ECO D02 · for White
London System
The line below is what Lichess 1600-1800 players actually play: after the opening's defining moves, each move is the most common choice at that point. The notes are Chessbook's move notes, the same ones shown while building a repertoire.
23,106,965 games in this band reached the London System position. From there White won 51% and drew 5%.
1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Nf3 Bd6 5. Bg3 O-O 6. Bd3 c5 7. c3
Moves 1 to 2
1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6
1. d4
The Queen's Pawn opening is more usually more positional in nature, White intends to develop the pieces while having a share of the center.
1... d5
Controlling the center and opening up the diagonal for the light-Squared bishop
2. Bf4
Developing the bishop allowing for stabilization of the center with e3 and c3.
2... Nf6
Developing the knight while overprotecting d5 and controlling the e4 square.
- 2... Nc6: Developing the knight while pressuring the center. This blocks the c-pawn limiting black's chances to break in the center with c5.
- 2... e6: Opening up the dark squared bishop while possibly preparing for the c5 break to challenge the center.
- 2... Bf5: Developing the bishop and copying white allowing the same plan.
Moves 3 to 4
3. e3 e6 4. Nf3 Bd6
3. e3
Solidifying the center and supporting the d4 pawn.
- 3. Nf3: Developing the knight and fighting for control of the center. White continues with a typical London System setup.
3... e6
Supporting the d5 pawn and allowing the dark squared bishop to activate itself.
- 3... Bf5: Developing the bishop, probably followed up by e6 and c5 to challenge the center.
- 3... Nc6: Developing the knight and fighting for control of the center.
- 3... c5: Challenging the d4 pawn and allowing the knight to come to c6 where it will pressure the center.
4. Nf3
Developing the knight to f3 and going for the typical London system setup.
4... Bd6
Developing the bishop and attempting to trade off White's best placed piece.
- 4... c5: Breaking in the center and pressuring White's d4 pawn.
Moves 5 to 7
5. Bg3 O-O 6. Bd3 c5 7. c3
5. Bg3
5... O-O
6. Bd3
6... c5
7. c3
Plans for White in this position
What White usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- White typically castles kingside
- The pawn on d4 generally captures the pawn on e5
- The pawn on h2 usually recaptures the bishop on g3
- The queenside knight often develops to d2
- The knight on f3 often moves to e5
- The queen typically develops to e2
- A common pawn move is f4
Related opening guides
- Italian Game for White
- Queen's Gambit for White
- English Opening for White
- Bishop's Opening for White
- Zukertort Opening for White
- Ruy Lopez for White