Oscar de Prado

The London System in 12 Lessons

Strategic Concepts, Typical Plans and Tactical Themes

New In Chess 2021

Contents

Explanation of symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Preface by grandmaster Pepe Cuenca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Lesson 1 General ideas and move-orders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Lesson 2 The attack on the b2-pawn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Lesson 3 The early exchange of the f4-bishop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Lesson 4 An interesting scheme with f2-f4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Lesson 5 Typical attacks in the London System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Lesson 6 Ideas with a quick h2-h4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Lesson 7 Play on the queenside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Lesson 8 Good knight vs bad bishop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Lesson 9 Typical queen manoeuvres in the London System . . . . . . 152
Lesson 10 Typical London System endgames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Lesson 11 Latest theoretical developments in the London System . 192
 Appendix  Notes on the book Fighting the London System
  by Kiril Georgiev . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Lesson 12 Exercises: tactics, theory and strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Solutions to the tactical exercises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Solutions to the exercises in theory and strategy . . . . . . . 244

Index of main variations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255

Index of names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272

5
Preface by grandmaster Pepe Cuenca
I can recall two nightmares that marked my adolescence: one chess-
related, one non-chess-related. The non-chess-related one was that I
dreamt I was choking on a piece of chewing gum. I woke up but still
thought that the dream was real. I desperately hurled myself off the top
bunk in which I slept and as I fell I managed to knee my little brother in
the stomach. My brother brought me back to reality, not before calling me
every name under the sun.
The chess-related nightmare was called the London System. Between
the ages of thirteen and twenty-three I must have played at least fifty
games against the Serbian International Master Slobodan Kovacevic in
tournaments in Andalucía. The much-loved ‘Kovy’, as we affectionately
called him among my group of chess friends, was a specialist in this line,
which caused me much suffering for many years over the board. And I say
over the board because away from it, analysing with Kovacevic was a real
pleasure, and I learned a huge amount from him.
My desperation was so great that one of my best friends, International
Master Marcos Camacho, even suggested playing 1.d4 ♘f6 2.♘f3 b6 3.♗f4
♗a6!?, to drag London players out of their comfort zone at all cost. Rather
desperate measures, as you can see!
The book The Agile London System by FIDE master Oscar de Prado was
a great success. I read it with great pleasure and learned about many
variations of which I was unaware, or to which I had previously paid no
attention. This new book aims to explore even more deeply the different
strategic plans involved and bring the theoretical lines up to date. This
updating of the London System is needed, since in recent years there have
been many games with it among the world’s chess elite, including the
World Champion Magnus Carlsen, who has employed it as one of his main
weapons in several rapid and blitz world championship events.
A mistake that London System players often make is to play it in 100%
of their games with the white pieces, and without studying it very deeply.
I think that with this book the reader will come to realise the richness
of this opening and how necessary it is to know it well, both with white
and with black. There are some variations which are more positional but
also some very aggressive lines of a tactical nature, or involving an attack
against the black king.

7
 The London System in 12 Lessons

All in all, I would say that the London System is a very interesting weapon
and I think that this book of Oscar’s is a meticulous piece of work, in
which you can learn all the intricacies hidden in this opening, which
every day is being employed by ever more tournament players.

A special game plenty of attacking possibilities

This is perhaps one of the games against the black king.
with the London System that has
made the greatest impression on me T_Ld.tM_
in the last few years and which has jJ_._JjJ
given me the greatest enjoyment. ._SlJs._
I was also fortunate to be able to _.jJ_._.
provide live commentary to this ._.i._._
game, which was a very exciting _.i.iNb.
experience. The game was played Ii.n.iIi
between two good friends of mine, r._QkB_R
two of the most outstanding young
players in Spanish chess: Miguelito 8.♗d3
Santos and Jaime Santos. Fasten The natural square for the bishop. It
your seat belts and prepare to enjoy controls e4 and points at h7.
yourselves! 8.♗b5!? is the other very interesting
possibility, which the World
Game 1  London System, main line Champion Magnus Carlsen himself
Miguel Santos Ruiz 2581 has played with great success. His
Jaime Santos Latasa 2575 victory over Vishy Anand is very
Iberoamericano Internet 2020 (2) instructive: 8...a6 9.♗xc6 bxc6
10.♕a4 ♖b8 11.♕a3 ♗xg3 12.hxg3
1.d4 d5 2.♘f3 ♘f6 3.♗f4 c5 4.e3 cxd4 13.cxd4 a5 14.0-0 ♕b6 15.b3
♘c6 5.♘bd2 e6 6.c3 ♗d6 ♗a6 16.♖fc1 ♘d7 17.♕d6 ♕a7
This is the line I myself usually play 18.♖xc6 ♗b5 19.♖c7 ♖b7 20.♖ac1 a4
against the London System, The 21.♖xb7 ♕xb7 22.♖c7 ♕b8 23.♖xd7
middlegame battle, as nearly always ♗xd7 24.♕xd7 1-0 Carlsen-Anand,
in this system, revolves round the Doha 2016.
squares e4 and e5. 8...b6 9.♕e2!?
7.♗g3 A very venomous attacking line.
7.♗xd6?! would mean losing the White’s main idea is to break very
above-mentioned battle for the quickly with e3-e4.
square e5. 9.♘e5 is the main line. White
7...0-0 prepares the advance 9...♗b7 10.f4
7...♗xg3?! is risky for Black. After and attack on the kingside. Here
the opening of the h-file White has there is one of the most attractive

8
 Preface by grandmaster Pepe Cuenca

positional manoeuvres that I learned vista, baby! 14...♔xh7 15.♕h4+ ♔g8

when studying this line in depth: 16.♘g5, with a decisive advantage.
10...♘e7 (Black threatens to play 9...♗b7 10.e4 ♗e7!
...♘e4 and subsequently ...f7-f6 to The typical response to e3-e4, to
expel the powerful knight from avoid the fork ...e6-e5. If 10...dxe4
e5) 11.♕f3 (for the moment White 11.♘xe4 ♘xe4 12.♗xe4 (12.♕xe4
prevents this) 11...♘f5 12.♗f2. After g6 13.0-0-0∞) 12...cxd4 13.♖d1,
this move it would seem that Black reaching very complex positions.
has made a fool of himself, because 11.e5 ♘h5
g2-g4 is coming, but... 12...♗e7!!
(making room for the knight on
T_.d.tM_
d6; later Black will occupy e4 with
jL_.lJjJ
a complicated and very interesting .jS_J_._
position) 13.g4 ♘d6 14.g5 ♘fe4 _.jJi._S
15.0-0-0 c4 16.♗c2 b5 17.♕h3 b4 ._.i._._
18.♘xe4 dxe4 19.♗e1 ♗d5 20.♖g1 b3 _.iB_Nb.
21.axb3 cxb3 22.♗b1 f5 23.gxf6 ♗xf6 Ii.nQiIi
24.♖g4 ♘f5 25.♔d2 ♕a5 26.♔e2 r._.k._R
♗xe5 27.dxe5 ♖ad8 28.♔f2 ♕a1 12.h4!N
29.♗d2 ♗c4 30.♕h5 ♕xb2 31.♔e1 A novelty that contains a lot of
♖xd2 0-1 Karjakin-Adams, Wijk aan venom, as we’ll see in the game.
Zee 2016. White is preparing a support point
9.e4! is another very venomous for the knight on g5.
move to which Black should 12.a3, introduced in Welling-
respond with ...♗e7. I can testify to Blomqvist, Fornebu 2106, is the
the dangers of this variation. I faced main move in this position.
it over the board in the Madrid 12...♘xg3 13.fxg3 ♕b8!
League 2016/17 against the strong Better than 13...♕c7 because after
International Master Javier Moreno 14.♗xh7+ ♔xh7 15.♘g5+ ♔h6
Ruiz. I was nailed to the board for 16.0-0 the black queen is unable to
45 minutes thinking and I didn’t go to e8 to protect f7.
have a clue what to do. In fact I
was clearly worse after capturing Td._.tM_
the pawn, which seems the most jL_.lJjJ
natural: 9...dxe4 (9...♗e7! is the .jS_J_._
correct response, but not at all easy _.jJi._.
to play over the board if you don’t ._.i._.i
know the position) 10.♘xe4 ♘xe4 _.iB_Ni.
11.♗xe4 ♗b7 12.dxc5 ♗xc5 13.♕a4 Ii.nQ_I_
and, for example, after the ‘natural’ r._.k._R
13...♕c8? 14.♗xh7+!! and... hasta la

