London System: Simple Setup for Solid Chess Play

FAQs

• Is the London System easily learnt?

  
  Yes, it is good with the beginners, as it is based on the perception of ideas as opposed to the study of long lines of theory.

• What is the London System strategy?

  
  Pay attention to the position: Pawn pyramid c3-d4-e3, Dark-squared Bishop f4, Knights f3 and d2. Take a centre, and then make an assault.

• What are the principal concepts of the London System?

  
  The principal principles are sound central control, security of your King, and plastic attacks on either the Kingside (with Ne5) or Queenside (with c4 or b4).

• Can the London System be easily equalized by Black?

  
  Black can also equalize with reasonable play (such as the break of c5), but to equalize does not imply a draw. One can play the game, yet there remains plenty left to play.

• Is the London System non-aggressive or aggressive?

  
  It is structurally passive: it is strategically aggressive. You are constructing a kind of gradual rampart, and when your pieces are in place, your assault is in many ways very rapid and lethal.