London System
1.d4 d5 2.Bf4
An opening for White
One easy setup you can play against almost anything.
Show me the opening
0 / 3 moves
Win likelihood
White ~53%Our chess engine scores this position at about 53% for White - a small edge to your side. From here it would play c5.
Most openings are close - the first move gives White a small edge. What actually wins games at the beginner level is playing the plan and not hanging pieces, far more than which opening you pick. How we score this.
The idea
White develops the same way nearly every game - d4, Bf4, e3, Bd3, Nf3, c3, Nbd2, castle - regardless of what Black does. Minimal theory, maximum reliability.
The plan
Set up the pawns on d4/e3/c3, develop the pieces to their natural squares, castle, and look for a kingside attack or the e4 break later.
What to play next
Develop the knight to d2 to keep the bishop's diagonal clear, then trade the light-squared bishops once Black places the bishop on d6. Finish development with Bd3, castle kingside, and bring the knight to f3. Once all pieces are developed, plan a kingside push with Ne5, g4, and h4.
1.d4 d5 2.Bf4 Nf6 3.e3 e6 4.Nd2 Bd6 5.Bxd6 Qxd6 6.Bd3 O-O 7.Ngf3
Watch the typical continuation
Show me the opening
0 / 13 moves
One tip for beginners
The London is the ultimate 'learn one setup' opening. Memorise the piece placement, not variations, and you'll get a playable game every time.
What to watch out for
It can become passive if you autopilot. Once developed, make a plan - usually e4, or a kingside push - instead of shuffling pieces.
Who plays it
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