9
The London System in 12 Lessons

14.♗xh7+! 22.♖h5+ ♔g4 23.♖g5+ ♗xg5 24.♕h3

White goes all-in with the bishop mate.
sacrifice on h7. 19.♖h7+ ♔g8
14...♔xh7 15.♘g5+ ♔h6
The only move. 15...♔g8 16.♕h5 Td._.tM_
♗xg5 17.hxg5 f6 18.g6 and it’s jL_.lJ_R
all over; 15...♗xg5 16.hxg5+ ♔g8 .j._J_I_
17.♕h5 transposes. _.jJs.n.
16.♕d3 ._.i._._
Threatening mate in one. If now _.iQ_.i.
16.♕e3 cxd4 17.cxd4 ♗a6! 18.♘xe6+ Ii.n._I_
and again we can appreciate the r._.k._.
importance of the queen being on
b8 rather than c7: 18...♔h7 19.♘xf8+ 20.♖h8+!
♕xf8, with a clear advantage to And here, incredibly, Black has
Black. The bishop pair is clearly to play 20...♔g7 with a draw by
superior to the rook. repetition. Not even the engines,
16 ♘df3 is the recommendation to start with, see the winning
of the engine (with equality), in a variation for White after the
position that a human being needs capture of the rook. Stockfish needs
weeks to understand! about ten seconds on my machine.
16...g6 17.h5! 20...♔xh8?
If 20...♔g7 then 21.♖h7+ ♔g8
Td._.t._ 22.♖h8+ with a draw.
jL_.lJ_. 21.g7+ ♔xg7 22.♕h7+ ♔f6
.jS_J_Jm The king goes for a stroll up the
_.jJi.nI board.
._.i._._ 23.♕h6+ ♔f5
_.iQ_.i.
Ii.n._I_ Td._.t._
r._.k._R jL_.lJ_.
.j._J_.q
17...♘xe5!! _.jJsMn.
If 17...gxh5 then 18.♕h7+ ♔xg5 ._.i._._
19.♕xh5 mate. _.i._.i.
18.hxg6+ Ii.n._I_
Not 18.dxe5? ♕xe5+ 19.♔f2 ♕xg5 r._.k._.
and White’s attack is insufficient.
18...♔g7 24.0-0-0?
If 18...♔xg5 then 19.♕e3+ ♔f6 24.♔e2!! is the key move to win,
20.♕f4+ ♔xg6 21.♕h6+ ♔f5 since it threatens the deadly check

10
 Preface by grandmaster Pepe Cuenca

on f1 and at the same time prevents 29.♘xf1 ♘xh3 30.♘g3+ ♔g4

the check on d3. If 24...♗a6+ then 31.♕xh3+ ♔f4 32.♘e2+ ♔g5
25.c4! and there’s no way to prevent 33.♕g3+ ♔h6 34.♕h3+ ♔g6
♖f1+, winning. 35.♘f4+ ♔g5 36.♕g3+?
24...♘d3+ 25.♔c2 ♕xg3 26.♖f1+ It was a draw after 36.♕e3!, for
♘f4 example 36...♔f5 37.♕e5+ ♔g4
And Black has been given time to 38.♘h3 ♔h4! 39.♕e3!.
provide cover. 36...♔f5
27.♘h3
T_._.t._
T_._.t._ jL_.lJ_.
jL_.lJ_. .j._J_._
.j._J_.q _.jJ_M_.
_.jJ_M_. ._.i.n._
._.i.s._ _.i._.q.
_.i._.dN Ii._._I_
IiKn._I_ _.k._._.
_._._R_.
And Miguel lost on time in an
27...♕d3+? inferior position, having run out of
After 27...♗d6, White would have checks. When you face the London
had nothing better than 28.♕h5+ System you expect long positional
♔f6 29.♘xf4 ♗xf4 30.♕e5+ ♔e7 games, but this opening contains
31.♖xf4, and Black’s advantage in some diabolical variations, such as
material is too great. the one shown in this game. I hope
28.♔c1 ♕xf1+ you liked it!
The only move.

GM José Cuenca Jimenez

Granada, May 2021

11
Introduction
The London System, which also covers the so-called Pereyra Attack, the
New York System and the modern Jobava Attack, is a universal opening
system characterised by a set-up for White usually based on playing d2-d4,
♗f4, ♘f3, e2-e3, c2-c3 and h2-h3 and which can be played against almost
any response by Black. It has a reputation for solidity and it relies more
on schemes than long lines of theory. It’s more important to understand
the ideas and plans of the system than to study a lot of theory, although at
times it requires a degree of precision in the move-order.
It has long been a popular opening with club players and amateurs but
in recent years, following the publication of my previous book The Agile
London System in 2016, added to the fact that the world elite, led by Magnus
Carlsen, began to play this system on a regular basis, the popularity of
the London has really taken off and it has featured in a great number of
games. At the same time we have seen the appearance of a host of courses,
books and videos on this opening, as well as a great deal of analysis
devoted to it.
In this book we are going to look at the London System from a more
practical viewpoint, focusing on the needs of amateur players, in contrast
to my previous book The Agile London System, which was a much more
theoretical work and tried to cover all possible options. To be clear, the
present book is neither a theoretical manual on the London System, nor
simply an update to the previous book, although the latest novelties and
the currently critical lines are analysed. This is essentially a new book,
focusing on the specific themes that arise in this opening and with an
explanation of the most important plans and ideas. The aim is to help the
amateur player to understand the London System and play it correctly and
easily.
The London System is ideal for players who don’t have much time to
study openings, or simply dislike, or are not very good at, studying long
and difficult theoretical variations. We can play the same opening against
many black responses and we can often play our ideal set-up without
worrying too much about the move-order, or the opponent’s preparation.
The worse that can happen is that Black equalises, but from that point
on we can play the rest of the game from a solid position and with a
knowledge of the plans.

13
The London System in 12 Lessons

In the present book we are going to cover a variety of important strategic

concepts, common situations, move-orders, typical plans and ideas, as well
as typical tactics, combinations and endgames, all in a clear and simple
way, so that anyone can learn and play this opening, no matter their
playing level.

14
 The London System in 12 Lessons

LESSON 2

The attack on the b2-pawn

In this chapter we’re going to look at the various positions in which Black
attacks the b2-square, which is the weakest point in White’s position after
the early bishop sortie to f4. Black can attack it in various set-ups, but the
main threat arises after Black plays ...♕b6, attacking the pawn on b2.
We shall see the best plans and ideas for White and how to respond to
the threat against the b2-pawn, whether to defend it or to sacrifice it. In
the event of the latter, as a rule, in the majority of cases, if Black takes the
pawn he nearly always gets into difficulties.
Generally speaking, the idea of ...♕b6 to attack the b2-pawn isn’t
dangerous for White; often, when the queen can’t take the pawn, it ends
up badly placed on b6 and has to retreat, losing a few tempi.
Let’s begin with the most direct way for Black to attack the b2-pawn.

Game 1  Benoni defence course this is a good option to bear

Luca Moroni 2530 in mind if you want to avoid the
David Paravyan 2653 main line that we’re going to study.
Internet blitz 2020 A lot of strong players have opted
for this, including Carlsen, but
1.d4 ♘f6 2.♗f4 c5 since it’s a departure from the usual
schemes of the London System
TsLdMl.t we’re not going to study it in this
jJ_JjJjJ book.
._._.s._ The move 3.c3 is inferior, due to
_.j._._. 3...♕b6 and now as the b5-square
._.i.b._ is not defended (as is the case after
_._._._. 3.e3), we can’t play 4.♘a3?, since
IiI_IiIi Black can capture on b2 (4...♕xb2)
rN_QkBnR with advantage, because the knight
can’t jump to b5.
3.e3 The alternative 4.♕b3 ♕xb3 5.axb3
The main move in the London cxd4 is also unpromising for White;
System. Against this move-order if White had played 3.e3, he could
White has various other options, now recapture on d4 with a good
such as 3.d5. This advance leads to position, but after 6.cxd4 the white
positions typical of the Benoni, or structure is left damaged and the
the Benko Gambit Declined, and of opening of the a-file is insufficient

