London System: Practice GothamChess's Video Move by Move

Name: Learn the London System | 10-Minute Chess Openings
Uploaded: 2020-11-08
Duration: 10 min 18 s
Channel: GothamChess
Description: GothamChess explains the London System. Build the London triangle with d4, Bf4, e3, then Nf3; delay Nf3 so Bf4 is not kicked.

From GothamChess's video. You play White. Build the London triangle with d4, Bf4, e3, then Nf3; delay Nf3 so Bf4 is not kicked.

The line

1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Nf3 Bd6 5. Bg3 O-O 6. Bd3 Nc6 7. c3 Qe7 8. Nbd2

Your moves, explained

1. d4 Controls e5 and opens lines for the dark-squared bishop.
2. Bf4 Defines the London; placing it now stops the pawn kicking it later.
3. e3 Locks in the bishop safely and prepares Bd3; Nf3 comes later on purpose.
4. Nf3 Completes the London triangle; delaying it let Bf4 land freely.
5. Bg3 Keeps the bishop and pressures the h2-b8 diagonal; trading was not needed.
6. Bd3 Eyes h7 and supports a future Ne5 or f4 pawn advance.
7. c3 Prevents Nb4, shoring up d4 and clearing the route for Nbd2.
8. Nbd2 Keeps the c3 pawn covered and prepares the knight hop to e5.

Key moments in the video

0:22 London starts with d4
0:29 Bf4 before Nf3
0:57 Delay Nf3 on purpose
1:11 Now knight comes out
1:15 Slide back, don't trade
1:32 Bishop eyes kingside
1:43 Stop Nb4 first
1:46 Knight routes to e5

Want the theory behind it? Read our London System guide.

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the London System?

1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Nf3 Bd6 5. Bg3 O-O 6. Bd3 Nc6 7. c3 Qe7 8. Nbd2. You play White; Build the London triangle with d4, Bf4, e3, then Nf3; delay Nf3 so Bf4 is not kicked.

How do I practise the London System?

Watch GothamChess's video, then play the line yourself on the board on this page. You make all 8 of White's moves; a wrong move is undone with a hint, and the key moments jump the video to where GothamChess explains each move.

Do I need an account?

No. The practice is free and runs in your browser. Sign up only if you want Chess DNA to find the openings that lose you games in your own Chess.com or Lichess history.

Practice the London System