[Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Introduction: Common Ideas for White"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Introduction: The"] [Black "Jobava London System"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "01 Introduction: Common Ideas for White"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860227"] 1. d4 {Welcome to the wonderful world of the Jobava London System! A simple yet effective opening. An opening that is young in its life but has a great future. I came across this opening when watching the games of GM Baadur Jobava. My first thought was, 'What is this opening, why haven't I seen it before?!'. Then the more I researched it the more I thought it would be a perfect opening for numerous players. What are the benefits of the opening? • 1) It is a perfect opening for people who have little time on their hands. That is because the ideas and moves are simple to learn. There is very little 'theory' as such and as long as you master the main ideas and concepts it will offer you lots of fun and exciting games. Compared to other openings where mountains of varations need to be learnt, this makes 'The Jobava London System' an attractive opening. In essence, it is very simple yet very powerful. • 2) The opening hasn't been around for long. It is fresh and fun! This opening has really only started to gain momentum at top level in the last ten years, so in the terms of openings, it is a youngster! This means there are areas of it that are still to be explored. • 3) It is perfect for beginners, juniors, people with bad memories and experts alike! As I have mentioned, the Jobava London's starting moves are very easy to learn. There are not many long lines which also makes it attractive to those of us who do not want to just rely on our memories but instead want to be creative. • 4) Black cannot play on 'auto-pilot'. Meaning that many players on the Black side might have learnt what to do against standard White d4 openings, but the Jobava-London is different. This means that it will surprise Black at an early stage, which cannot be a bad thing. Convinced yet? Probably not! Well, let me show you some moves.} d5 {There are three main ways that Black can play against the Jobava-London System. • 1) Systems with ...d5. This is very common and we start this course by looking at all possibilities here. • 2) Systems with ...g6. Of course, many people play ...g6 and we must know what to do against those lines. • 3) ...c5 ...Bb4 and other ideas. Speaks for itself! These come at the end of the course.} (1... Nf6 2. Nc3 {and already Black cannot play on autopilot! Another reason I love this opening.} g6 3. Bf4 Bg7 (3... d5 4. e3 Bg7 5. h4 $1) 4. e4 $1 {With good chances to attack as we will study later.}) (1... c5 {is looked at in the final chapter.}) 2. Nc3 {Already taking Black out of mainline theory! This does seem similar to a very popular opening, The Italian Game, with 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 and 3. Bc4. We are doing that, but with 1. d4!} Nf6 3. Bf4 {[%cal Gf4c7][%csl Gf4] The starting position for our adventures! This bishop is often a great piece as we will see later. One thing I love about this opening is that White often gets a good version of the standard London System. This is due to the Knight on c3, which is much more of an active piece in the Jobava-London System. The way I have structured this course is as follows: We first take a look at some key concepts that will help you as you learn, then... • 1) Part 1 - d4 d5 set-ups; • 2) Part 2 - ...g6 set-ups; • 3) Part 3 - ...c5 ...Bb4 and other set-ups. With each chapter I do, I first take a couple of 'informational' games that show you the main points of the opening. After I have shown these games I move on to the theory that you need to know. I do recommend that you also buy the videos as I find them a much easier way to learn! (also more cash for me ;-))} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Introduction: Common Ideas for White"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Common Ideas for"] [Black "White Part 1 - Nb5!"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "01 Introduction: Common Ideas for White"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860228"] {A very typical plan that works well for White in the Jobava London System is the idea of playing Nb5 against ...c5. This is one main difference between the Jobava London system and the standard London System: in the standard London System White's Knight is much more passive, stuck on b1. We now look at some common situations where Nb5 should be considered.} 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 {Watch this Knight dance!} e6 (2... Nf6 3. Bf4 c5 {is an important line, which is very popular and been recommended as a good way for Black to play.} 4. e3 (4. Nb5 $2 {is premature. This is an instance where you should not play Nb5! Always watch out for the check on a5} ... Qa5+ {A major problem. White needs a pawn on e3 for this idea to work, as then the Knight on b5 will be defended by the Bishop on f1.