
- Bf4 Nf6
- e3 c5
2. Challenge the Bishop on f4
The bishop on f4 is a key piece in the London System.
By challenging this bishop early, you can disrupt white’s plans.
Example:
Playing h6 followed by g5 can challenge the f4 bishop.
However, whether this is a good idea depends on the position.
Be sure to not expose your kingside prematurely.
Another common example that tends to be more robust is Nh5:
You could also offer to trade dark-squared bishops like this:
However, this will result in doubled pawns on the d-file. It is, however, just a +0.40 to +0.50 advantage for white.
Another way to try to exchange the bishops is if you get positions like this via a line such as:
1. d4 b6 2. Bf4 Bb7 3. e3 e6 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. Nbd2 Nh5 6. Bg5 Be7
Or exchanging the knight for the dark-squared bishop in lines like:
3. Control the e4 Square
Preventing white from playing e4 can hinder their plans.
By controlling the e4 square, you can limit white’s central expansion.
Example:
- d4 d5
- Bf4 Nf6
- e3 Bf5
4. Fianchetto the King’s Bishop
The g6 and Bg7 setup can be effective against the London System. The bishop on g7 will target the central d4 pawn and exert pressure on the center.
Example:
- d4 Nf6
- Bf4 g6
- e3 Bg7
5. Play an Early …c5
An early …c5 can challenge white’s central pawn on d4.
This can lead to open positions that can be favorable for black.
Of course, it depends on the position.
Example:
- d4 d5
- Bf4 c5
This is a gambit position and has to be approached with caution.
6. Be Flexible with Your Setup
The London System is flexible, so it’s essential for black to be adaptable.
Depending on white’s moves, you can choose various setups to counter their plans.
Example:
Against 1. d4 d5 2. Bf4, you can opt for setups like the Slav Defense, the Queen’s Gambit Declined, or even transpose into other openings.
7. Understand the Typical Plans
By understanding the typical plans and pawn breaks in the London System, you can better prepare your defenses and counter-attacks.
Example:
Knowing that white often aims for a kingside attack can help you prepare a timely …h6 or …f5 to counteract their plans.
Learn the London System | 10-Minute Chess Openings
Winning Games with the London System
The following is a game where Stockfish beats Komodo using the London System and was never behind in the game:
London System – 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 d5 3. e3 c5 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. Nbd2 cxd4 6. exd4 Bf5 7. c3 h6 8. Ne5 g5 9. Bg3 h5 10. h4 g4 11. Bd3 Bxd3 12. Nxd3 Bh6 13. O-O O-O 14. Re1 e6 15. Bf4 Bxf4 16. Nxf4 Qc7 17. g3 Rfe8 18. Qb1 a5 19. a4 Qd7 20. Re5 Nxe5 21. dxe5 Nh7 22. Nxh5 Qd8 23. Qd3 Kh8 24. Qe3 Rg8 25. Nb3 Rc8 26. Nd4 Qb6 27. Qe2 Rg6 28. Nb5 Kg8 29. Nf4 Rg7 30. Nh5 Rg6 31. Nf4 Rg7 32. b3 f5 33. Qd2 Rb8 34. Re1 Rd8 35. Nd4 Re8 36. b4 Rge7 37. Nh5 Kh8 38. Qh6 Qc7 39. Nf4 Kg8 40. Nb5 Qc6 41. bxa5 Rd8 42. Qg6+ Kh8 43. Nd6 Qxc3 44. Rf1 Qc7 45. Nxe6 Rxd6 46. exd6 Qxd6 47. Nf4 Qd7 48. Rb1 Rf7 49. a6 bxa6 50. Ne6 Qe7 51. Rb8+ Nf8 52. Qxf7 Qxf7 53. Rxf8+ Qxf8 54. Nxf8 Kg7 55. Ne6+ Kf6 56. Nf4 d4 57. Kf1 d3 58. Nxd3 f4 59. Nxf4 Ke5 60. Ke2 Kf6 61. a5 Kg7 62. Ke3 Kf7 63. Ke4 Ke8 64. h5 Kf7 65. Kf5 Ke8 66. h6 Kf7 67. Ne6 Kg8 68. Kg6 Kh8 69. Ng5 Kg8 70. h7+ Kf8 71. h8=Q+ Ke7 72. Qd4 Ke8 73. Kf6 Kf8 74. Qd8#
FAQs – London System
What is the London System, and what are the main moves?
The London System is an opening strategy in chess where White opens with the move 1.d4 and continues with a specific set of moves: Nf3, Bf4, e3, Bd3, Nbd2, and c3.
An additional move h3 is often played to safeguard the bishop on f4.
