What makes it accelerated?
The Accelerated London System begins with White playing d4 and bringing the dark-squared bishop to f4 on move two, often after either …d5 or …Nf6. The traditional London commonly starts with Nf3 before Bf4. “Accelerated” means the bishop comes out earlier; it does not promise an immediate attack or an extra move for free.
The opening move d4 places a pawn in the centre and controls e5 and c5. Bf4 develops the bishop before e3 would block its route out from c1. You get a useful piece outside your own pawn chain, while keeping some flexibility about how to develop the knights.
This book uses words and plans first. The example boards open automatically so you can connect each idea to the squares as you read. In the few move sequences, N means knight, B bishop, Q queen and R rook. An “x” means a capture, O-O means kingside castling, and dots before a move mean Black is moving.
Example board: London: connect the setup to a plan
This is a move-by-move example. Use the controls to replay it; it is not a game against a bot.
Build a home for the pieces
A familiar London structure has White’s pawns on d4, e3 and c3. The e3-pawn supports d4 and opens a route for the light-squared bishop. The c3-pawn also supports d4. Together they provide a sturdy centre while the pieces come into play.
The king knight often belongs on f3, where it helps control e5 and d4. The queen knight often develops to d2, supporting e4 and allowing a recapture on f3 if needed. Moving the d-pawn first clears the destination d2. Knights can jump over pieces, but cannot land on a square occupied by a friendly piece.
The light-squared bishop often develops to d3. From there it looks towards h7, but your own knight on e4 or a black pawn on g6 can interrupt that diagonal. A bishop points along an open line, not through pieces. Against some setups, e2 is a sensible home instead.
The f4-bishop influences e5 and can become active on the diagonal towards c7. It is not obliged to stay on f4: when attacked, decide whether a retreat, exchange or concrete counterthreat works. Keeping it alive at any cost is not the purpose of the opening.
A development story you can explain
Here is one legal, illustrative sequence: 1.d4 d5 2.Bf4 Nf6 3.e3 e6 4.Nf3 Bd6 5.Bg3 O-O 6.Bd3 c5 7.c3 Nc6 8.Nbd2 b6 9.O-O Bb7. It is an example of sensible development, not a forced line or a claim that every move is best.
White brings the queen bishop out, supports the centre, develops the king knight and moves the bishop out of a direct challenge. White then develops the other bishop, reinforces d4, brings the remaining knight out and castles. Black also develops and challenges the centre. Both players have a say.
Notice that White has not yet moved the queen or connected the rooks. Castling is a major step towards safety, but it does not finish every opening task. The next decision should come from Black’s threats and the needs of the position.
Use the setup as a guide
The biggest London mistake is playing the familiar moves without looking at Black’s reply. An early …c5 can increase pressure on d4. A queen on b6 can attack b2. A bishop on d6 challenges your bishop on f4. These are changes you must notice before continuing development.
You also do not need c3 in every London position. Against a slower setup, White may be able to occupy more of the centre with c4 or e4. Those decisions lead to different structures. For now, learn the familiar position and understand what would justify changing it.
Castling kingside is usually a useful practical goal when it is safe and legal. Do not delay it for decorative moves. Equally, check the destination: castling into a prepared attack is not made safe by an opening principle.
A quick square-check before development
Picture the familiar setup with pawns on d4, e3 and c3, a knight on f3 and bishops on f4 and d3. The bishop on d3 looks through e4, f5 and g6 towards h7. The bishop on f4 looks through e5 and d6 towards c7. They have different diagonals and different jobs.
Now place a white knight on e5. It blocks the f4-bishop’s diagonal towards c7, but it does not block the d3-bishop’s diagonal towards h7. A central knight may still be very useful; you simply need to understand what changes behind it.
Practice question: does a black pawn on e5 block the d3–h7 diagonal?
Reveal answer
Answer: no. The square e5 is not on that diagonal. A piece on e4, f5 or g6 would block the bishop’s view of h7. Following the exact squares is a useful way to avoid imagined tactics.
Know what remains after you castle
After kingside castling, your king stands on g1 and the rook from h1 stands on f1. The other rook remains on a1. Your queen on d1 may still prevent the rooks from connecting, and any undeveloped minor pieces may obstruct them too.
A later queen move should help development or a plan while maintaining the defence of important pawns. Do not move it merely to complete a visual setup. If Black threatens d4 or b2, select a developing move that also answers the threat when possible.
The opening has done its job when you can explain the position and choose a useful next move, not when every piece has reached a memorised square.
Practice and memory card
Before each opening move, say its job in one sentence: “This develops my knight and supports the centre.” If you cannot name a useful job, reconsider the move.
Practice questions
- Why does the bishop leave c1 before e3?
- Does “accelerated” mean you should attack immediately?
- What should interrupt your normal setup?
Reveal answers
Answers: e3 would obstruct the bishop’s route to f4. The early bishop move changes the move order, not the need for development and king safety. A concrete threat or important change in the centre takes priority over a familiar sequence.
Remember: centre first, bishop outside the chain, useful squares for both knights, a safe king, and attention to every Black move.