The London System is solid. I don't think there will ever be a refutation to it. Its super solid. People say its boring but that is because they don't understand solid lines have more flexibility than other lines.
I agree that it is solid. I used to play that system because I knew I'd always reach the middle game with more or less equal chances as my opponent, whomever it be.
I mean we looked at the Qb6 lines for black.
That was the only line that is considered some what critical. Yet even with those Qb6 lines black still couldn't punish white right off the bat.
In that 1 example I showed black got 3 tempos. Yet lol white wasn't in checkmate. How many openings can you play where you lose 3 tempos and are not checkmated already.
An if that line can't checkmate white. Than what line can lol?
Furthermore, It is easy to avoid those Qb6 lines. I mean people on this forum already showed how. You don't even need an in depth examination or anything lol. Half the forum posters already commented with examples.
Lastly, The London System is used against everything. Which shows after 1.d4 it doesn't matter what black plays you will end up in a London System Setup regardless of what they do.
They really can't stop you.
Which is why I have played it. I liked it and I figured even if one day I stop playing it and play other more aggressive openings at least I will have it in my back pocket so to speak. It isn't a line that will go to waste.
When in doubt, play h3. I do that in the QGD. Provided I'm not trying to push a K side attack and h3 will get in the way of a Rh3, I'll play it.
@xplayer. I do not really understand why you give Nd2 an exclamation as I already showed black is equal in the position after Nd2.
It is very nice that some posters show the diagrams of potential lines in this opening [or any other opening]
Moonnie, I think he is doing it because it is a necessary move in the setup.
London opening is for my granny, Ruy is for the priests of bitter losing and Schotch for tired people.
@xplayer. I do not really understand why you give Nd2 an exclamation as I already showed black is equal in the position after Nd2.
White is playing the London System. He is giving black equality in all variations/lines. In exchange for a universal set up that can be played against any black line and a very solid position.
Which is the compensation white goes for when they play a London System.
The reason I put an exclamation point on 5.Nd2 was becuase that was a key move in that position. It must be played by white in that exact position or white will find himself in trouble. If white instead played 5.Nf3 than blacks response 5...Qb6 gives black the advantage.
5.Nd2 in that position is the key move that saves whites bacon. It is of the highest importance. It deserves 2 exclamation points.
Moonnie, I think he is doing it because it is a necessary move in the setup.
You are correct SIR. It is the only move in that position.
You haven't forced c4 in any case. That is played by black because it seems like a good move.