{"id":3040,"date":"2023-09-15T17:48:51","date_gmt":"2023-09-15T17:48:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/?p=3040"},"modified":"2023-09-18T15:41:23","modified_gmt":"2023-09-18T15:41:23","slug":"chess-openings-london-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/chess-openings-london-system\/","title":{"rendered":"Chess Openings: London System"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Every now and then something comes along that becomes all the rave for a period of time. In recent years we have seen this quite often &#8211; from NFTs to airfryers. In the chess world, this &#8220;something&#8221; has been the <strong>London System<\/strong>. Chances are you have heard of this opening &#8211; either from players who comfortably employ it themselves or by players who absolutely despise playing against it. Either way, in this post you will learn more about what the London System entails &#8211; its origins, theory, and how to learn it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Opening a game of chess with <strong>1.d4<\/strong> offers a vast array of possibilities and the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/London_System\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">London System<\/a> is one of the most straightforward yet effective systems for White. Characterized by early pawn advances to d4 and e3, followed by the development of the dark-squared bishop to f4, the London System is all about simple development and flexible plans. Note that White can also opt for <strong>Nf3<\/strong> before <strong>Bf4<\/strong>, but the latter has become more prominent in recent years and will be our main focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67efa20c1-1\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboard rpbchessboard-diagramAlignment-center\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess diagram visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67efa20c1-1\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderFEN($(selector), {\"position\":\"rnbqkbnr\\\/pppppppp\\\/8\\\/8\\\/3P1B2\\\/4P3\\\/PPP2PPP\\\/RNBQK1NR b KQkq - 0 1\",\"squareSize\":32,\"coordinateVisible\":true,\"turnVisible\":true,\"colorset\":\"original\",\"pieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color has-medium-font-size\" style=\"color:#a65ae1\"><strong>The London System: Table of Contents<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#background\">London System Background<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#name-origins\">Name Origins<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#history\">History<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#theory\">London System Theory<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>The &#8230;Nf6 and &#8230;e6 setup<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The &#8230;g6 setups\n<ul>\n<li>1.d4 Nf6 2.Bf4 g6 <strong>3.e3<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1.d4 Nf6 2.Bf4 g6 <strong>3.Nc3<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The &#8230;c5 setups\n<ul>\n<li>1.d4 <strong>d5<\/strong> 2.Bf4 c5<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1.d4 <strong>Nf6<\/strong> 2.Bf4 c5<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#learn\">Learn to play the London System<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#books\">Books to Learn From<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#game\">Game Examples<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Chess Openings: London System\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/VWsc2lvuT68?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"has-text-color wp-block-heading\" id=\"background\" style=\"color:#a65ae1\">London System Background<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The London System has been around for over a century but has seen an increase in popularity in recent years due to its inherent simplicity and the ability to sidestep a lot of mainstream opening theory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"name-origins\">Name Origins<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Curiously, there isn\u2019t a definite historic event tied to the naming of the London System. The name likely stems from its early adoption by British players and usage in various London-based tournaments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Blue-and-Yellow-Simple-Crypto-Analysis-YouTube-Thumbnail-1-1024x300.