}) 4... Nc6 $2 {A couple of IMs have played this against me in Blitz! It is practically a losing mistake due to} 5. Nb5 {Black cannot even play ...Na6 here!} e5 {The best chance, but White is well on his way to winning after} 6. Bxe5 {.}) 3. Bf4 Nf6 4. e3 (4. Nb5 {is playable, even Jobava has tried it, but in this course I am not recommending this setup. We will only be going Nb5 when Black has already moved his c-pawn. Here Black can play} Na6 {and ...c6 next, kicking the Knight on b5 away. When Black already has a pawn on c5 this idea is not possible.} 5. e3 c6 {and White is forced back.}) c5 {[%csl Rc7] A slight mistake already!} 5. Nb5 {[%cal Gb5c7,Gf4c7][%csl Rc7] This is a good plan when it forces Black to play ...Na6.} Na6 {[%cal Ga6c7,Ga8a7][%csl Ra6,Ra8,Gb5,Gf4] Now Black's Knight on a6 and Rook on a8 will have trouble moving. The Rook has to guard a7 while the Knight stops Nc7+. White has a very nice hold on the Queenside.} 6. c3 {[%cal Gc3b4][%csl Gb5] This is a good version of the standard London as White's Knight is much better on the more active b5 square.} Be7 (6... Qb6 7. a4 Be7 {and now we see another standard idea that we get to soon.} 8. Nf3 $1 O-O 9. Ne5 $1 {The Knight is well placed on e5, a beautiful central square. 1-0 (29) Bauer,C (2630) -Berend,F (2346) Maastricht NED 2017}) 7. a4 {[%cal Ga4b5][%csl Ga4,Gb5,Ra8,Ra6] Securing the Queenside with an advantage. Black's pieces are worse placed compared to White's. White has a strong bind on the Queenside.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Introduction: Common Ideas for White"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Common Ideas for White Part 2 -"] [Black "Domination of the dark squares"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "01 Introduction: Common Ideas for White"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860229"] {You will often find yourself trying to dominate the dark squares in the centre of the board - especially d4 and c5. This can be done with pawns or with pieces. Piece domination of these squares works especially well after the sequence ...c5 dxc5, when the d4 square is free for a White piece to jump into. It works even better when both dark-squared Bishops have already been exchanged. There are many examples of this. Take the next game which I played:} 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 e6 4. e3 {We have one of the most popular starting positions of the Jobava London, and now my opponent played the rather rare move 4... Bd6.} Bd6 {[%cal Gd6f4] An interesting idea, trying to gain some central control.} 5. Bd3 {[%cal Gd3h7][%csl Rh7] Ignoring Black's idea and continuing with developing my pieces to the best squares. The Bishop is great on d3, looking at starting an attack against h7.} Bxf4 {There were, of course, other options but my opponent decided to double my pawns. In this case, I do not mind as having a pawn on f4 improves my position in several ways. • 1) I have extra control of the e5 square. • 2) I have a half-open file (the e-file) for a Rook to slip into. • 3) My opponent can give up hopes of playing ...e5, therefore his Bishop on c8 is now a very passive piece.} 6. exf4 {[%cal Gf4e5,Gd4e5][%csl Rc8]} c5 {It is unclear what Black does without this break.} 7. dxc5 {[%csl Gd4,Ge5] Simple and good. It will take Black time to win the pawn on c5 back and now I can concentrate on controlling the d4 and e5 squares.} O-O 8. Nf3 {[%cal Gf3e5,Gf3d4][%csl Gd4,Ge5]} (8. b4 {was playable, but I felt a bit greedy. After something like} b6 {my opponent may gain active Queenside counterplay. There was no need to allow him so much fun.}) Qc7 9. Qd2 {[%cal Bd2e3,Ge3d4,Ge3e5][%csl Gd4,Ge5] Moving my Queen to control the two critical dark squares: d4 and e5.} Qxc5 10. Qe3 {[%cal Be3c5][%csl Gd4,Ge5,Rc8] Simple stuff! I am happy with an exchange of Queens, as then I have better development and better pieces. Just look at his Bishop on c8.} Qb4 {[%cal Gb4b2][%csl Rb2] My opponent dislikes the exchange and tries to keep the Queens on, but this causes more problems.} 11. O-O {Simple again!} Nc6 (11... Qxb2 {fails to} 12. Rab1 Qa3 13. Nxd5 $1 Nxd5 14. Bxh7+ Kxh7 15. Qxa3 {.}) 12. a3 {[%csl Rb4] Away with you Queen!} Qd6 13. Nb5 {[%cal Gb5d6,Gb5d4][%csl Rd6,Gd4,Ge5] Continuing the dark square strategy. This time I aiming to control d4.} Qe7 14. Rfe1 {[%cal Ge1e5][%csl Ge5] The Rook belongs on this half-open file. This time e5 is the square we are gaining more control over.} Re8 15. Ne5 {[%csl Ge5]} a6 16. Nd4 {[%csl Gd4,Ge5]} Nxd4 17. Qxd4 {[%csl Gd3,Rc8,Gd4,Ge5] My strategy has been a success. Just look at how well I am controlling d4 and e5. It is also worth comparing the remaining Bishops. I have a beast on d3, whilst my opponent has a lemon on c8. A dead lemon! 1-0 (71) Williams,S (2457) -Ferrington,N (2130) Telford ENG 2018} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Introduction: Common Ideas for White"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Common Ideas for White"] [Black "Part 3 - h4 against g6"] [Result "1-0"] [SourceTitle "01 Introduction: Common Ideas for White"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860230"] {I certainly do not need any encouragement to play h2-h4! The great thing about the Jobava-London is that this idea is standard in numerous lines where Black plays ...g6. Let's take a look at some examples.