Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...Nf6/2. Nc3/2...d5/3. Bf4

Jobava London
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/ppp1pppp/5n2/3p4/3P1B2/2N5/PPP1PPPP/R2QKBNR b
Moves: 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4

Jobava London

Sometimes referred to as the Rapport-Jobava System. This opening serves as a good surprise weapon against unprepared opponents, and in the worst case, equalizes. White often plans to threaten a knight fork on the c7 square after Nb5, usually played on the fourth or fifth move. Black typically challenges the center immediately with 3...c5 and trades their c-pawn for White's e-pawn. Alternatively, Black often plays the 3...a6 Anti-Jobava to control the b5 square or the natural 3...e6 development move. Black may also attempt 3...Bf5, developing the light-squared bishop before playing 4...e6, but it gives White an opportunity to launch a pawn storm with a tempo on the bishop through a well-timed g4 push (usually after White plays f3 or Ne5, protecting the g4 square).

Theory table

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

1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4

3	4
... c5	e3 cxd4
... a6	e3 e6
... e6	Nb5 Na6
... Bf5	f3 e6