The London Files: Defanging the London System

Signs & Symbols

Introduction

The London System has many faithful supporters all over the chessplaying world, especially among its amateur ranks. That is not too difficult to understand: White switches to a kind of auto-pilot, with typical moves such as 1.d4, 2.Nf3, 3.Bf4, 4.e3, 5.h3, 6.Be2 preparing to castle into safety and then start operations that can vary according to the set-up chosen by Black.

This system cannot be described as amorphous as the Réti or as complicated as a proper 1.d4/2.c4 enterprise, and this is where its appeal lies. White is able by simple and meaningful moves to get a position where he hopes to make good use of the Bf4 to suffocate Black and deny him clear ideas. Control of the e5-square plays an important role in that as it assists both kingside and queenside ambitions. If Black contests that square by a …d7-d6, …e7-e5 strategy, then the bishop will retreat to h2, keeping the pressure on Black’s pawn chain and preparing queenside operations which could eventually undermine it.

Although I have not met the London too often in my chess career, I always felt it is an annoying system that people tend to disrespect or underestimate, and undeservedly so. Thus, I have always wanted to present my thoughts on it, regardless of the defensive set-up chosen by Black, for two reasons: (1) to put matters into their right perspective; and (2) to make Black’s task no less easy than White’s by providing playable and easy-to-understand lines.

When Russell Enterprises gave me the opportunity to do so, I took up the gauntlet, aided by fellow GM Mikhail Ivanov whose contribution to this work has been important. The material has been divided in such a way that it will satisfy the needs of all levels of players, regardless they are KID, Benoni, Nimzo/QI, or 1…d5 lovers.

Our orientation has been to provide systems of counterattack mostly based on the …c7-c5, …Qd8-b6, an idea particularly applicable in the Benoni and Orthodox Defence versions. It is essential anti-London strategy to exploit the slight weakening of the queenside that the bishop’s departure entails. When playing Black against the London, bear in mind that White’s annoying system does not prevent us from returning the favor by putting White’s queenside under pressure.

For King’s Indian fans, we chose a standard set-up based on reducing the scope of the Bf4 and expanding on the kingside, while for Nimzo/QI devotees a system based on exchanging the light-square bishops was chosen.

To assist to you playing our recommended variations, you will find the special QuickStarter! section that will provide readers with everything they need to know to play the lines immediately. We hope that this will work well for those who do not have enough time to study, but will also encourage most of you to go through the main theoretical sections.

Closing this short foreword, I would like to point out that the London System is a sound opening, so there is no refutation of it. But respecting what we have to face is one thing and fearing it is another. The present edition is designed to eradicate the London Fear by pointing out the system’s weaknesses and emphasizing our own assets.

And believe me, they are many…

Vassilios Kotronias

Athens

June 2023

Foreword

Few openings may be as widely employed as the London System, from novice players to yours truly, to famous legends such as Gata Kamsky and Magnus Carlsen utilizing it on a regular basis. The world’s newest champion, Ding Liren, even used it to convincingly defeat Ian Nepomniachtchi in game six of their recent match for the title. Thus, it is undoubtedly an important topic of study for anyone developing or fine tuning their opening repertoire with the black pieces.

I have often seen the London criticized for being boring and too formulaic, but, and especially at the hands of well-prepared players, it can lead to spectacular fighting chess and even swift victories for White. Indeed, on many occasions I have successfully lulled my opponents into a false sense of security only to spring a decisive attack. Therefore, it is irresponsible for Black to enter a game without a strategic plan to effectively combat the system. Luckily there is now a very comprehensive resource – this book! – that will give you everything you need to battle successfully against the London System.

Unfortunately for the London aficionados of the world, the ideas presented by Kotronias and Ivanov are powerful, with many new and convincing concepts. Furthermore, the book is divided into four parts, each focusing on a different setup available to Black. This enables the reader to pick and choose which system they prefer, simultaneously necessitating White to take on the monumental take of preparing for the many options at Black’s disposal.

The book begins with a comprehensive look at how to handle the London System from the point of view of the King’s Indian. From my own experience, I know that the authors’ recommendation of 6…c5! in chapter two is a particularly difficult line for White to face. In addition, the discovery of 7…e5!! in response to the slightest inaccuracy by White in one mainline is a devastating novelty for unsuspecting Londoners to face.

For Benoni players, there are exciting possibilities with the authors’ recommended 3…Nd5!?, a move I have yet to face in all my years of playing the opening. While those complications present serious challenges for White, for those that prefer a variation that is less involved, the authors give you flexibility by presenting an equally good alternative that is more manageable for Black to learn.

