The London System is one of the most popular openings at every level of chess but not all Londons are the same. In this course, Grandmaster Elisabeth Pähtz presents the London System, a structured and ambitious approach based on the immediate Bf4, leading to rich and dynamic positions.
From the very beginning, Pähtz explains what makes this move order unique. Compared to the Neo London, the early Bf4 setup opens the door to different structures and critical battlegrounds including sharp …c5 systems, the challenging …Qb6 lines, tactical ideas with …Qxb2, and London setups that resemble Caro-Kann structures.
Running time:13 hours
Across a well-organised course, she systematically covers Black’s most important options, including modern trends with …Bf5, the increasingly popular …Nh5 lines, Queen’s Gambit Declined setups, and key move-order nuances that often shape the entire game.
In Chapter 7, Pähtz brings everything together by clearly explaining the relationship between the London System and the Neo London, incorporating and referencing material from her previous course. The result is a fully integrated repertoire, where both approaches complement each other seamlessly.
More than just theory, this course emphasises practical understanding. Pähtz shows how typical structures, plans, and ideas can turn the London into a powerful and flexible weapon, especially in tournament play. Whether you are new to the London or looking to deepen your repertoire, this course provides a clear, modern, and complete path to mastering the London Classic.
Contents
Introduction
1.d4 d5 2.Bf4 c5 3.e3: Qb6 Lines
3...Nc6 4.Nf3 Qb6
3...Nf6 4.Nf3 Qb6
1.d4 d5 2.Bf4 Nf6 3.Nf3 c5 4.e3 Nc6 5.Nbd2
5...cxd4 6.exd4 Qb6 sidelines
5...cxd4 6.exd4 Qb6 7.Nb3 Bf5
5...cxd4 6.exd4 Qb6 7.Nb3 Bg4
5...Qb6 6.dxc5 Qxc5
5...Qb6 6.dxc5 Qb4
5...Qb6 6.dxc5 Qxb2 7.Rb1 Qa3
5...Qb6 6.dxc5 Qxb2 7.Rb1 Qxa2
5...Qb6 6.dxc5 Qxb2 7.Rb1 Qc3 8.Bb5 Qxc5
5...Qb6 6.dxc5 Qxb2 7.Rb1 Qc3 8.Bb5 a6
5...Qb6 6.dxc5 Qxb2 7.Rb1 Qc3 8.Bb5 Bd7
5...Qb6 6.dxc5 Qxb2 7.Rb1 Qc3 8.Bb5 g6
5...Qb6 6.dxc5 Qxb2 7.Rb1 Qc3 8.Bb5 e6
1.d4 d5 2.Bf4 Nf6 3.Nf3 c5 4.e3 Nc6 5.Nbd2: Caro-Kann London
5...Bf5
5...Bg4
5...cxd4 6.exd4 Bf5 7.Bb5 a6
5...cxd4 6.exd4 Bf5 7.Bb5 e6
5...cxd4 6.exd4 Bf5 7.Bb5 Rc8
5...cxd4 6.exd4 Bf5 7.Bb5 Qb6
1.d4 d5 2.Bf4 Nf6 3.Nf3 c5 4.e3 Nc6 5.Nbd2 Nh5
5...Nh5 6.dxc5 Nxf4 7.exf4 a5
5...Nh5 6.dxc5 Nxf4 7.exf4 e6 and 7...Qa5
5...Nh5 6.dxc5 Nxf4 7.exf4 g6
1.d4 d5 2.Bf4 Bf5 3.e3
3...a6
3...Nf6 sidelines
3...Nf6 4.Bd3 Bg6 5.Nf3
3...Nf6 4.Bd3 Bxd3
3...Nc6
3...e6 sidelines
3...e6 4.c4 Bxb1
3...e6 4.c4 Bb4+
3...e6 4.c4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nbd7/Nc6
3...e6 4.c4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Be7/Bd6
3...e6 4.c4 Nf6 5.Nc3 c6
