Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...Nf6/2. Bf4/2...e6/3. e3

London System Indian Setup with 2. Bf4 e6

Indian Defence with 2. Bf4 - 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/4pn2/8/3P1B2/4P3/PPP2PPP/RN1QKBNR b
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 e6 3. e3
Parent: Queens Pawn Opening

After 3. e3, White aims for a solid, unbreakable center and potential queenside expansion, while Black seeks to challenge the center and develop harmoniously, keeping multiple pawn breaks and piece maneuvers in mind. After the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 e6 3. e3, both sides have committed to certain pawn structures and plans:

White's Position and Plans:

1. Pawn Structure & Central Control:
   • White's pawn chain (d4-e3) is solid and tough to break. This setup supports the dark-squared bishop on f4 and restricts Black's pawn breaks.
2. Piece Activity:
   • The Bf4 targets the d6 square and is also out of the pawn chain, ensuring its active participation in the game.
3. Plans:
   • Development and King Safety: Nf3 and Bd3 are natural moves, followed by O-O.
   • Queenside Play: With the center secure, White can consider a queenside expansion with c4 (often after Nbd2), possibly followed by Qb3, Rc1, and a3-b4.
   • Center Control: Maintaining the pawn on d4 and preventing ...e5 or ...c5 breaks.
   • King's Side Attack: If Black fianchettoes the king's side, h2-h3 followed by g2-g4 can be a pawn storm plan.

Black's Position and Plans:

1. Pawn Structure & Central Control:
   • Black's ...e6 provides support for a potential ...d5 pawn break, directly challenging White's center.
2. Piece Activity:
   • The Nf6 is well placed, pressurizing the e4 square.
3. Plans:
   • Central Breaks: ...d5 is the most straightforward plan to challenge White's central structure.
   • Bishop Development: The light-squared bishop can be developed to d6, challenging White's Bf4, or to e7. An alternative plan involves a fianchetto setup with ...b6 and ...Bb7.
   • Queenside Play: ...c5 can be an effective pawn break to challenge the center and open lines for the rooks and queen.
   • King's Side Play: If White overextends on the kingside, counterplay with ...Nh5 can challenge the Bf4 or ...f5 can be considered in some setups.
   • Knight Maneuvers: The knight on b8 can be developed to d7 or c6 based on the requirements of the position.

Theory table

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

1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 e6 3. e3

	3
(to) London System Main Position with e6	... d5	=

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.