The London in Five

Part of the Playing Real Games section of Coddy's Chess journey. Lesson 16 of 40.

Prefer 1.d4? The London System is the same idea: the same five moves against nearly everything - d4, Nf3, Bf4, e3, c3 - then Nbd2, Bd3 and castle. The one rule that makes it work: the dark bishop comes out to f4 before e3 shuts the door on it.

Try it yourselfBeginner

Position 1 of 9

WatchFive moves, then three more, and the London is built.

The starting position.

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All 9 positions

All lessons in Playing Real Games

1Think Before You Move

What Did That Move Change?Checks, Captures, Threats The Landing Square The Blunder Check Two Candidates, Not One Recap: Think Before You Move

4Your First Answers as Black

1...e5 Against Everything The Four-Move Mate, for Good 1...d5 Against 1.d4 Play It Out as Black Recap: Your First Answers

7The Rules of Play

Draws in Practice Touch Move and the Clock

2Opening Principles

Centre, Pieces, King Don't Move It Twice The Early Queen Connect the Rooks Something Strange Recap: Opening Principles

5Trading and Converting

When to Trade Simplify Into a Won Ending No Hurry Stalemate: Only Way to Lose Promote the Extra Pawn Recap: Trading and Converting

8Your First Real Games

Project: A Whole Game Read Your Review Recap: Real Games

3Your First System as White

The Italian Setup The Plans Behind It The Fried LiverThe London in FivePlay It Out: Game One Play It Out: Game Two Recap: Your First System

6Defending

Under Pressure Defending a Mate Threat Counterattack Perpetual Check Recap: Defending