28
 Lesson 2 – The attack on the b2-pawn

compensation. Black is already a bit   C)  3...♘a6

better.   C1)  Now the most popular
So White needs to protect the pawn continuation is 4.♕d4 ♕a5+
with 4.♕c1 or 4.♕c2, although 5.c3 (or 5.♘c3 ♘xc5 6.♗d2 ♘e6
neither of these is sufficient to 7.♕h4 (7.♕d3!? Bauer-Heimann,
gain any advantage. There is also a Switzerland tt 2017) 7...g5 8.♕g3 d5䩲
gambit option with 4.♘d2!? ♕xb2 Rapport-Giri, Wijk aan Zee 2014)
5.e4, but it’s unclear whether 5...♕xc5 6.e3 e6 7.♘d2, with equal
White’s compensation will be play in Aronian-Nepomniachtchi,
sufficient. St Louis blitz 2017;
An interesting alternative to avoid   C2)  4.f3!? is an interesting move,
everything that we are about to played recently in the strong
see, and which strong players have classical tournament in Prague.
employed quite often, is 3.dxc5!?.
T_LdMl.t
TsLdMl.t jJ_JjJjJ
jJ_JjJjJ S_._.s._
._._.s._ _.i._._.
_.i._._. ._._.b._
._._.b._ _._._I_.
_._._._. IiI_I_Ii
IiI_IiIi rN_QkBnR
rN_QkBnR analysis diagram
analysis diagram
4...e6 (if 4...♘xc5 5.e4 g6 6.♘c3
Now Black has several options: ♗g7 7.♕d2 0-0䩲 Shimanov-
  A)  3...♘c6 has been played, Nepomniachtchi, Internet rapid
e.g. 4.♘c3 (4.♘f3!?) 4...e5 5.♗g5 2020) 5.e4 ♗xc5 6.♘c3 d5 7.♕d2 0-0
♗xc5 6.e3 ♗b4 (6...0-0!?) 7.♘ge2䩲 8.0-0-0 ♗d7 (8...♘c7䩲 Dhulipalla-
Aronian-Kasparov, St Louis rapid Lalith, New Delhi 2018)
2017;
  B)  Black can also go after the T_.d.tM_
pawn directly with 3...♕a5+ 4.♕d2 jJ_L_JjJ
(the alternative would be 4.♘c3) S_._Js._
4...♕xc5 (better than 4...♕xd2+ _.lJ_._.
5.♘xd2 ♘a6 6.♘b3 and White is ._._Ib._
slightly better) 5.♘c3 d6 6.e4 ♘bd7 _.n._I_.
7.♘f3 a6 8.♗e3 ♕a5. This position IiIq._Ii
is similar to some Sicilians: White _.kR_BnR
has a slight advantage, Repka-
analysis diagram
Fedorchuk, Cattolica 2019;

29
The London System in 12 Lessons

9.♗xa6!? (another interesting 13.♕xd7 ♘c7 14.♘e2, with

option was 9.e5 ♘e8 10.h4) 9...bxa6 advantage to White, although Black
10.e5 (if 10.exd5 ♘xd5 11.♘xd5 managed to save the half-point in
exd5 12.♕xd5 ♕a5 Black gains Shankland-Anton Guijarro, Prague
compensation for the sacrificed 2020.
pawn; he has the bishop pair and 3...♕b6
open files against White’s castled
position) 10...♘e8 11.♘xd5?! (the TsL_Ml.t
quiet 11.♗e3 was better, with jJ_JjJjJ
unclear play) 11...exd5 12.♕xd5. .d._.s._
_.j._._.
T_.dStM_ ._.i.b._
j._L_JjJ _._.i._.
J_._._._ IiI_.iIi
_.lQi._. rN_QkBnR
._._.b._
_._._I_. Here we have one of the positions
IiI_._Ii where Black attacks the b2-pawn
_.kR_.nR in the quickest possible way. Now
White must decide whether to
analysis diagram
defend it or sacrifice it.
This is White’s idea; now it appears 4.♘c3
that he will regain the material, due White speeds up his development
to the simultaneous attack on c5 and doesn’t bother to defend the
and d7. pawn. But it’s more precise to play
12...♕b6?. 4.♘a3!, since if Black plays ...a7-a6
An error. The move to call White’s the white knight can then go to c4.
sacrifice into question was 12...♕a5!
13.♕xa8 (if 13.♕xd7 ♖b8 with a TsL_Ml.t
clear advantage to Black) 13...♘d6! jJ_JjJjJ
14.♕d5 (if 14.♕xf8+ ♔xf8 15.exd6 .d._.s._
♕xa2, with a clear advantage to _.j._._.
Black: the queen is superior to ._.i.b._
the two rooks, White is behind n._.i._.
in development, and furthermore IiI_.iIi
Black has a strong attack with the r._QkBnR
queen and the bishop pair, which
analysis diagram
will cost White material) 14...♗e6
15.♗d2 ♕b6 16.♕d3 ♖b8 17.b4 ♘c4, In addition to 4...♕xb2 5.♘b5,
and Black has a strong attack and is which transposes to the main game,
clearly better. Black has several options:

30
 Lesson 2 – The attack on the b2-pawn

  A)  If 4...a6 5.♘c4! ♕a7 (the only

safe retreat square – other moves all TsL_Ml.t
lose: 5...♕c6 6.d5 ♘xd5 (6...♕xd5 _J_.jJjJ
7.♘b6) 7.♘e5 ♕c7 (7...♕d6 8.♘xf7) Jd._.s._
8.♕xd5) 6.dxc5 ♕xc5 7.e4!, with _._J_._.
advantage to White, as 7...♘xe4 ._.i.b._
loses to 8.♗e3! ♕c6 9.♘b6; i.n._._.
  B)  Another option is 4...cxd4 .iI_.iIi
5.exd4 ♘d5 (5...d6 6.♘c4 ♕d8 7.c3䩲 r._QkBnR
Grachev-Roiz, Minsk blitz 2015)
analysis diagram
6.♗c1 e6 7.♘c4 ♕c7 with a slight
advantage for White, Tang-Oparin, ... we have a position in the style of
Charlotte tt 2019; the Jobava Attack. Here there are
  C)  There’s also 4...d6 5.♘c4 ♕c7 several options:
6.c3 (an interesting alternative   A21)  An interesting idea is 7.♘a4!?
here is 6.a4) 6...g6 7.h3 ♗g7 8.♘f3 ♕d8 8.♘f3 ♗g4 9.h3 ♗xf3 10.♕xf3
0-0 9.♗e2 with balanced play, e6 11.c3 ♗d6 12.♗xd6 ♕xd6
Williamson-Freeman, cr 2017. 13.♘c5 Toro Solis de Ovando-
4...♕xb2 Benz, cr 2018;
Of course, this capture isn’t   A22)  There is also 7.♗d3 ♗g4
obligatory. 8.♘ge2 (8.♕d2!?) 8...e6 9.f3 ♗h5
  A)  Black can play 4...cxd4 5.exd4 Gubajdullin-Khegay, Voronezh 2018;
a6:   A23)  Finally there is the
  A1)  Here, 6.♗c4?! has been normal 7.♘f3 ♗g4 8.♗e2 ♘c6
played, e.g. 6...e6?! (Giri doesn’t (8...e6 9.0-0.♗xf3 10.♗xf3 ♘c6
dare to take on b2, but the critical Rodriguez Amezqueta-Sarana, Spain
move would be 6...♕xb2! 7.♘ge2 tt 2019) 9.♘a4 ♕d8 Tran Minh
♕b4 8.♕d3 d5 9.♗b3 e6 and Thang-Paravyan, St Petersburg
Black is better, as I fail to see 2018.
any compensation for the pawn,   B)  4...d5?! is dubious,
Heinzel-Mirumian, Ostrava 2011)
7.♘ge2!? d5 (7...♕xb2? 8.♗b3) TsL_Ml.t
8.♗b3 ♗d7, with a complex jJ_.jJjJ
position, although Levon Aronian .d._.s._
won two online blitzplay games _.jJ_._.
against Anish Giri from this ._.i.b._
position (in 2018); _.n.i._.
  A2)  6.a3 indirectly defends the IiI_.iIi
b2-pawn, since now if 6...♕xb2 then r._QkBnR
7.♘a4 wins the queen.
analysis diagram
After 6...d5

