♞Chess Trainer
D00Play as White12 lines to train

Learn the London System

A flexible system for White. Easy to learn, hard to refute.

Practice this openingUnderstand the moves
Main line

1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Nf3 c5 5. c3 Nc6 6. Nbd2 Bd6 7. Bg3 O-O 8. Bd3

1.d41…d52.Bf42…Nf63.e33…e64.Nf34…c55.c35…Nc66.Nbd26…Bd67.Bg37…O-O8.Bd3

The idea

Why this opening works

The London System is the most practical opening in chess. You play the same setup regardless of what Black does — Bf4, e3, Nf3, c3, Bd3, Nbd2. It's nearly impossible to prepare against and gives you a solid, comfortable position every game. Perfect for building a winning record while you learn other openings.

What to remember

  • Know the first 8 half-moves of the main line.
  • Understand the purpose of your key moves before adding more theory.
  • Practice the branches until you can respond without move-order guessing.

Move by move

The moves worth understanding

Theory sticks when every move has a job. Start with these ideas from the trainer.

Scroll down through 8 positions

  1. Position 1 of 8

    1.d4

    d2 → d4

    Controls the center. In the London, d4 is the anchor — it stays put while you build around it.

  2. Position 2 of 8

    2.Bf4

    c1 → f4

    The London bishop — developed BEFORE e3 so it doesn't get locked in. This bishop controls the c1-h6 diagonal and is the hallmark of the system.

  3. Position 3 of 8

    3.e3

    e2 → e3

    Supports d4 and completes the pawn triangle. The bishop is already out, so e3 doesn't block anything. Solid and flexible.

  4. Position 4 of 8

    4.Nf3

    g1 → f3

    Develops the knight to its best square, supporting d4 and preparing to castle. Part of the standard London setup.

  5. Position 5 of 8

    5.c3

    c2 → c3

    Supports d4 and prepares to develop the knight to d2. Also prevents ...Nb4 tricks. A key part of the London fortress.

  6. Position 6 of 8

    6.Nbd2

    b1 → d2

    Develops the knight behind the pawn chain. From d2 it supports e4 and can reroute to f1-e3 if needed.

  7. Position 7 of 8

    7.Bg3

    f4 → g3

    Retreats the bishop when attacked by ...Bd6. From g3 it still controls key squares and avoids being traded off.

  8. Position 8 of 8

    8.Bd3

    f1 → d3

    Completes development — the bishop eyes the kingside (especially h7). Once you castle, your setup is complete.

Trainer variations

Lines you’ll meet

These are representative branches from the drill, not a demand to memorize everything at once.

Line 11. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Nf3 c5 5. c3 Nc6 6. Nbd2 Bd6 7. Bg3 O-O 8. Bd3
Line 21. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Nf3 c5 5. c3 Nc6 6. Nbd2 Be7 7. Bd3 O-O 8. O-O
Line 31. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Nf3 c5 5. c3 Bd6 6. Bg3 O-O 7. Bd3 b6 8. Nbd2
Line 41. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Nf3 Bd6 5. Bg3 O-O 6. Bd3 c5 7. c3 Nc6 8. Nbd2
Line 51. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 e6 6. Nbd2 Bd6 7. Bg3 O-O 8. Bd3
Line 61. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 c5 4. c3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Qb6 6. Qb3 c4 7. Qc2

Quick answers

London System questions

What is the London System?

A flexible system for White. Easy to learn, hard to refute. The London System is the most practical opening in chess. You play the same setup regardless of what Black does — Bf4, e3, Nf3, c3, Bd3, Nbd2. It's nearly impossible to prepare against and gives you a solid, comfortable position every game. Perfect for building a winning record while you learn other openings.

What is the main line of the London System?

This trainer starts with 1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Nf3 c5 5. c3 Nc6 6. Nbd2 Bd6 7. Bg3 O-O 8. Bd3. The exact move order can change by variation, so learn the purpose of each move as well as the sequence.

Is the London System good to learn as White?

Yes. Chess Trainer recommends it as easiest to learn, always solid. Start with the main line, then add one opponent branch at a time.

Study next

D06Queen's GambitWhite offers a pawn to gain central control. A cornerstone of 1.d4 play.1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e3 O-O 6. Nf3 Nbd7 7. Bd3E60King's Indian DefenseHypermodern defense letting White build a center, then counterattacking.1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Be2 e5 7. O-O Nc6 8. d5 Ne7 9. b4D20Queen's Gambit AcceptedA Queen’s Gambit branch where Black releases the center and asks White to recover the c-pawn efficiently. White aims to use the development lead instead of rushing to regain material.1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e4 e5 4. Nf3 exd4 5. Bxc4

Turn the guide into recall

Now play the London System from memory.

The drill gives you an opponent reply, checks your response, and repeats the branches that need more work.

Start the free drillAll opening guides