The London System set-up
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Moves | d4, Nf3, Bf4, e3, Bd3, Nbd2, c3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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ECO | D02, A46, A48 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Origin | James Mason | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Named after | 1922 London tournament | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Parent | Queen's Pawn Game |
The London System is an opening system in chess where White opens with 1.d4 and develops the dark-squared bishop to f4, then supports the d4-pawn with pawns on e3 and c3. The other bishop is developed to d3 (or occasionally e2) and the knights typically to f3 and d2. This set-up often results in a closed game. The London System can be used against virtually any Black defence and thus comprises a smaller body of opening theory than many other openings. Although it has a reputation as a solid opening, the London System has faced criticism for its tedious nature and lack of dynamic play.[1][2][3][4][5][6]
The rapid development of the dark-squared bishop in the London System can be contrasted with the Colle System, in which the queen's bishop typically remains on c1 during the opening phase of the game.[7]
Some want to bore the pants off you with [...] the London System", "[...] a favourite amongst those who disregard opening theory or those who want to bore you out of your mind.
If someone wants to play the London System, you have to recognise that the game's going to be pretty quiet for a long time.
White's play rather resembles some kind of solid and fairly unthreatening Slav!
a reputation for tedium [...] Black should not have much trouble equalizing.
[...] the typical, slow maneuvering London System games.
Due to [its] rather schematic approach, the London 'enjoys' the reputation of being a dull and unambitious opening: 'It's always the same, how boring!'