The London System arises after 1.d4 and an early bishop to f4 (for example 1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Bf4, ECO D02). It is a «system»: White places the pieces on the same reliable set of squares almost regardless of what the opponent does.
The idea is solid, low-theory play: the bishop on f4, pawns on c3 and e3, the bishop on d3 and quiet development. White avoids forcing lines and relies on understanding the standard plans.
In recent years the London System has become very popular at every level - club players and Carlsen alike play it. An ideal choice for anyone who would rather not learn tonnes of theory with White.
Set it up on the board, move the pieces around and copy the FEN - or open the full walkthrough of the opening in a separate article.
Drag a piece onto the board, or click a piece and then click the squares. The cross beside the pieces sweeps every piece of that colour off the board, and a single piece can be dragged off the edge.
The pieces will be arranged into the chosen pattern.
It is the mating side to move. Find mate in one.
Openings, endgame positions and breakthrough studies - the set-up appears on the board.
Build your own position in the board editor, read up on the rules of chess or run a tournament on your own positions in the free app.
No arbiter skills required. The app takes over the part that usually stops people from running tournaments at all: who plays whom in each round and who finishes first.
Sign up to the Vibe Chess bot on Telegram - it carries the schedule of meetups and chess events across the cities we run in.