} 1. d4 Nf6 (1... g6 2. h4 $5 {is certainly not stupid! I tried this at the British Championships against FM Charlie Storey. The idea is that after} (2. Nc3 Bg7 3. Bf4 {is another way to play.}) 2... Nf6 {Stopping (maybe not, but that is another story!) h4-h5. We can transpose back into one of the main lines in the Jobava-London System with} 3. Nc3 {aiming for e4, so} 3... d5 {stopping e4 seems natural, and now} 4. Bf4 Bg7 5. e3 {brings us to one of the most important positions for the opening which will be studied in detail later.}) 2. Nc3 {[%cal Be2e4][%csl Gd4,Ge4] With the idea to play e4. This is great as players who play the Kings Indian Defence, Benko, Benoni and Grunfeld will have to start thinking at this point, as there is no easy way for them to get the positions that they want to play.} (2. Bf4 {is another move that you might want to experiment with. Saying that, I feel that 2. Nc3 is much more forcing.} 2... g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. e3 Bg7 5. h4 {and we have the same position on the board.}) d5 (2... g6 3. Bf4 d5 4. e3 {leads to the same thing.}) 3. Bf4 g6 {Now we have a target to attack! First I like to play e3.} 4. e3 {[%cal Gd1h5,Bh2h4,Bh4h5] This craftily supports our pawn advancing to h5.} Bg7 5. h4 {[%cal Bh4h5][%csl Rg6,Rh7,Rf7] Here it is! This is such a fun and simple way to play. It is not just myself who has tried this idea, players such as Aronian and Karjakin have as well. The idea is to play h5 and pressurize Black's Kingside.} O-O (5... Nbd7 $2 {has been played. Now back to common idea one...} 6. Nb5 {winning.}) 6. h5 {[%csl Rg8]} Nxh5 {This move is a mistake!} 7. Rxh5 {[%cal Bd1h5,Bg6h5,Bf1d3][%csl Rg8,Rh7] We will see later that White gains a very big attack from this moment onwards.} 1-0 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Introduction: Common Ideas for White"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Common Ideas for White"] [Black "Part 4 - Nf3 and then Ne5"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "01 Introduction: Common Ideas for White"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860231"] {Like in the traditional London System, a very strong idea that you will be playing is Nf3 and then Ne5! The Knight is often very strongly positioned on the e5-square from where it controls several squares. If Black ever attempts to exchange it off with something along the lines of ...Nbd7 and ...Nxe5 White will normally capture back on e5 with a Bishop if Black has played ...g6 and ...Bg7, or retake with a pawn if Black has not played ...g6. Why? Well, White wanted to exchange the Bishop on g7 (if it has moved there) so moving the Bishop to e5 makes that exchange more likely. On the other hand, a pawn capturing on e5 can become a strong attacking unit.} 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 {We are following a game that I played. Our theory deals with 2. Nc3 as this move cuts out a lot of options Black has. Saying that, 2. Bf4 is another move order you may want to experiment with.} (2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 g6 {is the move order that we will concentrate on in this course.}) g6 3. Nc3 d5 {We are back into normal waters.} 4. e3 Bg7 5. h4 {[%cal Bh4h5] We have seen this idea already!} c6 {[%cal Gc6b5,Gd8a5] A flexible move. My opponent didn't want to commit his King into an attack on the Kingside and this move cuts out Nb5 ideas and in some cases allows Black's Queen access to b6 or a5.} 6. Be2 {[%csl Ge2,Gg6,Gh7,Gf7] Another important moment. I apologize in advance for the capitals... *WHEN BLACK HAS PLAYED ...g6 WHITE'S LIGHT-SQUARED BISHOP BELONGS ON e2.* I shouted that as it is important. The Bishop is blocked on d3 as the pawn on g6 stops it from attacking. On e2 we also avoid the pin that could occur after Nf3 ...Bg4. Now we can meet that idea with Ne5.} Qa5 {[%cal Bf6e4,Ga5e1] Aiming for ...Ne4.} 7. Qd2 {[%cal Gd2c3] Stopping my opponent's idea.} b5 {[%cal Bb5b4][%csl Rc6] Very ambitious play. This pawn can also create weaknesses though, like c6.} 8. a3 {[%cal Bb5b4,Bc3a2] I do not want to allow ...b4 and ...Ne4.} Na6 (8... b4 $6 {is met well with} 9. Na2 {.}) 9. Ra2 {[%cal Bb5b4,Ba3b4,Ga2a5] How could I resist such a weird, yet logical looking move? Again I am mainly trying to stop ...b4 as now I simply play axb4. Also, I may play b4 myself not having to fear ...Nxb4.} O-O 10. Nf3 {[%cal Bf3e5] The Knight is heading into the middle...} Qd8 11. Ne5 {[%csl Ge5,Rc6] A great square for the Knight! In nearly all cases the Knight sits well on e5.} Bb7 12. h5 {[%cal Ge5g6,Gh1h5,Ge2h5][%csl Rg6] Going back to another idea.} Nd7 {[%cal Bd7e5] Black decides that my Knight is too strong and aims to exchange it off.