London System
8 variations · A48 to D02
The idea
One fixed setup, against almost anything.
White develops the bishop to f4 early and builds up quietly behind it with e3 and c3. It is a setup White can play against almost anything.
Where it comes from
The London System owes its name to the strong London tournament of 1922, where the opening appeared seven times, including in games by Capablanca, Alekhine and Rubinstein. In the twenty-first century it became popular at club level, and top players such as Kamsky, Aronian and Carlsen began to play it more often. It is a system: White usually builds the same setup, and there is less theory to learn than in many other openings. That also draws criticism: the games are said to be repetitive and to lack dynamism.
The opening itself
A48 · 3 moves
London System
In the trainer
This opening is in the trainer. Play the moves of the line; if you deviate, you'll see which move theory recommends.
Variations 8
- A48 · 5 moves
One fixed setup, against almost anything.
- A48 · 5 moves
One fixed setup, against almost anything.
Names and moves from lichess-org/chess-openings (CC0).