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3061\" srcset=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Blue-and-Yellow-Simple-Crypto-Analysis-YouTube-Thumbnail-1-1024x300.png 1024w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Blue-and-Yellow-Simple-Crypto-Analysis-YouTube-Thumbnail-1-300x88.png 300w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Blue-and-Yellow-Simple-Crypto-Analysis-YouTube-Thumbnail-1-768x225.png 768w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Blue-and-Yellow-Simple-Crypto-Analysis-YouTube-Thumbnail-1-150x44.png 150w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Blue-and-Yellow-Simple-Crypto-Analysis-YouTube-Thumbnail-1.png 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In chess, a &#8220;system&#8221; refers to an opening where the player can follow a consistent set of plans or move orders, often independent of the specific moves of the opponent. The idea is to achieve a familiar pawn structure or piece setup, allowing the player to understand and execute typical plans, maneuvers, and ideas with confidence. Systems are generally solid, and make learning theory easier through reduced memorization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"history\">History<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This opening started to gain some attention in the early 20th century, and has been employed by World Champions like Tigran Petrosian and Anatoly Karpov. Its resurgence in recent years can be attributed to top players seeking less-explored paths and steering the game into middle-game positions they are comfortable with. Similarly, the opening has become extremely popular amongst novice and club players due to its easy setup with minimal theory to learn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"has-text-color wp-block-heading\" id=\"theory\" style=\"color:#a65ae1\">London System Theory<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>White&#8217;s setup involves d4, Nf3, Bf4, e3, h3 (sometimes), c3, Bd3, and Nbd2. The structure is solid and can be adopted against a variety of Black setups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Black has a few different setups to choose from, <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67efa20c1-2\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboard rpbchessboard-diagramAlignment-center\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess diagram visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67efa20c1-2\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderFEN($(selector), {\"position\":\"rnbqkbnr\\\/pppppppp\\\/8\\\/8\\\/3P1B2\\\/2PBPN2\\\/PP1N1PPP\\\/R2Q1RK1 w kq - 0 1\",\"squareSize\":32,\"coordinateVisible\":true,\"turnVisible\":true,\"colorset\":\"original\",\"pieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">\u2026Nf6 and \u2026e6 Setups<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1.d4 d5 2.Bf4 Nf6 3.e3 e6<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67efa20c1-3\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboard rpbchessboard-diagramAlignment-center\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess diagram visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67efa20c1-3\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderFEN($(selector), {\"position\":\"rnbqkb1r\\\/ppp2ppp\\\/4pn2\\\/3p4\\\/3P1B2\\\/4P3\\\/PPP2PPP\\\/RN1QKBNR w KQkq - 0 4\",\"squareSize\":32,\"coordinateVisible\":true,\"turnVisible\":true,\"colorset\":\"original\",\"pieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>White&#8217;s plans:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>White&#8217;s common moves here include Nf3, Bd3, c3, Nbd2, forming a robust setup.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is important for White to not allow Black to break with &#8230;e5. A common idea is to control the e5-square by playing Ne5 at some point.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Black&#8217;s plans: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Black simply looks to develop pieces harmoniously and get a solid position.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Black can opt for &#8230;Bd6 to challenge White&#8217;s Bf4, which is a typical idea in many openings against the London System. Black can fianchetto the light-squared bishop with &#8230;b6 and &#8230;Bb7.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li> &#8230;c5 is often played, challenging White&#8217;s center before developing &#8230;Nc6. Note that White almost always defends d4 with c3.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A typical line:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67efa20c1-9\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgame\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess game visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67efa20c1-9\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderPGN($(selector), {\"pgn\":\"[Event \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Site \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Date \\\"????.??.??\\\"]\\n[Round \\\"?