Players seeking a safe and positional style against the London, will prefer the recommended strategies in the Nimzo/Queen’s Indian section. The plans for Black, including actively seeking to exchange the light-square bishops, are relatively easy to remember and, once again, headache-inducing for Londoners. The next part of the book examines what happens when White attempts to avoid mainlines of the Benoni or Indian variations. Here too, the reader is presented with very interesting lines with novelties and various options depending on their preferred style.

Finally, for players meeting 1.d4 with 1…d5, the final part of the book is for you, with most lines featuring an early queen foray to b6 to target the b2-weakness. The chapter culminates in a close examination of a pair of games between none other than Levon Aronian and Magnus Carlsen, with each player probing lines from both sides. This is a must see analysis!

Throughout, Kotronias and Ivanov are objective and do not overpromise, which I believe the readers will find reassuring. There are lines they suggest which lead to equality according to the computer, but in most of these cases they successfully make the case that objectively Black gets good play. When play peters out into a complicated middlegame or endgame, they give detailed examples to back up their claims.

The London Files presents Black many good and flexible options for neutralizing White, while also giving us Londoners many new problems to contend with. I recommend that you focus on the sections of the book that most closely align with systems most familiar to you. Without a doubt, this book will give Black players highly effective means to deal with the London System for a long time to come and may even have players completely rethinking their approach with the white pieces.

Ian Harris *

Norwalk

June 2023

* Connecticut master Ian Harris is a full-time chess instructor with over ten years teaching experience. A graduate of the University of Maryland, he is a three-time Connecticut State Champion. The London System has been his weapon of choice for many years.

QuickStarter!

QuickStarter! Tabiya № 1

1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.Bf4 Bg7 4.Nbd2 0-0 5.e4 d6 6.h3

After 6.c3 Nbd7, Black is still fine despite developing the knight on d7. For example, 7.Be2 (7.Bd3 e5 8.Bg3 Nh5 9.Bh4 Bf6 10.Bxf6 Ndxf6 ) 7…Qe8 8.e5!? Nh5 9.Be3 dxe5 10.dxe5 and here an important Memory Marker guarantees equality: 10…Bxe5! 11.Nxe5 Nxe5 12.f4! (Important Remark: 12.Bxh5 gxh5 13.0-0 Qd7 14.Qxh5 f6= is fine for Black as …Qd7-g4 comes.) 12…Nc6 13.Bxh5 gxh5 14.Qxh5 f6 15.Qe2 Kh8 16.g4 Qf7 17.Rg1 Rg8 18.f5 Bd7 19.Nf3 Rad8 20.b3 Qd5 21.Rd1 Qe4 22.h3 Ne5=.

6…Nc6

Thus, we have reached our first tabiya for the KID section. White’s expansion in the center is rather premature and reminds us of a worse version of the Torre system, with the bishop on f4 instead of g5. This is definitely not going to work if we play incisively and this is what developing the knight on c6 makes sure of. Solution: Striking at the center with …e7-e5 will ensure Black of equality, as White is not developed enough to capture this pawn. Implementation:

7.c3 Black was threatening …Nc6xd4. 7…e5!

Important Remark: White is weak along the e file, so this pawn sacrifice cannot be accepted with impunity.

8.dxe5 Nxe5 9.Nxe5 dxe5 10.Be3

Memory Marker: 10.Bxe5 Nxe4! 11.Bxg7 Re8! is a standard trick.

10…Qe7 11.Bc4 Rd8 12.Qe2 Be6 13.0-0 Rd7 14.a4 Rad8

Important Remark: White will be left with the better bishop but Black is well developed and has strong centralization.

The chances are equal. If 15.Rfd1, then 15…Bxc4 16.Qxc4 Rd3 17.Qb3 b6 highlights the strength of his centralized pieces.

QuickStarter! Tabiya № 2

1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.Bf4 Bg7 4.c4 d6 5.Nc3 0-0 6.h3 c5 7.e3 Qb6

Here White has gone for a quick c2-c4. This fact allows us a queenside strategy, as our opponent is soft on the long dark diagonal and b2. Still, we have to make something out of that pressure, or else White will consolidate his space advantage and castle, obtaining a slight edge. Solution: We have to clear the path of the Bg7. That will allow us to increase the pressure upon the critical spots. Implementation:

8.Qd2 The safe way for White. It defends both b2 and d4, and prepares to develop the kingside.