} 13. hxg6 hxg6 14. Ng4 {[%cal Bg4h6,Gh1h8][%csl Rg8] With the idea of Nh6+ and an attack to follow. I had a great position that I went onto win: 1-0 (56) Williams, S (2442) -Bukojemski, A (2183) London ENG 2017} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Introduction: Common Ideas for White"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Common Ideas for White"] [Black "Part 5 - The Capture on c5"] [Result "1-0"] [SourceTitle "01 Introduction: Common Ideas for White"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860232"] {In some cases, we should seriously consider capturing a black pawn if it has moved to c5. This is not always a good option, but it becomes much stronger when Black has already played ...a6. Here is a game I played at one of my favourite tournaments that demonstrates this concept.} 1. d4 Nf6 {I feel that the 'Jobava London' works very well against 1... Nf6 players.} 2. Nc3 {[%cal Be2e4]} d5 {Stopping me from playing e4.} 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 (4. Nb5 $2 {is no longer possible as I haven't got a pawn on e3.} 4... Qa5+ {And it looks like I have drunk 20 pints of Guinness.}) a6 {[%cal Ga6b5] Stopping any ideas I have with Nb5, but now I can change plans.} (4... e6 $6 5. Nb5 $1) (4... cxd4 5. exd4 a6 {is one of the main lines that we will study later. This option stops the idea I played in the game.}) 5. dxc5 {[%csl Rb6] This is much stronger now that Black has played ...a6. Why? Well, I have the strong idea Na4-b6 in many positions. So a rule could be: When Black has played ....a6 and ...c5 we should always consider dxc5.} Nc6 {[%cal Be7e5] Trying to counter with ...e5 which I prevent.} 6. Nf3 {[%cal Gf3e5,Gf4e5][%csl Ge5]} (6. a3 $5 {may well be even stronger and is what we look at in the theory section.}) e6 {[%cal Bf8c5]} (6... Bg4 $5 {is a better idea.}) 7. Na4 {[%cal Ga4c5,Ga4b6][%csl Gc5,Gb6] Here it is! Nb6 is now looming.} Ne4 8. Bd3 {A simple idea that promises much.} Nxc5 9. Nxc5 Bxc5 10. O-O {[%cal Be3e4][%csl Rc8,Gd3] I feel this is another important position as it could occur in many games. It may look like Black is doing fine, but I am not convinced. As is often the case in this opening, our light-squared Bishop is just much stronger than Black's. Another important idea to remember is e4!} Qe7 (10... f6 {was a better way to prepare ...e5.}) 11. e4 {Freeing our centre and promising an advantage.} d4 {[%cal Be6e5] Trying to play ...e5 next, so I logically stop this.} (11... dxe4 12. Bxe4 {is slightly better for White. Just compare the Bishops.}) (11... O-O 12. exd5 exd5 13. h3 {also looks nice for White. Black has a weak isolated pawn on d5.}) 12. e5 {[%cal Gd3h7][%csl Ge5,Rc8] White is much better.} h6 13. a3 g5 14. Bg3 b5 15. Nd2 {[%cal Bf2f4,Bd1h5,Bd2e4] Allowing the Knight to find better squares, followed by f4 and Qh5.} Bb6 16. f4 {[%cal Bd2e4][%csl Re8,Rc8] With a winning position. Black will not find a safe place for his King. Simon Williams vs Shane Melaugh, Bunratty, 2019. 1-0.} 1-0 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Introduction: Common Ideas for White"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Common Ideas for White"] [Black "Part 6 - f3! against ...Bf5"] [Result "0-1"] [SourceTitle "01 Introduction: Common Ideas for White"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860233"] 1. d4 {We now look at a game my buddy Blair played. Blair has claimed to have played more games in the last year than anyone else in the World with the Jobava London System! This would be online Blitz of course. In this game we see another thematic idea that would not be possible had we developed our Knight to f3. That is the idea of meeting an early ...Bf5 with f3 and g4.} Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 Bf5 {Again another very normal move. Black develops his Bishop before playing ...e6. This is positionally desirable for Black as after ...e6 Black's Bishop will no longer be trapped in behind his pawn structure.} 4. e3 e6 5. f3 {[%cal Bg2g4,Bh2h4][%csl Rf5] This is it! When Black plays an early ...Bf5 we should aim for a Kingside expansion with f3, g4 and h4. This asks Black's Bishop on f5, 'What are you doing?'.} c5 {Another logical looking yet bad move! We should know by now how to react against this push.} (5... Bd6 {is a better way to react, a move that is looked at later on.}) 6. g4 {[%csl Rf5] Of course, it is fine to first play this move.} Bg6 7. Nb5 {[%cal Bb5c7,Gf4c7][%csl Rc7] Here it is again! White gets an edge on both sides of the board now.} Na6 8. c3 {[%cal Gc3b4][%csl Ra6,Ra8] Stopping ...Nb4.} Be7 9. h4 {[%cal Bh4h5][%csl Rg6] And now we expand on the Kingside! The Bishop on g6 is struggling for air.} h6 10. Bg3 {[%cal Bg1e2,Bg1h3,Bh3f4,Be2f4][%csl Rg6,Gf4] Allowing the manoeuvre Ne2 (or Nh3) and then Nf4.} O-O 11. Nh3 {[%cal Bh3f4]} Ne8 12. Nf4 {[%cal Bf4g6][%csl Rg6,Gf4]} Bh7 13. g5 {[%cal Gh1h7] Opening the h-file for an attack.} hxg5 14. hxg5 Bxg5 15. Bd3 {[%cal Gd3h7,Gh1h7,Bd1d2,Bd2h2][%csl Rh7] Perfect play by White so far! With Qd2-h2 to follow Black is in serious trouble. White has a ready-made attack, unfortunately our hero on the White side went wrong and lost later on. Blair Connell vs Alex Lopez, Bunratty, 2019.} 0-1 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Introduction: Common Ideas for White"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Common Ideas Coming Together!"