London System
What is the London System?
The London System is a chess opening that begins with 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. Bf4. It is classified under ECO A48–D02 and has 4 named variations. White chooses it with the move Bf4.
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. Bf4
ECO: A48–D02
Chosen by: White
Main variations
1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. Bf4 Bg7 4. e3
1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. Bf4 Bg7 4. e3 d6
1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 Qb6 5. Nc3
All 4 variations
| ECO | Variation | Moves |
|---|---|---|
| A48 | Main line | 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. Bf4 |
| A48 | Main line | 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. Bf4 Bg7 4. e3 |
| A48 | Main line | 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. Bf4 Bg7 4. e3 d6 |
| D02 | Poisoned Pawn Variation | 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 Qb6 5. Nc3 |
How to learn an opening
Learn the ideas before the moves: where the pieces go, which pawn breaks matter and what the typical middlegame plans are. Then play it, and after each game look up the point where you or your opponent left the known moves. MentoChess shows that point automatically for every game you import.
Opening lessons: Three golden opening rules · Scholar’s mate and how to stop it · Italian Game: plans, not just moves · Answering 1.d4: the Queen’s Gambit Declined · Meeting the Sicilian with 2.c3 · From moves to structures