31
The London System in 12 Lessons

as after 5.♘b5 ♘a6 White can gain

TsL_Ml.t
the advantage with either 6.c3 ♗d7
jJ_JjJjJ
(6...c4 7.a4) 7.a4 c4 8.b3! or 6.dxc5
♕xc5 7.♘f3䩲, or 6.a4䩲;
._._._._
  C)  Also possible is 4...e6 5.a3
_NjS_._.
cxd4 (if 5...♘c6? 6.♘f3?! (6.♘b5!) ._.i.b._
6...a6 7.♗e2 Ponomariov-Svidler, _._.i._.
Moscow blitz 2010, or 5...d5?! 6.♘b5 IdI_.iIi
♘a6䩲 Nihal-Nepomniachtchi, St r._QkBnR
Petersburg blitz 2018) 6.exd4 d6 6.a3!
7.♘f3 with equality, Torre-Luther, White is not content with forcing a
Tekirdag 2016. draw with 6.♖b1 ♕xa2 7.♖a1 ♕b2,
5.♘b5 ♘d5 as has happened in many games.
The only defence; 5...♘a6 is bad due Of course, here Black accepts
to 6.a3! ♘d5 7.♖b1 ♕a2. that White can draw if he wants,
which means that normally players
T_L_Ml.t stronger than us will not choose this
jJ_JjJjJ line, since they are risking a draw.
S_._._._ Often it will be players at an equal or
_NjS_._. lower level who will play this line.
._.i.b._ 6...a6
i._.i._. This was thought to be the best
D_I_.iIi defence.
_R_QkBnR   A)  Thanks to the development
of stronger engines, it has been
analysis diagram
discovered that Black can also play
Here White has several ways to 6...♘c3!? 7.♘c7+ ♔d8 8.♕c1 ♕xc1+
win. The main idea is to trap the 9.♖xc1, which was previously
black queen, and the best way considered advantageous to White,
to do this is with 8.c4! (the idea but after the discovery of 9...e5!
8.♖b3 also gives White a decisive
advantage) 8...♘xf4 9.exf4 cxd4 TsLm.l.t
10.♘f3 e6 (if 10...♘c5 11.♘fxd4 e6 jJnJ_JjJ
12.♖c1 a6 13.♘c7+ ♔d8 14.♘xa8) ._._._._
11.♕c1 d3 12.♗xd3 ♗e7 (if 12...♘c5 _.j.j._.
13.♗e2 ♘e4 14.♖a1 ♕b3 15.♘c7+ ._.i.b._
♔d8 16.♘xa8 ♗c5 17.0-0) 13.0-0 i.s.i._.
0-0 14.♖d1 ♘c5 (14...b6 15.♖a1) ._I_.iIi
15.♖b2 and finally the black queen _.r.kBnR
is lost.
analysis diagram

32
 Lesson 2 – The attack on the b2-pawn

things are not so clear and after 9.♖a2) 9.cxd3 d5 (9...♕f6 10.♘c7+
10.♗xe5 d6 11.♘xa8 dxe5 12.dxe5: ♔d8 11.♘xa8; 9...♘a6 10.d4 and the
  A1)  In the only game so far with black queen is doomed) 10.♖b1 ♕f6
this line Black played badly: after 11.♘c7+ ♔d8 12.♘xd5 ♕g6 13.♘f3.
12...b6? 13.♘e2! ♘xe2 14.♗xe2 ♗d7
15.♖d1 ♔c8 White had a clear TsLm.l.t
advan­tage and went on to win in jJ_.jJjJ
Abreu Jaen-Jaquez, Santo Domingo ._._._D_
2016; _._N_._.
  A2)  Also interesting is 12...c4!? ._B_.i._
13.♗xc4 ♗xa3 14.♖a1 (14.♘e2 ♗xc1 i._I_N_.
15.♘xc3 ♘c6 16.♔e2 ♘xe5 17.♖d1+ ._._.iIi
♗d7 18.♗b3 ♗a3 19.♘b5 ♔e7 _R_Qk._R
20.♘ac7) 14...♗b2 15.♖xa7 ♘c6
analysis diagram
16.♖a2! ♘xa2 17.♗xa2 ♗c3+ 18.♔e2
♗a5, with equal play; Here White doesn’t win the rook
  A3)  12...♘c6! gives rise to a com­ but even so, with the black king
plex position: 13.♘e2 ♘xe2 14.♗xe2 stuck in the centre, White has a
♗f5 15.g4 ♗d7 with equal chances. winning advantage.
In general it appears that Black is 7.♖b1 ♕a2 8.♕c1!
holding after 9...e5!. Again, White is not satisfied with
  B)  6...♘xf4? loses after 7.exf4 8.♖a1 ♕b2 9.♖b1.
8...axb5 9.♖a1
TsL_Ml.t
jJ_JjJjJ TsL_Ml.t
._._._._ _J_JjJjJ
_Nj._._. ._._._._
._.i.i._ _JjS_._.
i._._._. ._.i.b._
.dI_.iIi i._.i._.
r._QkBnR D_I_.iIi
analysis diagram r.q.kBnR
7..cxd4 (7...♘a6 8.♗c4 ♘b4 (8...d5 White has trapped the enemy
9.♖a2) 9.axb4 ♕xb4+ 10.c3 ♕xc4 queen, although Black gains consid­
11.♘c7+ ♔d8 12.♘xa8 ♕xc3+ 13.♔f1) erable compensation. The positions
8.♗c4 (not 8.♘c7+? ♔d8 9.♘xa8 that arise from here are difficult
♕c3+ 10.♔e2 b6 and Black wins; to evaluate and complicated to
but another way to win is 8.♖b1 play; although White has some
♕a2 9.♘c7+ ♔d8 10.♘xa8 Breskanu- advantage, converting it isn’t easy.
Sabirov, Bryansk 2019) 8...d3 (8...a6 If this type of position is too

33
The London System in 12 Lessons

complicated for you, there is always analysed in our previous book).

the option of taking the draw or After 13.♕xd4 f6 Black threatens
opting earlier for 3.d5 or 3.dxc5. ...e7-e5.
9...♕xa1 10.♕xa1
T_L_Ml.t
TsL_Ml.t _J_.j.jJ
_J_JjJjJ ._J_.j._
._._._._ _._S_._.
_JjS_._. ._.q.b._
._.i.b._ i._.i._.
i._.i._. ._I_.iIi
._I_.iIi _._.k.nR
q._.kBnR analysis diagram

10...c4?! 14.c4! (the best move; if 14.♘f3!?

A rather dubious idea. ♖xa3? (it’s better to play 14...e5
  A)  Instead, 10...♘xf4?! isn’t good 15.♗xe5 fxe5 16.♕xe5+ ♗e7 17.e4
either, in view of 11.exf4 b4 12.a4 ♘f6 18.0-0∞) 15.0-0.e6 16.♘d2
cxd4 (12...g5 13.dxc5 ♖g8 14.f5! ♗g7 Starke-Schuster, cr 2010) 14...♘xf4
15.♕a2 ♗c3+ 16.♔d1 ♘c6 17.♗c4 e6 (14...e5 15.♗xe5 fxe5 16.♕xe5+ ♘e7
18.♘e2) 13.♗b5 ♘c6 14.♘f3, with 17.♘f3 ♖xa3 18.0-0 leaves White
advantage to White; with a clear advantage, thanks to
  B)  In the original line examined his better development and the
on page 139 of our previous book poor coordination between the
on the London System, Black chose black pieces) 15.exf4 ♖xa3 16.♘e2
10...♘c6, which was based on two (another option is 16.♘f3 e5 17.♕b2
games played by a great theoretician exf4 (17...♗b4+ 18.♕xb4 ♖a1+
of the London System, GM Eric 19.♔d2 ♖xh1 20.fxe5) 18.0-0䩲) 16...
Prié. e5.
11.♗xb5 (11.dxc5?! b4 12.a4 ♘c3
gives Black good play) 11...cxd4 ._L_Ml.t
(worse are 11...♘xd4 12.exd4 _J_._.jJ
♘xf4 13.dxc5 ♘xg2+ 14.♔f1 ♘h4 ._J_.j._
15.♘e2 and 11...♘xf4 12.♗xc6 _._.j._.
bxc6 13.exf4 cxd4 14.♕xd4) ._Iq.i._
12.♗xc6 dxc6!? (a new idea, t._._._.
although it’s slightly better to ._._NiIi
capture with 12...bxc6! 13.♕xd4 f6 _._.k._R
14.c4 ♘xf4 15.exf4 and White stood
analysis diagram
better in the game Prié-Argandoña
Riveiro, San Sebastian 2011,

