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Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...Nf6/2. Bf4/2...e6/3. e3/3...d5

< Chess Opening Theory | 1. d4 | 1...Nf6 | 2. Bf4 | 2...e6 | 3. e3

London System Main Line with 3. ...e6

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London System - Main Base Position
a b c d e f g h
8        8
7        7
6        6
5        5
4        4
3        3
2        2
1        1
a b c d e f g h
Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN)

rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/4pn2/3p4/3P1B2/4P3/PPP2PPP/RN1QKBNR w

Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 e6 3. e3 d5

In the London System, White aims for a solid, flexible pawn structure and develops their dark-squared bishop early to f4.

When Black responds with 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 d5 3. e3 e6, they aim for:

  • A solid pawn chain in the center while also developing their pieces.
  • A straightforward setup that avoids complex theory, making it suitable for amateur players and those familiar with Queen's Gambit Declined structures.
  • Achieving a comfortable position and, rather than going for an immediate pawn break, they plan for one in the midgame, allowing for a more positional and strategic battle.

This setup can result in a closed game, and Black might look to expand on the queenside or prepare a central break with ...e5 or ...c5 later in the game. Overall, the setup is about achieving a solid position without entering into deep theoretical battles and also keeping options open for different plans based on how White proceeds.

Theory table

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For explanation of theory tables, see theory table and for notation, see algebraic notation..

1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 e6

4
Main line with e6 Nd2 =

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References

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Wikipedia has related information at London System

Bibliography

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  • Hellman, Kamryn (2023). The London System: This Opening Got Me to 1500.
  • Henley, Ron W. (2020). The London System - A Legendary Chess Opening For White.
  • Nakamura, Hikaru (2023). Learn the London with Hikaru.
  • Rozman, Levy (2020). Learn the London System -10-Minute Chess Openings.
  • Georgiev, Kiril (2017). Fighting the London System. Chess Stars. ISBN 978-6197188158.
  • Johnsen, Sverre; Kovačević, Vlatko (2005). Win with the London System (1st ed.). Gambit Publications. ISBN 978-1904600350.
  • Lakdawala, Cyrus (2010). Play the London System. Everyman Chess. ISBN 978-1-857-44639-5.
  • Nunn's Chess Openings. 1999. John Nunn (Editor), Graham Burgess, John Emms, Joe Gallagher. ISBN 1-8574-4221-0.
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