London System

ECO A48, D02 White's opening Beginner

White sets up the same formation with d4, Nf3 and Bf4 almost regardless of what Black does. There is little theory to learn, and the position is solid.

Black

hgfe dcba

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abcd efgh

White

Explanation

Game Moves

#	White	Black
1	d4	Nf6
2	Nf3	g6
3	Bf4

Aim

Develop the bishop to f4 before playing e3, then follow with Bd3 and castling. Together with c3, this keeps the d4 pawn well supported.

Watch out for

Because the setup is always the same, it is easy to become passive if you ignore Black's plans. Watch out for ...c5 and ...Qb6 hitting the b2 pawn.