\\\"]\\n[White \\\"London System ...e6 ...Nf6\\\"]\\n[Black \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Result \\\"*\\\"]\\n[ECO \\\"D02\\\"]\\n[PlyCount \\\"15\\\"]\\n[SourceVersionDate \\\"2023.09.14\\\"]\\n\\n1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Nf3 c5 5. c3 Nc6 6. Nbd2 Bd6 7. Bg3 O-O 8. Bd3 *\",\"pieceSymbols\":\"native\",\"navigationBoard\":\"scrollLeft\",\"withFlipButton\":true,\"withDownloadButton\":true,\"nboSquareSize\":32,\"nboCoordinateVisible\":true,\"nboTurnVisible\":true,\"nboColorset\":\"original\",\"nboPieceset\":\"cburnett\",\"nboAnimated\":true,\"nboMoveArrowVisible\":true,\"nboMoveArrowColor\":\"r\",\"idoSquareSize\":32,\"idoCoordinateVisible\":true,\"idoTurnVisible\":true,\"idoColorset\":\"original\",\"idoPieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">&#8230;g6 setups<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1.d4 Nf6 2.Bf4 g6 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67efa20c1-4\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboard rpbchessboard-diagramAlignment-center\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess diagram visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67efa20c1-4\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderFEN($(selector), {\"position\":\"rnbqkb1r\\\/pppppp1p\\\/5np1\\\/8\\\/3P1B2\\\/8\\\/PPP1PPPP\\\/RN1QKBNR w KQkq - 0 3\",\"squareSize\":32,\"coordinateVisible\":true,\"turnVisible\":true,\"colorset\":\"original\",\"pieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These setups often resemble King&#8217;s Indian or Grunfeld Defenses where Black allows White to occupy the center, with the intention to challenge it later. After 2&#8230;g6, White has two main ways to respond; 3.e3 and 3.Nc3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:30px\">3.e3<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This keeps in line with the main London System setups where White will develop their pieces with the usual approach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>White&#8217;s plans:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>White develops their pieces with the usual London System approach (Nf3, c3, Nbd2)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The light-squared bishop tends to develop to e2 instead of d3, since &#8230;g6 by Black closed the b1-h7 diagonal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An important move to include is h3, not to necessarily defend g4, but rather to open up the h2-square for the dark-squared bishop to retreat to if necessary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Black&#8217;s plans:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Black aims to complete the fianchetto setup and castle quickly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Black follows up with &#8230;d6, &#8230;Nbd7, and eventually &#8230;c5 or sometimes &#8230;e5 to attack White&#8217;s center<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A typical line:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67efa20c1-10\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgame\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess game visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67efa20c1-10\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderPGN($(selector), {\"pgn\":\"[Event \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Site \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Date \\\"????.??.??\\\"]\\n[Round \\\"?\\\"]\\n[White \\\"London System ...g6 with e3\\\"]\\n[Black \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Result \\\"*\\\"]\\n[ECO \\\"D02\\\"]\\n[PlyCount \\\"13\\\"]\\n[SourceVersionDate \\\"2023.09.14\\\"]\\n\\n1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 g6 3. e3 Bg7 4. Nf3 O-O 5. Be2 d6 6. h3 Nbd7 (6... c5 7. c3 b6 8. O-O Bb7 9. Nbd2) 7. O-O *\",\"pieceSymbols\":\"native\",\"navigationBoard\":\"scrollLeft\",\"withFlipButton\":true,\"withDownloadButton\":true,\"nboSquareSize\":32,\"nboCoordinateVisible\":true,\"nboTurnVisible\":true,\"nboColorset\":\"original\",\"nboPieceset\":\"cburnett\",\"nboAnimated\":true,\"nboMoveArrowVisible\":true,\"nboMoveArrowColor\":\"r\",\"idoSquareSize\":32,\"idoCoordinateVisible\":true,\"idoTurnVisible\":true,\"idoColorset\":\"original\",\"idoPieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p>Of course this is one way for the game to continue, and there are many alternatives for both sides. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:33px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:30px\">3.Nc3<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This setup in the London System adds a wrinkle to the game that can be quite challenging for Black. With 3.Nc3, White is deviating from more traditional London System plans that often involve Nf3 and e3, aiming for a more aggressive approach. White plans to push e4 next, which Black must decide to allow by continuing with &#8230;Bg7, or to prevent by continuing with &#8230;d5.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>3.Nc3 d5<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Black can counter with &#8230;d5 to challenge White&#8217;s center immediately. After <strong>4.e3 Bg7<\/strong> White&#8217;s main move is <strong>5.h4<\/strong> which represents the type of solid attacks that White can get with a Kingside pawn storm, in many lines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67efa20c1-5\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboard rpbchessboard-diagramAlignment-center\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess diagram visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67efa20c1-5\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderFEN($(selector), {\"position\":\"rnbqk2r\\\/ppp1ppbp\\\/5np1\\\/3p4\\\/3P1B1P\\\/2N1P3\\\/PPP2PP1\\\/R2QKBNR b KQkq - 0 5\",\"squareSize\":32,\"coordinateVisible\":true,\"turnVisible\":true,\"colorset\":\"original\",\"pieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>White&#8217;s threat is to go for h5 and open up Black&#8217;s Kingside, so Black usually opts for<strong> 5&#8230;h5<\/strong> to prevent this. Play may continue with <strong>6.Nf3 0-0 7.Ne5<\/strong> and Black tries to break with <strong>7&#8230;c5.