London System
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.
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.