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The London, What to play against it?

#1

Hi,

You might have seen my last post on what to play against d4 if not here it is https://lichess.org/forum/general-chess-discussion/best-opening-against-d4-2

Similarly I have another problem, this time what to play against the London? Since the London can be played at almost any position.

If you have any studies or openings you want to share feel free to put it in the chat.
Thanks!

P.S. I am looking for a solid and tactical opening. Gambits are also allowed!

Hi, You might have seen my last post on what to play against d4 if not here it is https://lichess.org/forum/general-chess-discussion/best-opening-against-d4-2 Similarly I have another problem, this time what to play against the London? Since the London can be played at almost any position. If you have any studies or openings you want to share feel free to put it in the chat. Thanks! P.S. I am looking for a solid and tactical opening. Gambits are also allowed!
#2

I am interested in that too. I used to laugh about the London, but it's actually pretty painful to play against.

The only thing I found out so far is to copycat the opponent if he plays Bf4 immediately (Bf5). Maybe also avoid it by playing the Dutch or other unsound stuff.

I am interested in that too. I used to laugh about the London, but it's actually pretty painful to play against. The only thing I found out so far is to copycat the opponent if he plays Bf4 immediately (Bf5). Maybe also avoid it by playing the Dutch or other unsound stuff.
#3

@xPhilosophusx thanks for the recommendation, tho whenever I play the dutch I always seem to lose the endgame since whites position is usually better.

@xPhilosophusx thanks for the recommendation, tho whenever I play the dutch I always seem to lose the endgame since whites position is usually better.
#4

I recommend systems with an early c5, it seems to be one of the most forceful ways to play against it. I like the system of ...Nf6, ...d5, ...e6, ...c5, followed by ...Nc6 and ...Bd6 usually. You're basically getting a more comfortable version of a French structure (though with the bishop on f4/g3 it can be a bit of a different game).

I wouldn't say it would be worth playing the dutch or something to avoid the London specifically. If you like the dutch than play it for that reason, but white is always going to have annoying stuff (for example you need to know how to pay again the Staunton gambit against the dutch etc.) so I wouldn't really toss your whole opening repertoire based on one decent opening like the London.

I recommend systems with an early c5, it seems to be one of the most forceful ways to play against it. I like the system of ...Nf6, ...d5, ...e6, ...c5, followed by ...Nc6 and ...Bd6 usually. You're basically getting a more comfortable version of a French structure (though with the bishop on f4/g3 it can be a bit of a different game). I wouldn't say it would be worth playing the dutch or something to avoid the London specifically. If you like the dutch than play it for that reason, but white is always going to have annoying stuff (for example you need to know how to pay again the Staunton gambit against the dutch etc.) so I wouldn't really toss your whole opening repertoire based on one decent opening like the London.
#5

I recommend systems with an early c5, it seems to be one of the most forceful ways to play against it. I like the system of Nf6, d5, e6, c5, followed by Nc6 and Bd6 usually. You're basically getting a more comfortable version of a French structure.

I recommend systems with an early c5, it seems to be one of the most forceful ways to play against it. I like the system of Nf6, d5, e6, c5, followed by Nc6 and Bd6 usually. You're basically getting a more comfortable version of a French structure.
#6

I have the same problem too so I decided to dive into it a bit. The most solid and best by test option is play it indian style (Nf6-g6-Bg7-0-0) And then to immediately lash out with a move like c5. When the c5 pawn isnt taken you complete your sicilian dragon setup with d6 and then you can play for a double fianchetto with b6. It looks like a pretty strong setup that gives good attacking play for black, and most of all easy to remember.

I have the same problem too so I decided to dive into it a bit. The most solid and best by test option is play it indian style (Nf6-g6-Bg7-0-0) And then to immediately lash out with a move like c5. When the c5 pawn isnt taken you complete your sicilian dragon setup with d6 and then you can play for a double fianchetto with b6. It looks like a pretty strong setup that gives good attacking play for black, and most of all easy to remember.
#8
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#10

This is one of the best black setups (Grünfeld style):

https://lichess.org/xMtAx3Sh/black#10

This is one of the best black setups (Grünfeld style): https://lichess.org/xMtAx3Sh/black#10

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