The dark-squared bishop’s rapid development to f4 distinguishes it from other systems, like the Colle System.
This setup often leads to a closed game and can be used against virtually any Black defense.
Does the London System always start with 1. d4?
Yes, the London System typically starts with the move 1.d4.
This opening move is followed by a specific set of developments, including the dark-squared bishop to f4, and supporting the d4-pawn with pawns on e3 and c3.
The London System’s characteristic structure is built upon this initial d4 move.
How does the London System compare to the Colle System?
The primary difference between the London System and the Colle System lies in the development of the dark-squared bishop.
In the London System, the bishop is developed to f4 early in the game, while in the Colle System, the queen’s bishop usually remains on c1 during the opening phase.
This distinction gives the London System a more aggressive posture compared to the Colle System.
What is the historical background of the London System?
The London System has a rich history, with James Mason being the first master-level player to employ it regularly in the late 19th century.
The name “London System” comes from the London tournament of 1922, where it was played on several occasions by famous players.
Though once rare in grandmaster tournaments, the London System has gained popularity in the 21st century, especially among club-level players.
What are some famous games that have utilized the London System?
Some renowned players, including Bent Larsen, Vladimir Kramnik, Levon Aronian, Magnus Carlsen, and others, have occasionally used the London System.
One of the most famous games utilizing the London System was round 6 of the 2023 World Chess Championship between Ding Liren and Ian Nepomniachtchi.
How can Black respond to the London System?
Black has a wide range of possibilities to respond to the London System.
Common responses include Queen’s Gambit Declined-type defense, Queen’s Indian-type defense, King’s Indian-type defense, mirroring White’s play, or the Hippopotamus Defense.
Higher-level players may also employ an early …c5, followed by …Qb6, aiming at White’s weak b2-pawn.
What is the Rapport–Jobava System in relation to the London System?
The Rapport–Jobava System is a modern development within the London System, named after grandmasters Richárd Rapport and Baadur Jobava.
This approach combines Bf4 with Nc3, instead of the usual Nbd2, creating potential threats against Black’s c7 pawn.
It adds a twist to the conventional London System and has considerable surprise value.
What criticisms does the London System face?
While known for its solid nature, the London System has faced criticism for its perceived tedious nature and lack of dynamic play.
Its reputation for being somewhat unexciting may dissuade some players from adopting it, though its clarity and straightforward plans continue to make it popular among others.
How has the publication “Win with the London System” influenced the London System’s play?
The 2005 book “Win with the London System” by Sverre Johnsen and Vlatko Kovačević has had a significant influence on how the opening is played.
One common change is the development of the queen’s bishop to f4 on move 2, rather than playing 2.Nf3 and then 3.Bf4.
This sequence aims to avoid certain lines that may favor Black and has become a standard approach for many players using the London System.
What is an example game involving the London System?
An example game involving the London System is the 2023 World Championship game between Ding Liren and Ian Nepomniachtchi.
Ding won the game playing white.
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 d5 3.Bf4 c5 4.e3 Nc6 5.Nbd2 cxd4 6.exd4 Bf5 7.c3 e6 8.Bb5 Bd6 9.Bxd6 Qxd6 10.0-0 0-0 11.Re1 h6 12.Ne5 Ne7 13.a4 a6 14.Bf1 Nd7 15.Nxd7 Qxd7 16.a5 Qc7 17.Qf3 Rfc8 18.Ra3 Bg6 19.Nb3 Nc6 20.Qg3 Qe7 21.h4 Re8 22.Nc5 e5 23.Rb3 Nxa5 24.Rxe5 Qf6 25.Ra3 Nc4 26.Bxc4 dxc4 27.h5 Bc2 28.Nxb7 Qb6 29.Nd6 Rxe5 30.Qxe5 Qxb2 31.Ra5 Kh7 32.Rc5 Qc1+ 33.Kh2 f6 34.Qg3 a5 35.Nxc4 a4 36.Ne3 Bb1 37.Rc7 Rg8 38.Nd5 Kh8 39.Ra7 a3 40.Ne7 Rf8 41.d5 a2 42.Qc7 Kh7 43.Ng6 Rg8 44.Qf7 1–0 (Black resigns)
Conclusion
The London System is a versatile and solid opening that offers a range of strategic possibilities.
Its history, variations, and adaptability make it an appealing choice for players at various levels.
While it may face criticism for its perceived lack of dynamism, its enduring presence in both club-level play and grandmaster tournaments attests to its effectiveness and depth.
Whether you are a beginner looking for a reliable opening or an advanced player seeking to explore new strategic landscapes, the London System offers a rich and rewarding chess experience.