34
 Lesson 2 – The attack on the b2-pawn

Black must react quickly and nor­ It’s important for Black to protect
mally he lashes out with this. After the b5-pawn, which furthermore
17.♕b2 exf4 18.♘xf4 ♗c5 19.0-0 0-0 protects the one on c4. It’s time
White maintains the advantage, now to make an evaluation of the
although it won’t be easy to realise position.
it, Sesko-Sorensen, cr 2018;
  C)  It has also been discovered that .tL_Ml.t
10...e5!? is good and leads to equal _JsJjJjJ
play: ._._._._
_J_._._.
TsL_Ml.t ._Ji._._
_J_J_JjJ i._.i._.
._._._._ .qI_.iIi
_JjSj._. _._.kBnR
._.i.b._
i._.i._. We can see that for the queen Black
._I_.iIi has rook, bishop and pawn, which
q._.kBnR gives him sufficient compensation;
furthermore there are still a lot of
analysis diagram
pieces left on the board and the
  C1)  11.dxe5 c4 12.♕d4 ♘xf4 position is quite closed: both sides
13.♕xf4 ♗xa3 14.♘f3 ♗b4+ 15.♔e2 are lagging in development.
0-0 (15...d5 16.exd6 0-0 17.g4 ♖a2 White’s pawn on a3 is weak and is
18.♘d4 ♘c6 Bachmann-Ozalp, cr going to be lost after Black plays
2017) 16.g4 ♖a2 17.♘d4 ♘c6 18.♔f3 ...♖a8 and ...e7-e6, so White must
♘xd4+ 19.♕xd4 ♖xc2 20.♕b6 act quickly: if White is able to
Gleichmann-Tinture, cr 2016; take on b5 and c4 he will have the
  C2)  Similar is 11.♗xe5 c4 12.♗xb8 advantage; he also needs to open
(12.♕b2 ♖a5 13.♗xb8 ♗xa3 14.♕b1 lines for the queen and bring his
♘c3 15.♕a1 ♗b4 16.♕b2 ♘d5+ king to safety.
17.♔e2 Starke-Laghetti, cr 2010) 13.a4?!
12...♖xa3 13.♕b2 (13.♕b1!? ♗b4+ It was better to play 13.d5! ♖a8
14.c3 ♖xc3 15.♔d1 ♖xe3 16.♕f5 ♖e1+ 14.♘f3 ♘xd5 (if 14...e6 15.d6! ♗xd6
17.♔c2 ♖xf1 18.♕xd5 ♖xf2+ 19.♔d1 16.♕xg7) 15.♕xb5 e6 16.♗xc4
0-0, again with a balanced position ♘f6 17.0-0䩲.
in Sesko-Dard, cr 2016) 13...♗b4+ 13...d5 14.axb5 ♗d7 15.b6 ♘b5
14.♔e2 ♖a2 15.♕c1 ♗a3 16.♕d2 16.♘f3?
♗b4 17.♕c1 ♗a3 ½-½ Guilliard- A bad move; it was better to
Schwerteck, Lauffen am Neckar play either 16.g4! e6 17.♗g2 ♗a3
2011. 18.♕b1䩲 or 16.♘e2 e6 17.g3 ♗a3
11.♗xb8! ♖xb8 12.♕b2 ♘c7 18.♕b1 0-0䩲.

35
The London System in 12 Lessons

16...f6?
T_._._.t
16...e6 was better, e.g. 17.c3 ♖a8
_J_Lm.jJ
18.♗e2 ♖a3 19.0-0.♘xc3 and if
anyone is better I think it’s Black.
.i._Jj._
17.e4?!
_._J_._.
This move loses the advantage. ._JiSq._
Instead, 17.g3! was better, e.g. 17... _.l._Ni.
e6 18.♗h3 (threatening 19.♗xe6) ._I_BiKi
18...♗a3 19.♕b1 ♔f7 20.0-0.♖a8 _._._._R
21.♘d2 ♘c3 22.♕e1 ♗b2 23.f4䩲. 25...g5!
17...e6 18.♗e2? Black restricts the possible activity
A further mistake, leaving White in of the white queen.
a difficult position. It was essential 26.♕c7?
to play 18.exd5 exd5 19.c3 ♖a8 White falls into the trap. He wants
20.♗e2 ♖a3 21.0-0.♘xc3 22.♘e1!, to free his position and gain some
with an equal game. activity but, as we’ll see, this move
18...♗a3 19.♕b1 loses the queen; it was necessary to
Here 19.♕a1 was better, although retreat with 26.♕e3, although Black
Black already has a clear advantage maintains a winning advantage
after 19...♗b4+ 20.♘d2 0-0 21.♕c1. after 26...♖a2 27.♗d1 h5.
19...♘c3 20.♕a1 ♗b4 26...♖hc8 27.♕xb7 ♘d6
Finally, the white queen is also lost
.t._M_.t and the game is over.
_J_L_.jJ 28.♕xa8 ♖xa8 29.h4 g4 30.♘h2 h5
.i._Jj._ 31.f3 f5 32.fxg4 fxg4 33.♖b1 ♖b8
_._J_._. 34.♘f1 ♗xd4 0-1
.lJiI_._
_.s._N_. Game 2  Benoni defence
._I_BiIi Jiri Stocek 2560
q._.k._R David Navara 2732
Ostrava ch-CZE 2017 (4)
Black’s position is now winning.
21.♔f1 1.d4 ♘f6 2.♗f4 e6 3.e3 c5 4.♘f3
If 21.exd5 0-0! 22.dxe6 ♗xe6, or The most common move here; you
21.♕b2 ♘a2+ 22.♔f1 ♖a8. can also play 4.♘d2 ♕b6 5.♘c4!,
21...♘xe4 22.g3 ♔e7 or 4.c3 ♕b6 5.♘a3 or 5.♕b3, with
It was slightly better to play 22...0-0 advantage to White.
or 22...♗c3. 4...♕b6
23.♔g2 ♖a8 24.♕c1 ♗c3 Once again an early attack on the
Stronger was 24...♖a2!. b2-point. It’s a similar idea to the
25.♕f4 previous game but one move later

36
 Lesson 11 – Latest theoretical developments in the London System

This allows the exchange of queens, (7.♗xd6 ♕xd6 8.dxc5 ♕xc5 9.♕d4
although 32...♔f6 33.♕d6+ ♔g7 ♕xd4 10.cxd4䩲) 7...a6 8.dxc5 ♕xc5
34.♕d4+ ♔f8 35.a4 was equally 9.♗xd6 ♕xd6 10.♕d4䩲.
hopeless. 6...♘f6 7.♘bd2 ♘bd7
33.♕d5 It’s more normal to castle first:
The simplest, exchanging queens. 7...0-0 8.♗d3 ♘bd7.
The ending will be won without 8.♗d3 0-0
any problems, so Black resigned. In the previous game we saw the
idea of dxc5 and various other
Game 44  Systems with ...d7-d5 and options for White. Now let’s study
...e7-e6 the most popular move, 8.♗d3.
J. Deepan Chakkravarthy 2557
Kumar Reddy Poluri Bharat 2270 T_L_.tM_
Mumbai 2019 (5) jJdS_JjJ
._.lJs._
1.d4 e6 2.c3!? _.jJ_._.
A peculiar move-order and not ._.i._._
the most appropriate one, but by _.iBiNb.
transposition we soon end up in Ii.n.iIi
the normal variation of the London r._Qk._R
System that we are studying. The
usual move-order would be 2.♗f4 9.♕c2!?
♘f6 3.e3 d5 4.♘d2 c5 5.c3 ♗d6 An interesting idea, to try to
6.♗g3 (6.♘gf3!?; 6.♗b5+!?) 6...0-0 complicate the game slightly. Other
7.♘gf3 ♕c7. moves lead to quieter and more
2...d5 3.♗f4 ♗d6 4.♗g3 c5 5.e3 ♕c7!? balanced positions:
More normal would be the move-   A)  9.0-0 b6 (or 9...e5 10.♘xe5 ♘xe5
order 5...♘f6 6.♘d2 0-0 7.♘gf3. 11.dxe5 ♗xe5 12.♗h4!? (12.♗xe5
♕xe5) 12...♗g4 (12...♗xh2+ 13.♔h1
TsL_M_St ♘g4 14.♗e2 h5 15.g3 ♘xe3 16.fxe3
jJd._JjJ ♗xg3 17.♘f3䩲) 13.♗e2 ♗xe2 14.♕xe2
._.lJ_._ ♖ae8 (14...♗xh2+ 15.♔h1) 15.♖ac1
_.jJ_._. h6 16.♘f3䩲) 10.e4 (or 10.♗xd6 ♕xd6
._.i._._ 11.♖e1 ♗b7 12.e4 dxe4 13.♘xe4
_.i.i.b. Kindermann-Adams, Germany
Ii._.iIi Bundesliga 2017/18) 10...♗xg3
rN_QkBnR 11.hxg3 dxe4 12.♘xe4 ♗b7 13.♕e2
So-Carlsen, Internet blitz 2017;
6.♘f3   B)  9.♕e2!? e5 10.dxe5 ♘xe5
White could exploit Black’s move- 11.♘xe5 ♗xe5 Abasov-Dominguez
order by playing 6.♕g4! g6 7.♘a3 Perez, Khanty-Mansiysk 2019;

