Fighting the London — defence for Black

More set-ups against the London: ...c5 with ...Bd6 trades, the Bb5 pin, Jobava-style Nc3, a fianchetto and a Queen's Indian shape. 8 lines for Black: ...c5 with ...Bd6 and Bb5, Early ...Bf5 against Nbd2, Against Nc3 (Jobava ideas), Fianchetto with ...c5 and ...b6, ...Nh5 hunt on g3, ...e6 ...Bd6 trade then ...dxc4, Queen's Indian shape, ...c5 and ...Qb6 after Nf3.

Popularity rank #7 of 64 · Free defence · against 1.d4 with Bf4

White builds the "London triangle" c3-d4-e3 with a bishop on f4 outside the chain. Black usually answers with ...d5 and ...c5 (QGD-style) or a fianchetto. The key squares are e4 (both sides want a knight there) and b2 (the London's weak spot when the dark bishop leaves c1).

Watch out: After ...Qb6 and ...c4, watch the b1-h7 diagonal: a bishop on f5 can be taken by a queen on c2.

Endgame
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New · Pocket BoardsTiny boards. Real mates.4×4 to 6×6 puzzles and The Climb: endless steps, a chest every 25. Endgame Kids · ages 6–12Chess for kids30 short lessons, big boards, friendly hints. No chat.

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