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "01 Introduction: Common Ideas for White"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860234"] {Let's have a look at a game where these ideas come together.} 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 (2. Nc3 {is what I am suggesting when} 2... d5 3. Bf4 g6 {transposes to the game.}) g6 3. Nc3 {[%cal Be2e4] Wanting to play e2-e4, so Black prevents this.} d5 {[%cal Gd5e4][%csl Ge4]} 4. e3 Bg7 {What do we do against ...g6?} 5. h4 c5 {Premature! What is the move we should watch out for when ...c5 has been played?} 6. Nb5 {[%cal Gb5c7,Gf4c7][%csl Rc7] Again, this works if Black is forced to play ...Na6. It is not so strong otherwise.} Na6 {[%csl Ra6]} 7. a4 {[%csl Gb5] Aiming for the standard set-up where all of White's pieces are well protected on the Queenside.} Bf5 {A logical developing move.} (7... O-O {was played in another of my games, this time against GM Jonathan Hawkins. I continued in standard fashion.} 8. Be2 $5 (8. c3 {may be more accurate, stopping ...Nb4 and ...Nc6.}) 8... Bd7 (8... Nb4 $1 {would have been a good move, rerouting the Knight around. That is why White should play c3! at some point.}) 9. h5 Qa5+ 10. c3 c4 {Black is maybe winning a pawn on the Queenside, but this takes a lot of time. Time that I can use to attack on the other side of the board!} 11. Be5 Bxb5 12. axb5 Qxb5 13. Qc2 Ne4 14. Bxg7 Kxg7 15. Nf3 Nc7 16. Nd2 Nxd2 17. Qxd2 Ne6 18. b3 $5 Qxb3 19. e4 $5 {With an attack. This wasn't the best of played games, but it was a rapid game. 1/2-1/2 (49) Williams, S (2443) - Hawkins, J (2590) London ENG 2016.}) 8. c3 {[%cal Gc3b4][%csl Ra6] Stopping ...Nb4 and ...Nc6.} O-O 9. Be2 {[%cal Bg2g4,Bh4h5] Now Black has to think about g4 and h4.} h5 {What now? I have one piece that is not doing anything yet...} 10. Nf3 {[%cal Bf3e5][%csl Ge5] Of course! The Knight moves into the centre.} Ng4 {Aimed against my plan, but I execute it anyway...} 11. Ne5 {I play it anyway, with very aggressive intentions in mind.} Nxe5 12. dxe5 Qd7 13. Rg1 {[%cal Bg2g4] You've got to have some fun in life, right!?} Qe6 {A mistake that gives me a big attack.} 14. g4 hxg4 15. Bxg4 Bxg4 16. Qxg4 Qxg4 17. Rxg4 Rfd8 18. Ke2 {[%cal Ba1g1,Bg1h1]} c4 19. h5 {[%cal Ba1g1,Gg4g8][%csl Rg6,Rg7,Rg8] With a massive attack along the g-file. 1-0 (46) Williams, S (2443) - Iyengar, I (2008) London ENG 2016.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5): Model Games"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Model Game #1: Carlsen, Magnus"] [Black "Bok, Benjamin"] [Result "1-0"] [SourceTitle "02 Theory 1 (3... c5): Model Games"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860434"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 d5 3. e3 c5 4. Nc3 {This move order is interesting as it switches from a London to a 'Jobava London System'. This is not the move order I recommend but it can catch opponents unaware.} cxd4 5. exd4 a6 6. Bd3 {The main move.} ({Tregubov had to face} 6. Qd2 Nc6 7. O-O-O $6 {, which may well just be too ambitious and after} Bf5 8. Nf3 e6 9. Ne5 Bb4 {Black was already calling the tune in Neiksans-Tregubov, Tallinn (blitz) 2016.}) Nc6 7. Nce2 ({A new move for us and it wasn't so long ago that we took a good look at Jobava's preference for} 7. Nge2 {in Jobava-Ponomariov, Baku Olympiad 2016.}) Bg4 8. c3 e6 9. Qd2 {Unpinning. Of course, one's initial reaction is that the position must be fine for Black, but all the pieces remain and there are certainly plenty of ways ahead to out-manoeuvre Black in true Carlsen style.} Bh5 10. Bg5 ({A new move. Previously,} 10. Ng3 Bg6 11. Nf3 Be7 12. O-O O-O 13. Bxg6 hxg6 14. Rfe1 Rc8 15. Qe2 Nd7 16. Nf1 Na5 17. Ne3 Re8 18. Ng4 Nc4 {had been extremely solid for Black in Archangelsky-Van Delft, Hoogeveen 2006. Carlsen's play is much less stereotyped.}) Bg6 {Bok has avoided having to concede the bishop-pair, but future exchanges won't be so easy for him to either arrange or judge.} 11. Nf4 Bxd3 12. Nxd3 Bd6 13. Nf3 {Heading for e5 and offering Black a big decision: to trade bishop and knight while removing the queens, or to carry on the struggle in a middlegame?} Ne4 ({Bok goes for it. Of course, Black could just castle, but do note that in the event of something like} 13... b5 {how well White's queen's knight turns out to be placed after its route: b1-c3-e2-f4-d3.}) 14. Bxd8 Nxd2 15. Kxd2 Rxd8 16. Rhe1 O-O ({Perhaps it was better to imitate White with} 16... Ke7 {when} 17. a4 f6 {followed by ...Kf7 would inject a bit of dynamism into the black set-up.}) 17. a4 {Carlsen begins to probe in trademark fashion.} Rc8 18. a5 {Clamping and claiming space, but how will White now break through? It certainly feels unlikely that a minority attack on the kingside will succeed.} Rfe8 19. Nfe5 {Carlsen realises that he is going to have to remove some pieces to be able to try and squeeze something with just the rooks left.} Bxe5 ({A small concession. Perhaps Bok was put off after} 19... Nxe5 20. dxe5 Be7 {by} 21. f4 {, but the knight is some way from d4 and} Rc4 22. b3 Rc6 {should give Black enough counterplay with ideas of ...f6, ...g5 and even ...b6 on the agenda.