8d • General discussion
The London System: Why Has It Become So Popular Lately?
The Idea Behind the Opening: The London System is an opening where White builds an impenetrable fortress from the very first moves. The bishop goes to f4 (the main "trick" of the London), pawns are placed on d4, e3, c3, knights usually on f3 and d2. The result is a flexible and solid position without weaknesses. White doesn't rush into an immediate attack but calmly develops pieces, preparing to respond to any moves by Black. It's like setting up a defense and telling the opponent: "Alright, now figure out how to break through."
Advantages for Different Skill Levels: For beginners, the London System is a true godsend. You don't need to memorize hundreds of theoretical moves: you build a familiar structure and achieve a solid game. Made a mistake in the move order? Not a big deal, the position remains resilient. For advanced players, the "London" is also appealing: there's less risk of falling into the opponent's home preparation, and opening traps are minimized. And if the opponent gets careless, you can shift from quiet play to a lightning-fast attack – the London also has sharp variations.
Which Top Players Use the London? Just 15 years ago, only a handful of players experimented with this opening, but now even world champions are happy to employ it. Magnus Carlsen occasionally plays the London System, especially in rapid games – and very successfully. Grandmaster Gata Kamsky famously loved the London long before it became mainstream, and he helped breathe new life into the opening. Other elite players have joined in: from Vladimir Kramnik to Hikaru Nakamura – all have tested the "London" in tournaments. When you see such a weapon earning points, it's hard to resist.
Modern Trends: In online chess, the London System has become almost the trendiest opening. Popular streamers and coaches recommend it to beginners because it's easier to grasp one systematic approach than tons of theory from, say, the Ruy Lopez. As a result, on Chess.com and Lichess, every second player with White chooses the London – a kind of chess hit. Jokers even call it the "London Invasion". 😊 However, the results speak for themselves: the opening is genuinely effective. Simplicity + Reliability = Popularity – that's the formula for its success.
❤️🔥 – An excellent opening
🐕🦺 – I find it boring
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The London System: Why Has It Become So Popular Lately?
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