Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...Nf6/2. Bf4/2...e6

London System
a b c d e f g h 8 8 7 7 6 6 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 a b c d e f g h
Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN) rnbqkb1r/pppp1ppp/4pn2/8/3P1B2/8/PPP1PPPP/RN1QKBNR w
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 e6

London System Indian Setup with early Bf4 and Black ...e6

A modernized approach is to delay the development of the Knight to f3 until after the development of the Dark Square Bishop (DSB) to f4 in the London System lies in a few key areas. The Indian Setup with ...e6 in the London System represents a flexible and adaptive approach for Black against the London. When White opts for the London System by playing 1.d4 and 2.Bf4, the setup with ...Nf6 and ...e6 allows Black to keep multiple options open for further development.

Benefits

• Flexibility: By developing the DSB to f4 first, the player maintains flexibility in knight placement. This can be particularly useful in responses to unexpected opening moves by the opponent. For instance, the knight may be better placed on e2 or d2 depending on the opponent's setup.
  • Pawn Structure & Central Control:
    • White's d4 pawn, supported by the Bf4 bishop, grants a slight central space advantage.
    • Black's ...e6 provides the option for a central break with ...d5, directly challenging White's central structure.
  • Piece Activity:
    • White's Bf4 is actively placed and targets the d6 square.
    • Black's Nf6 challenges the e4 square, discouraging immediate pawn advances by White.
  • Plans and Strategies:
    • White often proceeds with Nf3, e3, and Bd3 to complete development and ensure central control.
    • Black has several plans, including playing ...d5 for a symmetrical structure or opting for a double fianchetto with ...b6 and ...g6.
  • Key Imbalances:
    • If Black chooses ...d5 and exchanges occur on d5, the resulting pawn structure becomes symmetrical, shifting the game's dynamics towards piece activity and coordination

• Control Over Key Squares: The DSB placed on f4 controls the e5 square, a critical central square. This can prevent the opponent from easily establishing a strong central pawn duo or knight outpost. Meanwhile, delaying the knight's development means that the e5 square is not blocked and can be contested by pawns if necessary.
• Defensive Potential: The DSB on f4 can contribute to the defense of the king, especially if the player decides to castle kingside. This can be essential in fending off early attacking attempts by the opponen

Drawbacks

• Delayed Knight Development: A potential drawback of this strategy is that it delays the development of the Knight to f3, which can slow down overall piece development and the ability to castle. This could potentially lead to a disadvantage in the opening, especially if the opponent is fast in their development.
• Potential Weakness: Delaying the knight development could also potentially leave the d4 pawn weak if the opponent attacks it early. The knight on f3 often helps in defending this pawn in the early stages of the game.

Conclusion

Like any strategic decision in chess, the decision to delay the development of the Knight to f3 until after the DSB to f4 in the London System depends on the specific position, the player's understanding of the position, and their overall game strategy. It's a decision that offers both potential benefits and drawbacks, and understanding these can help a player make the best decision for their specific situation.

Theory table

For explanation of theory tables, see theory table and for notation, see algebraic notation..

1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 e6

	2
(to) London System Main Position with e6	... e3	=

References

• chess.com - Indian Game: London System - Chess Openings
• 365chess.com - London System Opening Complete Guide - 365Chess
• stackexchange.com - opening - Battling the London System - Chess Stack
• Chess Opening Crash Course: The London System
• Win with the London System. 2005. Sverre Johnsen, Vlatko Kovačević. ISBN 1-9046-0035-2.