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>White can also omit h4 and instead go for a quieter <strong>5.Nf3<\/strong> which is followed by similar piece development as in the 5.h4 line. An important idea for both sides to be aware of though, is if Black &#8220;quietly&#8221; responds with the normal-looking <strong>5&#8230;Nc6<\/strong> which is in fact a blunder because of <strong>6.Nb5!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67efa20c1-6\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboard rpbchessboard-diagramAlignment-center\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess diagram visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67efa20c1-6\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderFEN($(selector), {\"position\":\"r1bqk2r\\\/ppp1ppbp\\\/2n2np1\\\/1N1p4\\\/3P1B2\\\/4PN2\\\/PPP2PPP\\\/R2QKB1R b KQkq - 0 6\",\"squareSize\":32,\"coordinateVisible\":true,\"turnVisible\":true,\"colorset\":\"original\",\"pieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>3.Nc3 Bg7<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Bg7 setup often leads to a complex, strategic battle that can transpose into various other opening systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The immediate plan for White might involve playing e4 which creates a pawn duo in the center, aiming to gain space and set the stage for aggressive piece play.  Some lines can involve the move Qd2, followed by long castling. This can lead to interesting attacking prospects, including ideas like Bh6 to exchange the dark-squared bishop and weaken Black&#8217;s kingside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:19px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Potential Transpositions:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Pirc or Modern Defense<\/strong>: If White pushes e4 and Black responds with &#8230;d6, we may get positions that closely resemble the Pirc or Modern Defense.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>King&#8217;s Indian Defense (KID)<\/strong>: If Black chooses to play &#8230;d6 followed by &#8230;Nbd7 and e5, the position can resemble typical King&#8217;s Indian structures.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>A typical line:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67efa20c1-11\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgame\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess game visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67efa20c1-11\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderPGN($(selector), {\"pgn\":\"[Event \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Site \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Date \\\"????.??.??\\\"]\\n[Round \\\"?\\\"]\\n[White \\\"London System ...g6 with Nc3\\\"]\\n[Black \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Result \\\"*\\\"]\\n[ECO \\\"D02\\\"]\\n[PlyCount \\\"13\\\"]\\n[SourceVersionDate \\\"2023.09.14\\\"]\\n\\n1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Qd2 O-O 6. O-O-O Nbd7 7. Bh6 *\",\"pieceSymbols\":\"native\",\"navigationBoard\":\"scrollLeft\",\"withFlipButton\":true,\"withDownloadButton\":true,\"nboSquareSize\":32,\"nboCoordinateVisible\":true,\"nboTurnVisible\":true,\"nboColorset\":\"original\",\"nboPieceset\":\"cburnett\",\"nboAnimated\":true,\"nboMoveArrowVisible\":true,\"nboMoveArrowColor\":\"r\",\"idoSquareSize\":32,\"idoCoordinateVisible\":true,\"idoTurnVisible\":true,\"idoColorset\":\"original\",\"idoPieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:23px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">&#8230;c5 setups<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Black&#8217;s move &#8230;c5 is a direct and active way to challenge White&#8217;s setup, aiming for quick counterplay and attempting to undermine the d4 pawn. There are a few main ways for Black to employ this &#8211; either with &#8230;d5 or &#8230;Nf6. Let&#8217;s take a look:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1.d4 d5 2.Bf4 c5<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a direct approach, immediately challenging the d4 pawn. White can capture, but best is e3, supporting the d4-pawn. After 3&#8230;Nc6 4.c3 play can continue with 4&#8230;Nf6 but an important line to know is 4&#8230;Qb6:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67efa20c1-7\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboard rpbchessboard-diagramAlignment-center\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess diagram visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67efa20c1-7\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderFEN($(selector), {\"position\":\"r1b1kbnr\\\/pp2pppp\\\/1qn5\\\/2pp4\\\/3P1B2\\\/2P1P3\\\/PP3PPP\\\/RN1QKBNR w KQkq - 0 5\",\"squareSize\":32,\"coordinateVisible\":true,\"turnVisible\":true,\"colorset\":\"original\",\"pieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:28px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Here White opts for either 5.Qc2 or 5.Qb3,  but the following is a funky line:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5.Qb3 c4 6.Qc2 e5! 