ChessschoolLondon System for beginners – where do the pieces go?
Learn the London System as White. See why the bishop goes to f4, how to develop and what to check when Black plays an early …c5.
In brief
In the London System, White usually plays d4 and brings the c1-bishop out to f4 early. White often follows with e3. The first bishop is already outside the pawn chain and the f1-bishop can develop too.
Explore the position step by step
Bring the bishop outside the pawn chain
Start with 1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Bf4. After 3…e6 4.e3 Bd6, Black attacks White’s bishop. With 5.Bg3 O-O 6.Bd3, White keeps both bishops active. Notice why Bg3 is available and why you must respond to Black’s threat even when you already have a setup in mind.
Black plays an early …c5
After 3…c5, Black attacks d4. In the example 4.e3 Nc6 5.c3, two white pawns support d4. Keep an eye on b2 as well. If Black later plays …Qb6, the queen can pressure that pawn down the b-file. Look for a reply to the threat before continuing to develop.
Try it yourself
Why can 2.e3 delay the usual bishop move to f4?
Show the explanation
The e3-pawn sits on the diagonal from c1 to f4. That is why White often plays Bf4 first.