Memory Marker: After 8.Qb3?! Nc6! 9.0-0-0? Bf5! 10.Qxb6 axb6, Black has a huge initiative as the white king is unsafe. In fact this can be considered as an opening trap that White has already fallen into. A famous game you need to know is 11.d5? (11.g4 Be4! ; 11.a3 Rfc8 ) 11…Ne4!! 12.Nxe4 Rxa2! and Black has a winning attack: 13.Bd3 Nb4 14.Bb1 Rxb2 15.Nfd2 Ra8 16.f3 Ra1 17.Rdf1 Bxe4 18.fxe4 Bc3 19.e5 Nd3+ and 0-1, Andrianov-Georgiev Kir., Kavala 1991.

8…Bf5! Memory Marker: To increase the scope of the Bg7, we have to jump with the knight to e4, something Black’s last prepares. 9.Be2 Ne4 10.Nxe4 Bxe4 11.0-0

Turning Point:

11…e5! A brilliant pawn sacrifice, giving Black the initiative.

12.dxe5 dxe5 13.Nxe5

Important Remark: 13.Bxe5?? loses material to 13…Bxf3 14.Bxg7 Rd8! 15.Qc3 Bxe2 16.Bh6 f6 17.Rfe1 Bd3 18.Rad1 Be4! 19.f3 Bf5 20.e4 Bd7 and Black has everything defended while White cannot exploit his pressure on the dark squares. Our next move will be …Bd7-e8, consolidating.

13…Rd8 14.Qc1 Nd7 15.Bf3 Bxf3 16.Nxf3 Bxb2 17.Bc7 Qf6 18.Bxd8 Rxd8 19.Qe1 Bxa1 20.Qxa1 Qxa1 21.Rxa1 Nf6 Black has the slightly better ending.

QuickStarter! Tabiya № 3

1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.Bf4 Bg7 4.c3 d6 5.h3 0-0 6.e3 Nbd7 7.Be2 Qe8 8.0-0 e5 9.Bh2 Ne4

This is a very typical position. White would like to create play by a march of the a-pawn. Black, on the other hand, has to keep the Bh2 barricaded for as long as he can, and create at the same time play on the kingside. Solution: We should put our king on h8 and get on with a march of our f-and g-pawns. Whether we will allow the white a-pawn reach on a6 or not may well depend upon the circumstances. Implementation: 10.a4 Memory Marker: 10.Bd3 is answered by 10…Nxf2! 11.Rxf2 e4 12.Bc2 exf3 13.Qxf3 f5 14.Qd5+ Kh8 15.Qc4 Qd8 16.Nd2 Nb6 17.Qe2 Be6 18.e4 fxe4 19.Nxe4 Qd7 20.Re1 Bg8 21.Bg3 Rxf2 22.Bxf2 Rf8= when the resulting position holds no advantage for either side. 10…f5 11.a5

11…Kh8 Important Remark: Why do we play this move and not …a7-a6? Well, the thing here is that after 11…a6 12.Bd3! , White is already for choice. The point is that 12…Nef6 (Turning Point: 12…Kh8?! 13.dxe5! Nxe5 14.Bxe4! fxe4 15.Nxe5 Bxe5 16.Bxe5+ Qxe5 17.Qd4 Re8 18.c4 promises to be a bad ending for Black. Observe how White has fixed the queenside favorably and that he also has a superior minor piece.) runs into 13.Bc4+ Kh8 14.Ng5 d5 15.dxe5 Nxe5 16.Bxd5 and there is not enough compensation for the pawn.

12.a6 bxa6 13.Bxa6 Bxa6 14.Rxa6 g5

Important Remark: We have made a positional concession, but gained time for our attack. The Bh2 remains a bad piece. 15.Nbd2 Nxd2 16.Nxd2

Memory Marker: 16…f4! Shutting the Bh2 for good and creating attacking chances. It is White who has to be more careful here.

