Yes, the London. I just played this 5 minute game .....
Nice.
I play quite a similar line as Black, except that instead of Bg4 I just bury the Bishop on c8 by playing Nbd7 immediately. Just a personal preference... I don't like putting pieces out where they are likely to get exchanged, unless I'm PLAYING to exchange them. Instead, I develop the Bishop with a later b7-b5 and a7-a6. This allows me to hold several threats over White's head, including c6-c7.
@blueemu - I liked that game!
When you played your b knight to d7 ... your bishop would'nt have been much use at f5 there anyway.
Regarding black putting his c8 bishop at b7 in any opening - there would be several remarkable issues ... some simpler than others.
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One of them is that the Larsen seems to be a much better opening than the Owen's.
1) b3 by white in other words - preparing Bb2. Often relates to the f4 move.
Whereas the Owen's is a black
response to e4. 1) e4 b6.
The idea itself isn't bad. Just too early in the game.
And that's more of a factor with black than white.
That's two issues right there.
Plus black might be a lot better with his b-pawn at b5 - often is - with b6 already losing a tempo on that.
So that's three.
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Could a player learn about chess openings by studying different forms of bishop development - with recurrent themes happening even somewhat regardless of what opening it is?
Its bishop-development or absence of it that seems to be the nitty-gritty of critical opening issues.
Other pieces developing - or their roles in each opening - seem to be clearer or easier.
Both players define the opening.
Stands.
If you want to personalize it - that's on you.
I haven't got the time for that though.
Going to respond to a different poster now.
'disagreement accepted?'
okay. Sounds good.
I didn't 'troll' though.
If disagreement is 'acccepted' then act like it.
Follow your own advice. You can have bottom post where you're contradicting yourself.