7.dxe5 Bf5 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67efa20c1-8\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboard rpbchessboard-diagramAlignment-center\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess diagram visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67efa20c1-8\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessboardAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderFEN($(selector), {\"position\":\"r3kbnr\\\/pp3ppp\\\/1qn5\\\/3pPb2\\\/2p2B2\\\/2P1P3\\\/PPQ2PPP\\\/RN2KBNR w KQkq - 0 8\",\"squareSize\":32,\"coordinateVisible\":true,\"turnVisible\":true,\"colorset\":\"original\",\"pieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And White must play 8.Qc1 because the black bishop is poisonous and should not be captured with 8.Qxf5? Black&#8217;s f5 bishop was sent to lure the white queen away from the b2-pawn so that Black can capture 8&#8230;Qxb2 and pick up the white rook next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 c5<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Here, Black combines the Indian setups with the direct &#8230;c5 challenge. Once again, White defends with 3.e3 but now Black can immediately play 3&#8230;Qb6, targeting the b2-pawn. This is an important line for White to learn as the best move is the not-so-obvious 4.Nc3,, allowing Black to capture on b2. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The following is a typical continuation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67efa20c1-12\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgame\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess game visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67efa20c1-12\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderPGN($(selector), {\"pgn\":\"[Event \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Site \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Date \\\"????.??.??\\\"]\\n[Round \\\"?\\\"]\\n[White \\\"London System ...c5 with Qb6\\\"]\\n[Black \\\"?\\\"]\\n[Result \\\"*\\\"]\\n[ECO \\\"D02\\\"]\\n[PlyCount \\\"19\\\"]\\n[SourceVersionDate \\\"2023.09.14\\\"]\\n\\n1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 c5 3. e3 Qb6 4. Nc3 Qxb2 5. Nb5 Nd5 6. a3 a6 7. Rb1 Qa2 8. Qc1 (8. Ra1 Qb2 9. Rb1 {White can force a draw}) 8... axb5 9. Ra1 Qxa1 10. Qxa1 {This final position is a tricky one. If Black knows their stuff then they will play the best move 10&#8230;e5 here.} *\",\"pieceSymbols\":\"native\",\"navigationBoard\":\"scrollLeft\",\"withFlipButton\":true,\"withDownloadButton\":true,\"nboSquareSize\":32,\"nboCoordinateVisible\":true,\"nboTurnVisible\":true,\"nboColorset\":\"original\",\"nboPieceset\":\"cburnett\",\"nboAnimated\":true,\"nboMoveArrowVisible\":true,\"nboMoveArrowColor\":\"r\",\"idoSquareSize\":32,\"idoCoordinateVisible\":true,\"idoTurnVisible\":true,\"idoColorset\":\"original\",\"idoPieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s worth noting that in the &#8230;c5 lines against the London System, understanding typical pawn structures, piece placement, and strategic goals is more crucial than memorizing specific move orders. While the London System itself is a &#8220;systematic&#8221; opening, the &#8230;c5 break by Black seeks to make the game more dynamic and less about routine development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:32px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>There are of course a few different setups for both sides, and we have by no means covered them all. Theory is still developing and there are many lines to choose from to suit your taste! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"has-text-color wp-block-heading\" id=\"learn\" style=\"color:#a65ae1\">Learn to Play the London System<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"books\">Books to Learn From<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/36.png\" alt=\"The London System: The Adventure Continues\" class=\"wp-image-3047 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/36.png 480w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/36-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/36-150x188.