205
The London System in 12 Lessons

  C)  9.♗xd6 ♕xd6 10.0-0 e5 11.dxe5

T_L_.tM_
♘xe5 12.♘xe5 ♕xe5 13.♖e1 ♖d8
jJdS_Jj.
(13...♕c7 14.e4 dxe4 15.♘xe4 ♘xe4
16.♗xe4 h6 Sevian-Nihal, Internet
._.lJs.j
blitz 2019) 14.h3 ♗f5 15.♕c2 ♗xd3
_.jJ_._.
16.♕xd3 Berkes-Howell, Budva tt ._.i._._
2019; _.iBiNb.
  D)  9.e4?! cxd4 10.cxd4 dxe4 IiQn.iIi
11.♘xe4 ♘xe4 12.♗xe4 ♘f6 13.♗d3 r._._Rk.
♕a5+ So-Carlsen, Internet blitz 10...e5
2017. The typical reaction and the one
9...h6 that Black aims for. 10...b6 has
A normal reaction, but there are also been played: 11.♗xd6 ♕xd6
several options for Black in this 12.♖ad1!? (12.♖fe1 and 12.a4
position: would be normal, but 12.e4?! is
  A)  9...♗xg3 10.hxg3 h6 11.0-0 b6 dubious, e.g. 12...dxe4 (12...cxd4!
(11...e5 12.dxe5 ♘xe5 13.♘xe5 ♕xe5 13.cxd4 dxe4 14.♘xe4 ♕d5䩱)
14.c4 Grebnev-Ponomarev, Sochi 13.♘xe4 ♕c7 14.dxc5 bxc5 15.♖fe1
jr 2019) 12.b3 ♗b7 13.♖fc1 ♕d6 Dzagnidze-Galoyan, Batumi 2003)
14.a4; 12...♗b7 13.♖fe1 ♖ac8 Chernyshov-
  B)  9...♖d8 10.♗xd6 ♕xd6 11.0-0 Mamedjarova, Abu Dhabi 2005.
b6 12.♖fd1 h6 13.a4 a5 14.h3 ♗b7; 11.dxe5
  C)  9...b6 10.♗xd6 ♕xd6 11.0-0 White has an interesting alternative
♗b7 12.a4 ♖ac8; in 11.e4 dxe4 12.♘xe4 ♘xe4
  D)  9...e5 10.dxe5 ♘xe5 11.♘xe5 13.♗xe4 exd4 14.cxd4 ♗xg3 15.hxg3
♗xe5 12.♘f3 (an improvement ♕b6 16.a4, with equal chances.
would be 12.♗h4! h6 13.♘f3 ♖e8 11...♘xe5 12.♘xe5 ♗xe5 13.c4
14.0-0 c4 15.♗xf6 ♗xf6 16.♗e2 g6 Trying to unbalance the pawn
17.♕d2 ♗e6 18.♖fd1䩲) 12...♗xg3 structure. The other pawn break
13.hxg3 h6 14.c4 ♗e6 Vachier- 13.e4 has also been played: 13...♗xg3
Lagrave-Dominguez Perez, Internet 14.hxg3 ♗e6 15.♖fe1 Erdogdu-
blitz 2018. Tilicheev, Halkidiki tt 2019.
10.0-0
This is better than 10.♖d1?! ♗xg3
T_L_.tM_
11.hxg3 e5 (11...b6 12.0-0 ♗b7䩱)
jJd._Jj.
12.dxe5 ♘xe5 13.♘xe5 ♕xe5 Zhou ._._.s.j
Jianchao-Vallejo Pons, China _.jJl._.
tt 2018, while 10.♗xd6 leads to ._I_._._
equality after 10...♕xd6 11.0-0 e5 _._Bi.b.
12.dxe5 ♘xe5 13.♘xe5 ♕xe5 14.c4 IiQn.iIi
Eden-Cotonnec, Paris 2019. r._._Rk.

206
 Lesson 11 – Latest theoretical developments in the London System

13...♗xg3 14.hxg3 ♗e6

Here 14...dxc4 also leads to equal ._.t._M_
play: 15.♗xc4 (15.♘xc4 ♗e6 16.♗e2 _._._.j.
b6 17.b3 ♖ac8 18.♖fd1) 15...b6 Jj._J_.j
16.♖fd1 ♕e7 17.♗e2 ♗e6 18.a4 ♖ac8 i.j._._.
19.♘c4 ♖fd8 20.♗f3. .s._._._
15.cxd5 ♘xd5 16.a3 ♖fd8 17.♘f3 ♖ac8 _._.iNi.
Objectively the position is equal, .i._.iI_
although that doesn’t mean there _.r._.k.
is no play, since the pawn structure
isn’t symmetrical and there are still 26...b5
plenty of pieces left on the board. It was possible capture the pawn
18.♗c4 with 26...bxa5 27.♘e5 (27.♖xc5
A normal continuation would have ♖d1+ 28.♔h2 ♘d3) 27...♖d2 28.b3
been 18.♖ac1 ♕b6 19.♖fd1 ♘f6. (28.♘c4 ♖xf2 29.♔xf2 ♘d3+ 30.♔e2
18...♕e7 19.♖fd1 a6 20.a4!? ♘xc1+ 31.♔d2 ♘b3+ 32.♔c2 a4
This move is interesting, as 33.♘b6 ♘a5 34.♘xa4 ♘b7; 28.♖xc5
although it gives up the b4-square, ♖xb2 29.♖xa5 ♖b1+ 30.♔h2 ♖b2)
this won’t be very useful for Black 28...♖b2 29.♖xc5 ♖b1+ 30.♔h2 ♖xb3
and it’s much better to prevent the 31.♖xa5 ♖b2.
advance ...b7-b5. Black can also equalise with
26...♘d3 27.♖d1 bxa5 28.♘e5 ♖d5
._Tt._M_ 29.♘xd3 (29.♖xd3 ♖xe5) 29...c4.
_J_.dJj. 27.♖xc5 ♖d1+ 28.♔h2
J_._L_.j
_.jS_._. ._._._M_
I_B_._._ _._._.j.
_._.iNi. J_._J_.j
.iQ_.iI_ iJr._._.
r._R_.k. .s._._._
_._.iNi.
20...♘b4 21.♕e4 b6 22.♖ac1 ♕f6 .i._.iIk
23.♗xe6 ♕xe6 24.♕xe6 fxe6 _._T_._.
Objectively the ending is equal,
although the e6-pawn is isolated 28...♖b1?!
and a bit weak. This move is an inaccuracy.
25.♖xd8+ ♖xd8 26.a5!? Black could equalise without
Trying to weaken the black pawn many problems with either
chain, but it was better to centralise 28...♖f1 29.♖c8+ ♔h7 30.♖e8 ♖xf2
the king with 26.♔f1. 31.♖xe6 ♖xb2, or 28...♘d3 29.♖c6