17.Re1 Qg6 18.exf4 gxf4 19.Nf3 Rab8 20.Rxa7 Rxb2 21.Rxc7 Bf6 22.Nd2 Rg8 23.Qg4 Rxd2 24.Qxg6 Rxg6 25.Rxd7 Bh4 26.Rf1 Rc2=

QuickStarter! Tabiya № 4

1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.Bf4 Bg7 4.e3 d6 5.h3 0-0 6.Be2 Nbd7 7.0-0 Qe8 8.c4 e5 9.Bh2 Ne4

Here we have the same situation like Tabiya 3, except that the white pawn is on c4 instead of c3. White will again try to effect a breach in our queenside by a march of the a-pawn, while at times c4-c5 will also be in the cards. Solution: We should again start a kingside pawn advance, only this time in increased tactical mode. The good thing here is that after a2-a4-a5-a6 we can play …b7xa6 with a lighter heart as White will not be able to recover the pawn immediately. Implementation:

10.a4! This is the critical line; it tempts us to weaken the b5-square. This is something that we should rather avoid. Important Remark: 10.Nbd2 Nxd2 11.Qxd2 is harmless for us, in view of the following possibility:

11…a5! Now this is good! There is no knight to invade the b5-square! 12.Rac1 (The advance 12.c5 dxc5 13.dxc5 does not give White anything of substance. For example, 13…Nxc5 [Even 13…Nb8!? should be fine.] 14.Qc3 Qe7 15.Bxe5 Bxe5 16.Qxe5 Qxe5 17.Nxe5 Re8 18.Nf3 c6 19.Rac1 Ne4 20.Bd3 Nf6= and the chances are finely balanced in the ending.) 12…b6! Key Position:

Now we have cemented c5. White finds it very hard to create play on the queenside. 13.Ne1 (Worse is 13.dxe5?! dxe5 14.Qd5 Ba6 15.Rcd1 Nc5! 16.Nxe5 Bb7 17.Qd4 Qa4 and only Black can be better. Perhaps more accurate than 13.Ne1 is 13.Rfd1 Qe7 14.Ne1 although the position after 14…Bb7 15.Bf3 Bxf3 16.Nxf3 Rfe8 17.dxe5 Nxe5 18.Nd4 Nd7!= gives White nothing.) 13…Bb7 14.Bf3 Bxf3 15.Nxf3 Qe6!? 16.Rfd1 e4 17.Ne1 Rfc8!?= A precaution in Nimzowitsch style. It stops Ne1-c2-a3. Black has an excellent game. Back to 10.a4!: 10…f5

Important Remark: 10…a5 is dubious because of the following inspired play: 11.Qc2! f5 12.c5! dxc5 13.Na3! c6 14.Nc4 exd4 15.exd4 cxd4 16.Nd6! Qe7 17.Bc4+ Kh8 18.Rfe1 Ndc5 19.Rad1 and White has a dangerous initiative in the center. The problems are the weakness of the e6-square and our exposed queen. The position might be defendable but we do not recommend it.

11.a5 Kh8 12.Na3 a6

13.c5!? If White does not play this, then …g6-g5 should be considered. Turning Point: 13.Rc1?! exd4! 14.exd4 (14.Nxd4 c5) 14…g5! 15.Nd2 Nxd2 16.Qxd2 f4 17.Rfe1 Nf6 is an example of how things can go downhill rapidly for White.

13…dxc5 14.Nc4 cxd4 15.exd4 exd4 16.Bxc7 Qe7 17.Bh2 Ndc5! 18.Nb6 Be6! 19.Nxa8 Rxa8 Important Remark: Black’s activity gives him excellent compensation for the exchange.

The d-pawn is strong and the b3-square is weak. White is struggling to effectively block our d-pawn as the Nc5 cannot be evicted by b2-b4. After bringing our rook to d8 we will have annoying pressure.

QuickStarter! Tabiya № 5

1.d4 Nf6 2.Bf4 c5 3.e3 Nd5 4.Bg3 Qb6

This is a risky enterprise by Black. He first drives the enemy bishop to g3, then attacks the weakened white queenside with an early queen sally. Why is it risky? Because White can attack in the center, gaining time and space.

On the other hand, there is no apparent refutation and White’s expansion means that he is burning some bridges as well. He will have to sacrifice at least a pawn to keep his initiative alive.

Solution: Black will have to take the material offered to have something in return for his development lag and delay of castling. Memorization of the lines will be needed here, this is not a position to play on general principles. Implementation:

5.c4 Nf6 6.Nc3 6.Bd3!? is perhaps more critical. The following lines have to be memorized, and Black seems to be doing fine at the end, theoretically speaking: 6…cxd4 7.exd4 Nc6! 8.Nc3 Nxd4 9.Nge2 d6 10.0-0 Bg4! Trying to catch up in development. 11.Nd5 Nxd5 12.cxd5 Memory Marker: 12…Kd8! In the absence of central breakthroughs, the safest spot for the king is d8. In view of the passive position of the Bg3 Black will survive, but accuracy is still required. 13.Kh1 Bxe2 14.Bxe2 g6 15.Bf4 Nxe2 16.Qxe2 Key Position:

16…Qd4! Taking a second pawn is imperative here. You must always have a good reason if you are going to suffer! 17.Be3 Qxd5 18.Rfe1 (18.Rad1 Qf5! does not change much.) 18…f6!