}) 20. Nxe5 Nxe5 21. Rxe5 f6 22. Re3 Kf7 23. Ra4 (23. Kd3 {first was also possible, and if} e5 24. f3 {, but in any case this rook lift is the reason why White is slightly for choice in this endgame. Black may well find himself tied down to defence of b7.}) Rc4 ({Something like} 23... Re7 24. f4 h5 25. Rg3 {would not be pleasant against Carlsen, although Karjakin would surely hold it. Bok's choice initially appears tempting, but Carlsen had no doubt long before seen the counter he now deploys.}) 24. Rxc4 dxc4 25. b3 Rc8 ({Likewise, if} 25... cxb3 26. c4 Rd8 27. Kc3 Ke7 28. Re2 Kd6 29. Kxb3 {when the clamping effect of the a-pawn is very much felt and Black is condemned to a long defence, albeit one not without some hope of success.}) 26. Re1 cxb3 27. Rb1 Rc4 28. Rxb3 Ra4 (28... Rc7 {would have lost some time compared to the last note, but better that than losing a pawn.}) 29. Rxb7+ Kg6 30. Rb6 Rxa5 31. Rxe6 Ra2+ 32. Kd3 ({Many players would automatically opt for} 32. Ke3 {, but Carlsen knows that the c-pawn will be very quick.}) Rxf2 33. c4 Rxg2 34. c5 Kf5 ({The black king will remain cut off after White's next, so this wasn't good, but then again if} 34... Rg1 35. Ke4 a5 36. Ra6 {and White's connected passed pawns will sweep all before them.}) 35. Re1 Rb2 36. c6 (36. c6 Rb8 37. d5 {is quite hopeless.}) 1-0 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5): Model Games"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Model Game #2: Rapport, Richard"] [Black "Sutovsky, Emil"] [Result "1-0"] [SourceTitle "02 Theory 1 (3... c5): Model Games"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860435"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 ({This is considered to be the most challenging move to White's set up. Having already played Nc3 White no longer has the option of reinforcing the d4-pawn with c2-c3. It would also be a mistake to play} c5 4. dxc5 {in this position, as Black has a very strong reply with} 4... d4 {.}) 4. e3 {This move supports White's central pawn on d4 and also has a key point in opening up the light squared bishop, perhaps surprisingly not with the immediate idea of developing it but supporting the potential advance of Nb5.} cxd4 {This is considered to be Black's best move. By taking immediately on d4 Black rules out the possibility of White taking on c5 which was very much in play as Black's previous response to this of ...d4 is now covered by White's pawn on e3.} (4... Nc6 $6 {This is a surprisingly common error by Black and I can assure you that many of you will be the grateful recipients of this natural blunder.} 5. Nb5 {White's threat of Nc7+ forking king and rook cannot be prevented without loss of material.}) 5. exd4 a6 {This is a very sensible precaution by Black, preventing Nb5.} (5... Nc6 $2 {This is once again a blunder that allows White to play} 6. Nb5 {which once again wins material.}) 6. Nf3 {This was the choice of Richard Rapport, as in the current game, and I feel it is the best move. As we shall see White should not fear ...Bg4 pinning the Knight.} Bg4 7. h3 ({Immediately putting the question to the Bishop. There is little doubt in my mind that Rapport would have met the retreat} 7. h3 7... Bh5 {with} 8. g4 {gaining space and the initiative on the kingside.}) Bxf3 (7... Bh5 8. g4 {This thrust turns out to give White a very promising position.} 8... Bg6 9. Ne5 e6 10. h4 Ne4 11. h5 Nxc3 12. bxc3 Be4 13. f3 f6 14. Nc4 {This clever move ensures that white will get a big centre and the two bishops.} 14... dxc4 15. fxe4 {White's position is definitely to be preferred. The control of the centre and the 2 bishops are a big plus and the airy position of White's king is a long way from being threatened: currently Black has none of his remaining pieces developed.}) 8. Qxf3 Nc6 9. O-O-O {This is an excellent move which commits the king to the queenside. This looks more dangerous for White than castling kingside, but the rook immediately gets to d1 covering the d4 pawn and White's plan will be to advance quickly with g4, asking many questions of Black's defence before he can complete his development.} e6 10. g4 Bb4 (10... Bd6 {This happened the next time Rapport reached this position against Nikolic. Both the prophylactic} 11. Kb1 {, most likely followed by h4} ({or perhaps sticking with the plan and going} 11. h4 {are best. The key is to understand that White's immediate plan is further kingside expansion.})) 11. Ne2 ({This is an understandable move but White should have shown more faith with} 11. g5 {as his king is comfortably safe and any Bxc3 can be met by recapturing with the queen.} 11... Nd7 12. a3 Ba5 13. h4 {White has the better chances here and should continue with the kingside assault by continuing the advance of the kingside pawns to create weaknesses in the black camp.}) Qa5 12. Kb1 {The old cliche says that all the best players play Kb1. On this occassion it also neatly defends a2.} Ne4 13. Nc1 Bd6 14. Nb3 Qc7 15. Be3 O-O 16. Rg1 b5 17. Bd3 f5 {This move is a key error which demonstrates the full value of White's rook on g1.} 18. gxf5 exf5 19. Bh6 Rf7 20. Bxg7 {Excellent calculation by Rapport, blowing open Black's defences.