Quick answer
The London System is a setup for White: 1.d4 and 2.Bf4, followed by e3, Nf3, c3, Bd3 and Nbd2. White plays almost the same moves against any defense, so there's very little theory to learn. It's popular with beginners and club players for its solid structure and kingside attacking chances.
- Moves
- 1.d4 followed by 2.Bf4, then e3, Nf3, c3, Nbd2, Bd3
- Best for
- Players who want a reliable system with little theory
- Style
- Solid, positional, safe king, slow buildup
- Main idea
- Build a strong pawn triangle (c3–d4–e3), develop, castle, then attack
The London setup, move by move
Black's moves change from game to game, but White's setup barely does. Step through a typical game, then switch to Practice and build the setup yourself.
Why players love the London
- One setup against everything. Whether Black plays ...d5, ...Nf6, ...g6 or something unusual, you usually put your pieces on the same squares.
- A safe king. The pawn triangle in the center is very hard to break, so you'll rarely get attacked early.
- Clear plans. Once everything is developed, you choose between a kingside attack, the e4 break, or a slow squeeze.
The trade-off is that the London is not very ambitious at first. You won't win in ten moves very often. Your advantage comes later, from playing a position you know well.
White's plans after the setup
1. Ne5 and a kingside attack
The knight jumps to e5, often supported by f4 later. With the bishop on d3 and the queen able to come to f3 or h5, White builds pressure on Black's king.
2. The e4 break
With Qe2 or Qc2 and the knight on d2, White can push e4 to open the center while being better developed.
3. The h-file attack
If Black ever takes the bishop on g3 with ...Bxg3, recapturing with hxg3 opens the h-file for White's rook. That's the reason White retreated the bishop to g3 instead of trading on d6.
How to handle ...Qb6
Once White's dark-squared bishop leaves c1, the pawn on b2 has no defender other than the queen. Black's favorite trick is ...c5 and ...Qb6, attacking it. The standard answer is Qb3, offering a queen trade that would open the a-file for White's rook:
Common beginner mistakes in the London
- Playing e3 before Bf4. The pawn on e3 locks the bishop inside. Always get the bishop out first.
- Forgetting about b2. As shown above, ...Qb6 is a real threat. Know your answer before it happens.
- Trading the f4 bishop too easily. It's White's best piece in this structure. Answer ...Bd6 with Bg3 when you can.
- Playing on autopilot. The setup is the same, but watch Black's threats every move. Against ...Nh5, for example, your bishop on f4 or g3 may be attacked.
- Never attacking. The London is solid, but after castling you still need a plan: Ne5, e4, or a kingside attack.
Where the name comes from
The opening takes its name from a strong tournament held in London in 1922, where several players used the Bf4 setup. For most of the 20th century it was seen as a quiet, slightly boring choice. That changed in the 2010s, when some of the world's best players, including world champion Magnus Carlsen, used it in top events. Since then it has become one of the most popular openings in online chess.
Frequently asked questions
Is the London System good for beginners?
Yes. You learn one setup and use it in almost every game, so there's much less to memorize than with most openings. The main thing to remember is to play Bf4 before e3.
Can I play the London System against anything?
Mostly, yes. The same setup works against ...d5, ...Nf6, ...e6 and many other replies. Against setups with ...g6 and ...Bg7, it still works, but the bishop on f4 can face more pressure, so be careful.
What is the London System's weakness?
The b2 pawn after the bishop leaves c1, and the fact that the opening is not very aggressive early on. If you prepare for ...Qb6 and have a plan after castling, these aren't big problems.
Should I learn the London or the Italian first?
If you like 1.e4 and open games, start with the Italian. If you prefer solid positions and want less theory, the London is a great choice. Both teach good opening habits.