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/product\/the-london-system-the-adventure-continues\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The London System: The Adventure Continues<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Publisher:<\/strong> Chess Fortress<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author:<\/strong> Nikola Sedlak<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Level: <\/strong>Intermediate<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/sample\/the-london-system-the-adventure-continues\" style=\"background-color:#a65ae1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>View Free Sample<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/37.png\" alt=\"Trompowsky Attack and London System\" class=\"wp-image-3049 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/37.png 480w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/37-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/37-150x188.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/product\/trompowsky-attack-and-london-system\">Trompowsky Attack and London System<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Publisher:<\/strong> New in Chess<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author:<\/strong> Viktor Moskalenko<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Level: <\/strong>Intermediate<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/sample\/trompowsky-attack-and-london-system\" style=\"background-color:#a65ae1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>View Free Sample<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Book-Covers-16-1.png\" alt=\"The London System in 12 Practical Lessons\" class=\"wp-image-3048 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Book-Covers-16-1.png 480w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Book-Covers-16-1-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Book-Covers-16-1-150x188.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/product\/the-london-system-in12-practical-lessons\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The London System in 12 Practical Lessons<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Publisher:<\/strong> New in Chess<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author:<\/strong> Oscar de Prado<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Level: <\/strong>Intermediate<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/sample\/the-london-system-in12-practical-lessons\" style=\"background-color:#a65ae1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>View Free Sample<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:30% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/38.png\" alt=\"First Steps: The Colle and London Systems\" class=\"wp-image-3050 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/38.png 480w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/38-240x300.png 240w, https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/38-150x188.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/product\/first-steps:-the-colle-and-london-systems\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">First Steps: The Colle and London Systems<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Publisher:<\/strong> Everyman Chess<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Author:<\/strong> Cyrus Lakdawala<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Level: <\/strong>Beginner<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/sample\/first-steps:-the-colle-and-london-systems\" style=\"background-color:#a65ae1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>View Free Sample<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"game\">Game Examples<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Carlsen &#8211; Maghsoodloo<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>London System: &#8230;g6 setups<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67efa20c1-13\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgame\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess game visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67efa20c1-13\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderPGN($(selector), {\"pgn\":\"[Event \\\"Chess.com Speed\\\"]\\n[Site \\\"Chess.com INT\\\"]\\n[Date \\\"2020.11.02\\\"]\\n[Round \\\"1.34\\\"]\\n[White \\\"Carlsen, Magnus\\\"]\\n[Black \\\"Maghsoodloo, Parham\\\"]\\n[Result \\\"1-0\\\"]\\n[ECO \\\"B07\\\"]\\n[WhiteElo \\\"2862\\\"]\\n[BlackElo \\\"2676\\\"]\\n[PlyCount \\\"63\\\"]\\n[EventDate \\\"2020.11.01\\\"]\\n[EventType \\\"k.o. (blitz)\\\"]\\n[EventRounds \\\"4\\\"]\\n[EventCountry \\\"USA\\\"]\\n[SourceTitle \\\"CBM 199 Extra\\\"]\\n[Source \\\"ChessBase\\\"]\\n[SourceDate \\\"2021.01.31\\\"]\\n[SourceVersion \\\"1\\\"]\\n[SourceVersionDate \\\"2021.01.31\\\"]\\n[SourceQuality \\\"1\\\"]\\n\\n1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Qd2 Nc6 6. O-O-O O-O 7. Bh6 e5 8. Bxg7 Kxg7 9. Nge2 exd4 10. Nxd4 Bd7 11. f3 a6 12. g4 Re8 13. h4 h5 14. g5 Ng8 15. Nd5 Kh7 16. Kb1 Nxd4 17. Qxd4 Be6 18. f4 c6 19. Ne3 c5 20. Qd2 Ne7 21. f5 Bc8 22. Bc4 Rf8 23. Rhf1 b5 24. Bxf7 Rxf7 25. fxg6+ Kxg6 26. Rxf7 Kxf7 27. Qf2+ Kg8 28. Qf6 Qf8 29. Qxd6 Bg4 30. Rf1 Qd8 31. Qh6 Bh3 32. g6 1-0\",\"pieceSymbols\":\"native\",\"navigationBoard\":\"scrollLeft\",\"withFlipButton\":true,\"withDownloadButton\":true,\"nboSquareSize\":32,\"nboCoordinateVisible\":true,\"nboTurnVisible\":true,\"nboColorset\":\"original\",\"nboPieceset\":\"cburnett\",\"nboAnimated\":true,\"nboMoveArrowVisible\":true,\"nboMoveArrowColor\":\"r\",\"idoSquareSize\":32,\"idoCoordinateVisible\":true,\"idoTurnVisible\":true,\"idoColorset\":\"original\",\"idoPieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kamsky &#8211; Goganov<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>London System: \u2026Nf6 and \u2026e6 Setups<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67efa20c1-14\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgame\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess game visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67efa20c1-14\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderPGN($(selector), {\"pgn\":\"[Event \\\"Aeroflot Open\\\"]\\n[Site \\\"Moscow RUS\\\"]\\n[Date \\\"2016.03.08\\\"]\\n[Round \\\"8.7\\\"]\\n[White \\\"Gata Kamsky\\\"]\\n[Black \\\"Alexey Goganov\\\"]\\n[Result \\\"1-0\\\"]\\n[ECO \\\"D02\\\"]\\n[WhiteElo \\\"2673\\\"]\\n[BlackElo \\\"2575\\\"]\\n[PlyCount \\\"59\\\"]\\n[EventDate \\\"2016.03.01\\\"]\\n\\n1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 c5 4. Nf3 Nc6 5. Nbd2 e6 6. c3 Bd6 7. Bg3 O-O 8. Bd3 b6 9. Qe2 Bb7 10. Rd1 Re8 11. e4 Be7 12. e5 Nh5 13. a3 c4 14. Bb1 g6 15. Nf1 b5 16. Ne3 a5 17. Ng4 b4 18. Qe3 bxc3 19. bxc3 Rb8 20. Bf4 Bc8 21. Bg5 Rb3 22. h4 Qb6 23. Bc2 Rxa3 24. Bxe7 Nxe7 25. Qh6 Nf5 26. Bxf5 exf5 27. Ng5 Nf6 28. Ne3 f4 29. Nxd5 Qd8 30. O-O 1-0\",\"pieceSymbols\":\"native\",\"navigationBoard\":\"scrollLeft\",\"withFlipButton\":true,\"withDownloadButton\":true,\"nboSquareSize\":32,\"nboCoordinateVisible\":true,\"nboTurnVisible\":true,\"nboColorset\":\"original\",\"nboPieceset\":\"cburnett\",\"nboAnimated\":true,\"nboMoveArrowVisible\":true,\"nboMoveArrowColor\":\"r\",\"idoSquareSize\":32,\"idoCoordinateVisible\":true,\"idoTurnVisible\":true,\"idoColorset\":\"original\",\"idoPieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:36px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Liren &#8211; Nepomniachtchi<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even though this London started with 2.Nf3, I feel it is important to include game 6 from the Ding &#8211; Nepo World Championship match. The fact that this opening appeared in the highest level of chess (and White won!) proves that it not just a simple club-level choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerBefore\"><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"rpbchessboard-6adf67efa20c1-15\" class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgame\">\n    <noscript>\n        <div class=\"rpbchessboard-javascriptWarning\">\n            You must activate JavaScript to enhance chess game visualization.        <\/div>\n    <\/noscript>\n    <div class=\"rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor\"><\/div>\n    <script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n        jQuery(document).ready(function($) {\n            var selector = '#' + \"rpbchessboard-6adf67efa20c1-15\" + ' .rpbchessboard-chessgameAnchor';\n            RPBChessboard.renderPGN($(selector), {\"pgn\":\"[Event \\\"FIDE World Championship Match 2023\\\"]\\n[Site \\\"Astana KAZ\\\"]\\n[Date \\\"2023.04.07\\\"]\\n[Round \\\"6\\\"]\\n[White \\\"Liren, Ding\\\"]\\n[Black \\\"Nepomniachtchi, Ian\\\"]\\n[Result \\\"1-0\\\"]\\n[ECO \\\"D02\\\"]\\n[WhiteElo \\\"2788\\\"]\\n[BlackElo \\\"2795\\\"]\\n[PlyCount \\\"87\\\"]\\n[EventDate \\\"2023.??.??\\\"]\\n\\n1. 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. O-O O-O 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\",\"pieceSymbols\":\"native\",\"navigationBoard\":\"scrollLeft\",\"withFlipButton\":true,\"withDownloadButton\":true,\"nboSquareSize\":32,\"nboCoordinateVisible\":true,\"nboTurnVisible\":true,\"nboColorset\":\"original\",\"nboPieceset\":\"cburnett\",\"nboAnimated\":true,\"nboMoveArrowVisible\":true,\"nboMoveArrowColor\":\"r\",\"idoSquareSize\":32,\"idoCoordinateVisible\":true,\"idoTurnVisible\":true,\"idoColorset\":\"original\",\"idoPieceset\":\"cburnett\"});\n        });\n    <\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"rpbchessboard-spacerAfter\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And that&#8217;s all folks!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-medium-font-size\" style=\"background-color:#a65ae1\"><strong>Have any questions, or opening suggestions? Let us know in the comments!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Every now and then something comes along that becomes all the rave for a period&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":3044,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3040"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3040"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3040\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3072,"href":"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3040\/revisions\/3072"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3044"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3040"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3040"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forwardchess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3040"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}