} Rxg7 21. Qxf5 Kh8 22. Rxg7 Qxg7 23. Qxd5 Nxf2 24. Qxc6 Rf8 25. Rc1 Nxd3 26. cxd3 {White has emerged 2 pawns up with the safer king.} Qg3 27. a3 Bf4 28. Rd1 Qxh3 29. Nc5 Be3 30. Qe4 Qf3 31. Qe5+ Kg8 32. Re1 Bf2 33. Re4 Qf5 34. Qc7 Kh8 35. Ne6 Rg8 36. d5 {The d-pawn will prove decisive.} Bh4 37. Qc5 Bf6 38. Ka2 h5 39. Rf4 Qg6 40. d6 Bg7 41. Qf5 Kh7 42. d7 Qxf5 43. Rxf5 Kg6 44. Rf8 1-0 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5): Model Games"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Model Game #3: Aronian, L."] [Black "Le Quang Liem"] [Result "1-0"] [SourceTitle "02 Theory 1 (3... c5): Model Games"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860436"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 d5 3. e3 c5 4. Nc3 cxd4 5. exd4 a6 6. Nf3 Nc6 {Black delays deploying his light-squared Bishop in favour of his Queenside Knight. This approach is more flexible and intends to reduce the speed of White's Kingside expansion but as we will see it does not have the desired effect.} 7. Ne5 Bf5 8. g4 {White needs little encouragement to play g4 with gain of tempo.} Nxe5 9. gxf5 Nc6 10. Qd3 g6 (10... Nb4 {looks a little annoying but White can calmly retreat the Queen to e2 when the light-squared Bishop can go to g2 or h3. The Knight will be kicked from b4 by a2-a3. A sample line is} 11. Qe2 g6 12. a3 Nc6 13. O-O-O gxf5 14. Bh3 e6 15. Bxf5 Rg8 {where White's lead in development, two Bishops and safer King give him a comfortable advantage from the opening exchanges.}) 11. O-O-O Bg7 12. h4 Nb4 13. Qe2 ({On this occasion it was preferable to play} 13. Qe3 {, keeping more control of the dark squares and hinting at Bh6.}) gxf5 14. Rg1 Rg8 15. Bh3 Qd7 16. Be5 Kf8 17. Qf3 Bh6+ 18. Kb1 Ng4 19. a3 Nc6 20. Nxd5 {The game to this point has been a success. Levon did not convert smoothly from this position primarily as this was a blitz game, but I am very confident he would have done so at other time limits. The opening was definitely a success for White!} Rd8 21. Nb6 Qe6 22. Bc7 Rxd4 23. c3 {This move cedes White's advantage.} (23. Rxd4 Nxd4 24. Qxb7 {would have left White a clean pawn up with a much safer King and clear advantage. Levon did go on to win but not as smoothly as he would have liked. The full score of this game is not available but the play to this point shows the potential of White's opening and the often important aspect of expanding on the Kingside whilst being supported by well-placed pieces in the middle of the board.}) Rxd1+ 24. Qxd1 Rg6 25. Nd7+ Kg7 26. Nc5 Qc4 27. Nd3 Kf8 28. h5 Rg8 29. Re1 Bg5 30. Qf3 e6 31. Rd1 Be7 32. Bf4 Qe4 33. Bg2 Qxf3 34. Bxf3 Nf6 35. Bh6+ Ke8 36. Nb4 Ne4 37. Nxc6 bxc6 38. Rd4 Bg5 1-0 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5): Model Games"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Model Game #4: Gatineau, Yovann"] [Black "Michalczak, T."] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SourceTitle "02 Theory 1 (3... c5): Model Games"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860437"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 d5 3. e3 c5 4. Nc3 cxd4 5. exd4 a6 6. Nf3 e6 {[%csl Rc8] This is not the best move by Black as it removes the option of developing the light-squared Bishop to f5 or g4. It is not a poor move, just sub-optimal, but it is always helpful to understand the best way to proceed as it gives us an insight to the plans of the position and opening in general.} 7. Bd3 Bd6 ({Many players are understandably concerned about how to meet} 7... Bb4 {, as this move pins the Knight on c3 and should the Bishop capture the c3-Knight, White's pawn structure will be compromised. This is in fact nothing to fear for White because the b-pawn going to c3 supports the centre, opens up the b-file for White's Queenside Rook and seriously undermines Black's control of the dark squares.} 8. O-O Bxc3 9. bxc3 O-O 10. a4 {This is a clever move which restricts Black's ability to play ...b5, meaning Rab1 will always create problems for Black who must continue to defend his b-pawn.} 10... Nc6 11. Rb1 Ne7 12. Re1 {White's position is preferable with better development, control of the centre and 2 Bishops. I would happily play from this position.}) 8. Ne2 Nc6 9. c3 Qc7 10. Qd2 O-O 11. h3 ({This precaution is understandable but unnecessary in this particular position. Black cannot play ...Bg4, and after} 11. O-O {the move} 11... Ng4 {is not dangerous and can then simply be kicked away with} 12. h3 {.}) b5 12. Rc1 Rb8 13. O-O a5 14. Rfe1 a4 15. Qe3 Na5 16. Be5 {White has now returned to the key principle of making progress in the centre. Black needs to be very careful as White is prepared for a kingside assault. Notice how the pawn on e6 and Black's pieces on the Queenside leave the threat of a decisive breakthrough very much alive.} Nd7 ({This line shows how close White is to winning:} 16... Nc4 17. Qf4 Nxb2 $6 (17... Ne4 18. Bxd6 Qxd6 19. b3 Qxf4 20. Nxf4 Ncd6 21. c4 axb3 22. axb3 bxc4 23. bxc4 Ba6 24. Bxe4 dxe4 25. Ne5 {is an example where White has used the pressure to simplify into a strong middle-endgame with well-placed pieces and a strong passed c-pawn.