How to Beat the London System

What you're facing: The internet era's favorite opening: one reliable setup against everything — solid, low-theory, and quietly venomous.

The moves you'll see

Your counter-plans

• Strike with …c5 early and …Qb6 hitting b2 — the London's one tender spot before it castles.
• Copy the setup as Black (…Bf5 systems) and White's edge evaporates into symmetry.
• Delay …e6 until your c8-bishop is developed — locking it in is exactly what London players pray for.

What your opponent is trying to do

• The setup is the strategy: d4, Bf4, e3, c3, Nf3, Nbd2, Bd3, castle — the same wall against nearly anything Black tries.
• Your attacking plan: Ne5, f4 if allowed, and lift a rook via f3–h3 or swing the queen to f3/h5.
• The dark-squared bishop is your soul — meet …Bd6 with Bg3 and never trade it cheaply.

Rehearse your defense against the computer until the counter-plans are muscle memory — free, in your browser.