This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Opening Name: Queen's Pawn Game: London System
Moves: 1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Bf4
FEN: rnbqkb1r/ppp1pppp/5n2/3p4/3P1B2/5N2/PPP1PPPP/RN1QKB1R b KQkq - 3 3
The London System is characterized by White's early development of the dark-squared bishop to f4. This move supports solid control over the e5 square and prepares a flexible, resilient setup.
As White, this opening is generally solid and somewhat positional, focusing on steady development and strong pawn structure rather than immediate tactical attacks. It can be used both for defensive stability and for gradual, strategic pressure.
The London System does not directly challenge the center with pawn breaks early on but instead aims to maintain a strong pawn presence on d4 (and usually c3 later) while developing pieces harmoniously. So, it is more about supporting and reinforcing the center than aggressively attacking it from the start.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Queen's Pawn Game: London System, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 108 - Move #5 black
You can also discover how top players used Queen's Pawn Game: London System to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.