207
The London System in 12 Lessons

♘xf2 30.g4 ♘xg4+ 31.♔g3 ♘xe3

32.♖xa6. ._._._M_
29.♘d4 _._._.j.
It was better to play 29.♖c8+ ♔h7 J_._._.j
30.g4 ♖xb2 31.♔g3 ♖a2 32.♖e8 ♖xa5 iJ_RiI_.
33.♖xe6 ♔g8 34.g5 hxg5 35.♘xg5 ._.j._._
♔f8 36.♖b6 ♘d3 37.f4, with a slight _._._.i.
advantage to White. T_._._Ik
29...♖xb2 30.f4 ♘d5 31.f5!? _._._._.
Slightly better was 31.e4 ♘e3
32.♖c8+ ♔f7 33.♖c7+ ♔g8 34.♘xe6 34...♖e2?
♖xg2+ 35.♔h3 g5 36.fxg5 ♖g1 This move leads to defeat. It
37.g4 hxg5 38.♖a7 ♘xg4 39.♖xa6 loses a decisive tempo and in the
b4 40.♘xg5 ♘e5, making it more endgame this can cost dearly. Black
difficulty for Black to reach a could have drawn with 34...b4! (or
draw. 34...♔f8) 35.♖xd4 (35.e6 ♔f8)
35...♖xa5 36.♖d8+ (36.♖xb4 ♖xe5;
._._._M_ 36.e6 ♔f8 37.g4 b3 38.♖d8+ ♔e7
_._._.j. 39.♖d7+ ♔f8) 36...♔f7 37.e6+ ♔e7
J_._J_.j 38.♖d7+ ♔f8 39.♖f7+ ♔g8.
iJrS_I_. 35.e6 b4
._.n._._ Or 35...g6 36.g4 gxf5 37.gxf5 ♔g7
_._.i.i. 38.♔g3 ♔f6 39.♔f3 d3 40.g4! but
.t._._Ik not 40.♖xd3? ♖e5! 41.g4 h5.
_._._._. 36.♖xd4
It was more precise to sideline the
31...e5 black king first with 36.♖d8+ ♔h7
Here 31...♘xe3 would also lead to 37.♖xd4 ♖e5 38.g4 h5 (38...♖xa5
equality: 32.fxe6 ♘g4+ 33.♔h3 ♘f2+ 39.♖e4) 39.♔g3.
34.♔h4 (34.♔h2 ♘g4+) 34...♖b1 36...b3
35.♖c8+ ♔h7 36.g4 ♘e4 37.g5! Slightly better was 36...g6! 37.♖xb4
hxg5+ 38.♔g4 ♔g6. gxf5 38.♖b6 ♔g7 39.♖xa6 ♔f6
32.♖xd5 exd4 33.e4 40.e7+ ♔xe7 41.♖xh6 ♖a2 42.a6,
The best practical chance. If although White should still win
33.♖xd4 then 33...♖a2 34.e4 ♖xa5 this ending.
35.e5 (35.♖d5 ♖a4) 35...b4. 37.♖d8+ ♔h7 38.♖b8 b2 39.g4 g6
33...♖a2 40.♔g3
Or 33...♖d2 34.♖d6 d3 35.♖xa6 ♖e2 Here 40.♖b7+ ♔g8 41.♔g3 was more
36.♖d6 ♖xe4 37.♖xd3 ♖a4. accurate, winning easily.
34.e5 40...♔g7

208
 Lesson 11 – Latest theoretical developments in the London System

The only move to draw. The king

.r._._._ needs to become active and seek
_._._.m. shelter from White’s checks.
J_._I_Jj 48.♖xa6 ♖e2 49.♖a8 ♔h4
i._._I_. 49...♔h5 was also drawing, e.g. 50.a6
._._._I_ (50.♖g8 ♖a2) 50...♖xg2 51.♔c5
_._._.k. (51.a7 ♖a2) 51...♖g5+ 52.♔c6 ♖g6+.
.j._T_I_ 50.a6
_._._._.
R_._._._
41.♔f3? _._._._.
An error that spoils the advantage. I_._._.j
And once again it’s a demonstration _._._._.
that rook endings are very difficult ._.k._.m
to play well. _._._._.
White could have won with 41.♔f4! ._._T_I_
♖f2+ (41...♖xg2 42.♖b7+ ♔g8 43.f6; _._._._.
41...gxf5 42.gxf5 ♖f2+ 43.♔e5
♖e2+ 44.♔d6 ♔f6 45.g4) 42.♔e3 50...♖xg2??
(42.♔e5 ♖e2+) 42...♖f1 (42...♖c2 Black makes a fatal slip, just when
43.e7; 42...♖xg2 43.e7) 43.♖xb2 gxf5 there were several moves to draw,
44.♖b6! (44.gxf5 ♖xf5) 44...fxg4 e.g. 50...♖a2 51.♔c5 (if 51.a7 ♖a4+
45.♖xa6 ♔f6 46.e7+ ♔xe7 47.♖xh6 52.♔c5 ♖a6 53.♔b5 ♖a2 54.g3+ ♔h3
♖a1 48.a6. 55.♔b6 ♖b2+ 56.♔c7 ♖c2+ 57.♔d6
41...♖e5! ♖a2) 51...♖c2+ 52.♔b6 ♖b2+ 53.♔a7
With this move Black manages to ♖xg2! 54.♖h8 h5 55.♔b7 ♖b2+
equalise the game once again. 56.♔a8 ♔g4 57.a7 h4 58.♖b8 ♖a2
42.♖xb2 gxf5 43.gxf5 ♖xf5+ 44.♔e4 59.♔b7 h3 60.a8♕ ♖xa8 61.♖xa8 h2
♔f6! 45.e7 ♖e5+ 46.♔d4 ♖xe7 62.♖h8 ♔g3.
47.♖b6+ 51.♖h8! ♖g4+
If 51...♖a2 then 52.♖xh6+ ♔g5
._._._._ 53.♖c6 ♔f5 54.♔c5 ♔e5 55.♔b6
_._.t._. ♔d5 56.♔b7, or 51...♖g6 52.a7.
Jr._.m.j 52.♔e5 ♖g7 53.♖xh6+ ♔g5 54.♖h1
i._._._. And Black resigned, since the black
._.k._._ king is cut off and after 54...♖a7
_._._._. 55.♖a1 White wins by bringing his
._._._I_ king across to support the a-pawn.
_._._._.
We’re going to finish this chapter
47...♔g5! with an interesting idea discovered

209
 The London System in 12 Lessons

only a few years ago, one which

could catch a London System player T_LdMlSt
off guard. jJ_.j.jJ
._S_.j._
Game 45  Caro-Kann (Exchange _._J_._.
Variation) ._.i.b._
Ferenc Berkes 2649 _.i._._.
Kaare Hove Kristensen 2350 Ii._.iIi
Gilleleje 2020 (3)
rN_QkBnR
1.d4 d5 2.♗f4 c5 3.e3 A new line, which has been called
In this move-order it’s important the Apeldoorn Variation. It seems
to keep in mind the interesting that the idea originates with the
Morris Gambit 3.e4, which we Dutch GM Erwin l’Ami, who shared
covered on page 183-186 in our it with IM Merijn van Delft, who in
previous book on the London turn showed it to a group of players
System. In the event of 3.c3 cxd4 at the Apeldoorn club, who then
4.cxd4 we’re in the Exchange began to study and play it.
Variation of the Slav Defence. In Yearbook 131 Van Delft published
3...♘c6 an article on this variation, which
The most precise move-order is gaining supporters. It can be
for Black if he wants to play this unpleasant to face for any London
variation is probably 3...cxd4 4.exd4 System player who isn’t prepared for
♘c6 5.c3 f6. This position can also it. Black’s idea is to profit from not
arise from the Caro-Kann Exchange having played ...♘f6 and to look for
Variation. alternatives which are not possible
4.c3 in the normal variation of the Caro-
The most common move in this Kann Exchange.
move-order. White can also play Another interesting move is 5...♗f5.
4.♘f3 or 4.♘c3. White then has several options:
4...cxd4 5.exd4
White could recapture with the T_.dMlSt
c-pawn (5.cxd4), again transposing jJ_.jJjJ
to the Slav Exchange, which is why ._S_._._
it’s best for Black to exchange on _._J_L_.
d4 on move 3, which avoids this ._.i.b._
variation. _.i._._.
The same position can also arise Ii._.iIi
from 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 cxd5 rN_QkBnR
4.c3 (4.♗d3 ♘c6 5.c3) 4...♘c6 5.♗f4.
analysis diagram
5...f6!?

