London System

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This article uses algebraic notation to describe chess moves.

The London System is a complex of related chess openings that begin with 1.d4 followed by an early Bf4. The London System requires very little knowledge of opening theory and normally results in a very closed game. Sverre Johnsen and Vlatko Kovacevic, in the introduction to their 2005 book Win with the London System, state:

"Basically the London is a set of solid lines where after 1.d4 White quickly develops his dark-squared bishop to f4 and normally bolsters his center with c3 and e3 rather than expanding. Although it has the potential for a quick kingside attack, the white forces are generally flexible enough to engage in a battle anywhere on the board. Historically it developed into a system mainly from three variations . . . 1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Bf4 . . . 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 e6 3.Bf4 . . . 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.Bf4."[1]