The ONE setup that London players FEAR

When I was lower-rated than nowadays, I hated the London System. Now? I feel comfortable playing against it. I still kind of hate it, though.

One day, using Stockfish, I came across this cool setup that often surprises white and leaves black with a pleasant position. I prepared for you some short lines to improve your opening repertoire with black. Do you want to take a look?

This is the main thing. Only using this first line, you will have enough at low levels but I will give you some guidelines to improve.

Now we will explore some short variations so that you can have a better understanding of this opening.

After this first variation, I will show you some short lines. It will be worth it, I promise.

That is nearly all! As a small gift I will add a variation of the Rapport-Jobava System. Ready?

And there you have it—four cool and easy-to-remember ways to take on the London System!

Of course, chess isn’t as simple as just memorizing a few moves (wouldn’t that be nice?). These ideas won’t cover everything a London player might throw at you, but that’s okay! The key is to review them regularly, and get them into your memory.

If you found this helpful and want a short course on another opening, let me know in the comments. Let’s keep leveling up together!