210
 Lesson 11 – Latest theoretical developments in the London System

  A)  6.♘d2 e6 7.♘gf3 ♘f6 (7...♗d6

8.♗xd6 ♕xd6 9.♘h4 ♗g6䩲 Duda- T_.dM_.t
Artemiev, Moscow blitz 2019) and jJ_._JjJ
now: ._SlJs._
  A1)  8.♗e2 ♗d6 (8...h6 9.0-0 ♗d6 _._J_L_.
10.♗xd6 ♕xd6 11.♖e1 (11.♘b3!? ._.i.b._
0-0 12.♖e1) 11...0-0 12.a4 a5 _Qi._N_.
13.♕b3 Kamsky-Bartel, Germany Ii.n.iIi
Bundesliga 2019/20) 9.♗xd6 r._.kB_R
♕xd6 10.♘h4 (10.0-0 0-0 11.♖e1
analysis diagram
♖fc8 12.♘b3䩲 Hobber-Savanovic,
Stockholm 2019/20) 10...♗e4   A31)  9.♕xb7 ♗xf4 10.♕xc6+
(10...0-0 11.0-0 ♖fe8 12.♖e1 ♗e4 ♔f8 11.♘e5! (better than 11.g3
13.a4 a6 14.♘hf3) 11.0-0 0-0 ♗d6 (11...♗xd2+ 12.♘xd2 g6?!
(11...g5!? 12.♘hf3 ♗xf3 13.♘xf3 (12...g5?! 13.♕a6䩲 Swayams-Shyam,
g4 14.♘e5 ♘xe5 15.dxe5 ♕xe5 Pardubice 2018; 12...h5; 12...♖b8)
16.♕a4+䩲 Nguyen Ngoc Truong 13.♗g2 (13.♕a6䩲) 13...♔g7 14.0-0?
Son-Naiditsch, Riyadh rapid 2017) (14.♕a6䩲) 14...♕b8 Artemiev-
12.f3 ♗g6 13.♘xg6 hxg6 14.f4 Shirov, Moscow 2016) 12.♘h4 ♖b8
Karakehajov-Paichadze, Turkey tt 13.♘xf5 exf5 Palchun-Kobalia,
2011; St Petersburg 2017) 11...g6 (or
  A2)  8.♘h4 ♗g4 (8...♗e4 9.♘xe4 11...♗xd2+ 12.♔xd2 ♖b8 13.♕c5+
♘xe4 10.♘f3 ♗d6 11.♗xd6 ♕xd6 ♔g8 14.♕xa7 (14.♔e1!?䩲) 14...♖xb2+?
12.♗d3䩲 Kramnik-Topalov, (14...h6) 15.♔c1 ♖c2+ 16.♔d1 h5
Paris blitz 2016) 9.♕b3 (9.♘hf3 17.♘c6 Gorodetzky-Parligras, Riga
♗d6 10.♗xd6 ♕xd6 11.♗d3 0-0 rapid 2019) 12.♕b7!? (12.♘df3 ♔g7
12.0-0) 9...♗d6 (9...♕d7 10.♗d3 13.♕b7 ♖f8 14.♗d3 ♖b8 15.♕xa7
♗e7 11.♘hf3 0-0䩲 Grabinsky- ♖xb2 16.0-0 ♖b8) 12...♗xe5
Pavasovic, PRO League rapid 2017) 13.dxe5 ♘g4 (or 13...♘d7 14.b4?
10.♗xd6 ♕xd6 11.h3 (11.♕xb7 (14.g4! ♖b8 (14...♗xg4? 15.♕b4+)
♖b8; 11.♗d3!?) 11...♗h5 12.♗d3 15.♕xa7 ♗xg4 16.♕d4) 14...♘xe5
(12.g4?! ♗g6 13.♘xg6 hxg6 14.♗g2䩱 Nilsson-Hector, Växjö 2020) 14.♘f3
Tang-Cheng, PRO League rapid ♔g7 (14...♗e4? 15.h3 ♘h6 16.♘d4
2019) 12...0-0-0 13.♗b5∞ Wang Gorodetzky-Krstulovic, Budapest
Hao-Gelfand, St Petersburg rapid 2019) 15.h3 ♘h6 16.♘d4 ♖b8
2018; 17.♕xa7 ♖xb2䩲 Buckels-Hector,
  A3)  8.♕b3 ♗d6!? (or 8...♕c8 9.♘h4 Germany Bundesliga 2019/20.
♗e4 10.♘xe4 ♘xe4 11.♘f3 ♗d6 The alternatives are inferior:
12.♗xd6 ♘xd6 13.♗d3䩲 Sjugirov-   A32)  9.♗xd6 ♕xd6 10.♗e2 0-0
Robson, Internet blitz 2020; 11.0-0 ♖ab8 (11...♘e4 12.♘xe4
8...♕d7!?) ♗xe4 Gholami-Vaishali, Ortisei

211
The London System in 12 Lessons

2018) 12.a4 Bachmann-Hong, ♘xe5 14.♗xe5 ♖ac8 15.a4䩲;

Philadelphia 2017; 12...♖d8 13.a4 ♗d6 14.♗xd6 ♖xd6䩲
  A33)  9.♗g3 ♗xg3 10.hxg3 ♕e7 Grachev-Paravyan, Moscow blitz
(10...♕d6 11.♕xb7 ♖b8 12.♕a6 0-0 2018) 13.♘xe4 (13.♖ad1) 13...♗xe4
Caruana-Grischuk, Paris rapid 14.♘d2 (14.♘e5!?) 14...♗g6 15.a4
2018) 11.♗b5 0-0 12.♗xc6 bxc6 a5 (15...♖d8 16.a5 ♗d6 17.♗xd6
13.♕a4 c5 14.♕a3 ♖fc8 Pähtz- ♖xd6 18.♕a3䩲 Kamsky-Shirov, St
Khademalsharieh, Internet blitz Petersburg rapid 2018) 16.♘b1 ♖d8
2020. 17.♘a3 ♗d6 18.♗xd6 ♖xd6 19.♘b5䩲
  B)  Although played quite a lot, Grachev-Shirov, St Petersburg blitz
6.♕b3 gives White nothing: 2018) 8.♕xb7 (or 8.♗xd6 ♕xd6
9.♘bd2 ♘f6 10.♗e2 0-0) 8...♗xf4
T_.dMlSt 9.♕xc6+ ♔f8 10.♘bd2 (10.♘e5? ♘e7
jJ_.jJjJ 11.♕a4? (11.♕c5䩱) 11...♗xe5 12.dxe5
._S_._._ ♕b8 Kabanov-Tomashevsky, Sochi
_._J_L_. 2018) 10...g6 (10...♖b8 11.♕a4 ♘e7
._.i.b._ Dolukhanova-Vitenberg, Kragero
_Qi._._. 2019) 11.g3 (11.♘b3!?) 11...♗xd2+
Ii._.iIi 12.♘xd2 ♖b8. So in general, Black
rN_.kBnR gains good compensation with the
sacrifice of the b7-pawn.
analysis diagram

6...♕d7! 7.♘d2 (7.♘a3!?; 7.♘f3 f6!?) The main line of the Caro-Kann
7...e6 (7...f6!?) 8.♘gf3 f6!?. This Exchange Variation would be 5...♘f6
position arose from a Caro-Kann in 6.♗d3, although there White has
Spielmann-Nimzowitsch, Karlsbad good prospects of gaining a slight
1923, Game 5 in Nimzowitsch’s advantage.
book Chess Praxis; further proof, if
it be needed, that ‘there is nothing T_LdMlSt
new under the sun’. Naroditsky- jJ_.j.jJ
Erdös, St Louis 2019, continued ._S_.j._
9.h4; _._J_._.
  C)  6.♗d3 ♗xd3 7.♕xd3 leads to ._.i.b._
very equal play, e.g. 7...e6 8.♘f3 ♗d6 _.i._._.
9.♗xd6 ♕xd6 10.0-0 ♘ge7 (10...♘f6) Ii._.iIi
11.♘bd2 0-0 12.♖fe1 Geller- rN_QkBnR
Pultinevicius, Internet blitz 2020;
  D)  6.♘f3 e6 7.♕b3 ♗d6!? (the 6.♗g3!?
normal move is 7...♕c8, e.g. 8.♗e2 A prophylactic retreat.
♗e7 9.0-0 ♘f6 10.h3 h6 11.♘bd2   A)  Black’s main idea with ...f7-
0-0 12.♖fe1 ♘e4!? (12...♕d7 13.♘e5 f6 can be seen after the natural

212