Important Remark: This toys with the idea of bringing the king to f7. It thus keeps White guessing, making it difficult for him to know where to direct his fire. We have to point out that some of the lines we include below are not to be found in the theoretical section, so you should use the present fragment as a valuable complement to fortify your defenses.

19.Rac1

(a) 19.Rad1 Qf5 20.Qc4! (20.g4? Qd7 only helps Black. Important Remark: 20.Bd4 Rg8!!, intending …Rg8-g7 followed by …e7-e5 is a masterly defensive idea.) 20…Ke8! 21.Qb3 b6 22.Bd4 Rc8 23.Bc3 Rd8 24.Re3 Bg7 25.Re6! Rd7 26.Rde1 Qc5 27.Bb4 Qc7 = is not a picnic either, but it is defensible;

(b) 19.a4 Ke8 20.Rac1 Kf7 21.Rc7 Bg7 22.Bxa7 Rhe8 23.Rxe7+ Rxe7 24.Qxe7+ Kg8 25.Be3 f5 looks equal.

19…Rc8!

Turning Point: The exchange of more wood rings a bell for White as he is two pawns down. Any mistake from now on means that he can lose the game. To be sure, that applies for Black as well. 20.Rxc8+ Kxc8 21.Rd1 Qf5 22.a4 (22.Bxa7 Kd7 is not dangerous for Black.) 22…Kd7 23.Qc4 Qa5 24.h3 (24.Rc1!? Bg7 25.b4! Qxa4 26.Qc7+ Ke6! 27.Bh6!! [27.Bc5 Kf7 28.Bxd6 Re8 29.Qxb7 Bf8 ] 27…Qxb4! 28.Bxg7 Ra8 29.Bh6 Kf7 is not too bad for Black. He has broken the attacking force and obtained four pawns for the piece. White still has some initiative but the position is approximately balanced.) 24…e5! 25.f4 Be7 26.fxe5 Memory Marker:

26…Rc8! Completing development! It is the key to defending difficult positions, especially if it comes with tempo. 27.Qg4+ f5 28.Qd4 Rc6 29.e6+ Kxe6 30.Bd2 Qd8 31.Re1+ Kd7 32.Qd5 Qf8 33.b4 (33.Qe6+ Kd8 34.Qe3 Qf7! 35.Qxa7 Qb3! 36.Qd4 [36.a5!? Qxb2 37.Be3 Qb4! 38.Bf2 Kd7 39.Qe3 d5!=] 36…Qf7 37.Ba5+ Kd7 38.Qb4 Kc8 39.Bb6 Bd8 40.Bxd8 Kxd8= also sees Black come out unscathed.) 33…Qf6

Black has survived. If all this looks scary, remember that White is material down throughout this sequence, and that life is by no means easy for him as well.

Back to 6.Nc3: 6…Qxb2 7.Nge2 Qa3 8.Rb1 d6 9.Bh4 Nbd7 10.g4

10…h6! Important Remark: Not only slowing down the offensive, but also preparing to develop the kingside.

11.Bg2 g5 12.Bg3 Bg7 13.h4 Nb6 14.Rb3 Qa5 15.Rb5 Qa6 16.hxg5 hxg5 17.Rxh8+ Bxh8 18.dxc5 dxc5 19.Rxc5 Bxg4 20.Rxg5 Rc8 21.Be5 Bxe2 22.Nxe2 Nbd7 23.Bc3 Rc5 24.Rxc5 Nxc5 25.Qd4 Ne6 26.Qe5 Bg7 27.Qb5+ Qxb5 28.cxb5 b6= Important Remark: Summing up, this is a line you can play if you have strong nerves and perfect preparation. Otherwise perhaps you should avoid it, as White’s play is easier.

Quickstarter! Tabiya № 6

1.d4 Nf6 2.Bf4 c5 3.e3 Qb6

This is a position Black will find it easier to play. To have any chances for the initiative White has to bring the knight out to c3, but that entails already a handicap as it blocks the c-pawn. Solution: Black should play just natural developing moves and he is at least no worse. It is White who will have to play energetically