}) 18. Bxh7+ Nxh7 19. Bxd6 $18) 17. Qg5 Nxe5 18. Bxh7+ ({This proves to be premature. taking back on e5 with the d-pawn with tempo was the best and most logical move. It is a positive that White felt the immediate sacrifice was winning, but here he underestimated Black's defensive resources.} 18. dxe5 Be7 19. Qh5 g6 20. Qh6 $14 {This approach of improving the position and weakening Black's dark squares means that once again Black would need to be very careful not to lose immediately.}) Kxh7 19. Qh5+ Kg8 20. Ng5 Re8 ({Despite White overplaying his position, such is the task at Black's hand that he would have needed to find the unlikely} 20... Nf3+ {to make his defensive task easier. This move would have left White struggling to justify his sacrifice.}) 21. dxe5 Bxe5 22. Nd4 Bxd4 23. cxd4 Qf4 24. g4 ({Once again White is overly ambitious but my feeling is that he was so pleased with his position from the opening that the only acceptable result was a victory.} 24. Qh7+ {would have been roughly equal but in a practical game all 3 results would have been possible.}) g6 25. Qh6 Qf6 26. Qh7+ Kf8 27. Rc7 Rb7 28. Qh4 Kg8 29. Qh7+ Kf8 30. Qh4 Qg7 31. Rec1 Nc4 32. Rxb7 Bxb7 33. Nh7+ Kg8 34. Nf6+ Kf8 35. Nh7+ Kg8 36. Nf6+ Kf8 {After all the fireworks White had to settle for a perpetual and a draw. The opening was a success, arguably so much so that White got too excited and pulled the trigger too early. A marginally calmer approach would have set up the same possibility without material risk.} 1/2-1/2 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3... c5 Overview"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860468"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 {This is the soundest reply.} cxd4 (4... a6 5. dxc5 e6 (5... Qa5 6. Nf3 Qxc5 (6... Ne4 7. Qxd5 Nxc3 (7... Nxc5 $2 8. O-O-O Nbd7 9. Nd4 e6 10. Qf3 Be7 11. Qg3 O-O 12. h4 {White has a good lead in development, better placed pieces and a clear plan of attacking on the Kingside. h5 and h6 will follow. Black is a long way from getting any counterplay.}) 8. Qd2 Qxc5 9. Qxc3 Qxc3+ 10. bxc3 Nd7 11. Rb1 g6 12. c4 Bg7 13. Be2 Bc3+ 14. Kd1 O-O 15. Kc1 Nc5 16. Be5 Ne4 17. Rf1 Rd8 18. Bd3 Bxe5 19. Nxe5 $14 {White is a pawn up and although it is a doubled c-pawn, it is still a pawn. White will be playing for 2 results.}) 7. Be2 Nc6 8. O-O Bf5 9. Na4 Qa7 10. Rc1 {This is also good.} e6 (10... b5 $2 11. Nc3 {White threatens to take on d5 and b5.} e6 12. Nxb5 $1) 11. c4 dxc4 12. Rxc4 Rd8 13. Qc1 Be7 14. Ne5 Nxe5 15. Bxe5 O-O 16. Rd1 Nd5 17. Nc3 {White has a slight advantage due the better placement of his pieces. It must be acknowleged that this is not very significant, but White is to be preferred.}) (5... Nc6 6. a3 e5 7. Bg5 Bxc5 $2 (7... Be6 8. b4 Be7 9. Nf3 O-O 10. Be2 h6 11. Bh4 $14 {White is a pawn up and Black does not have sufficient compensation for this deficit.}) (7... d4 8. exd4 exd4 9. Ne4 Qd5 (9... h6 10. Nxf6+ gxf6 11. Bf4 Bxc5 12. Nf3 Ne5 13. Be2 $14 {White has a much better structure and safer king. In terms of an opening advantage it ticks many boxes.}) 10. Nxf6+ gxf6 11. Bxf6 Rg8 (11... Qe6+ 12. Qe2 $18) 12. Qf3 Qxc5 13. O-O-O Bh6+ 14. Kb1 Bg4 15. Qe4+ Kf8 $16 {White is a pawn up with a much safer king. The lead in development that Black has will not last and there are no targets to exploit this.}) 8. Bxf6 Qxf6 9. Nxd5 Qd8 10. c4 Be6 11. Ne2 O-O 12. Nec3 $14 {White is a clean pawn up and will complete his development via Be2 and O-O.}) 6. Na4 Qa5+ 7. c3 Bxc5 8. Nxc5 Qxc5 9. Nf3 Nc6 10. Bd3 h6 11. Ne5 O-O 12. O-O Qe7 13. c4 Nxe5 14. Bxe5 dxc4 15. Bxc4 Rd8 16. Qf3 $14 {This was seen in Carlsen-So Paris Blitz 2017 which Carlsen went on to win in 25 moves. White has the bishop pair in an open position which was the root of his advantage.}) (4... e6 5. Nb5 Na6 6. c3 {This position shows why Black should not allow White to play Nb5. Black's knight on a6 is stuck defending the c7 square against a fork and Black's rook is stuck on a8 defending the a7 pawn. White's knight cannot be kicked away by a pawn as the knight on a6 is preventing the pawn moving there. A good example of White exploiting this position comes from the game Bauer - Berend which continued as follows:} Qb6 7. a4 Be7 8. Nf3 O-O (8... Nh5 $6 {This is well met by} 9. dxc5 Bxc5 10. Be5 Nf6 11. b4 Be7 12. Bd4 Qd8 13. Nxa7 $16) 9. Ne5 Ne4 10. Bd3 f6 11. Nc4 $1 Qd8 12. Bxe4 dxe4 13. Ncd6 cxd4 14. exd4 g5 15. Bg3 f5 16. Be5 Bxd6 17. Nxd6 Nc7 18. Qh5 $18 Nd5 19. Qh6 Qe7 20. h4 g4 21. Qg5+ Qxg5 22. hxg5 Ne7 23. Rh6 Ng6 24. Kd2 Rd8 25. Rah1 Nf8 26. g6 Rd7 27. Ne8 hxg6 28. Nf6+ Kf7 29. Rh7+) (4... Qa5 5. dxc5 Qxc5 (5... a6 {This transposes to 4... a6.}) (5... e6 6. a3 Qxc5 7. Nb5 Na6 8. Nf3 {White has an edge.}) 6. Nb5 Na6 7. Nf3 Bd7 8. a4 $14) (4... Nc6 $2 5. Nb5 {Black cannot prevent the fork Nc7+ without material loss.} e5 6. Bxe5 Nxe5 7. dxe5 Ng4 8. Qxd5 $1 {White is 2 pawns up.}) 5. exd4 a6 (5... e6 6. Nb5 $14 Na6 7. c3 Be7 8. Bd3 Bd7 9. a4 $14 {Once again we have the situation where White's knight on b5 controls the whole of Black's queenside, preventing him from untangling.}) (5... Bg4 6. f3 Bf5 7. Nb5 Na6 8. c3 $14) 6. Nf3 {Played by Rapport.} Bg4 (6... g6 7. Ne5 Nbd7 8. Qf3 Bg7 9. h4 {I simply cannot resist pushing Harry the h-pawn when I get a clear opportunity to do so. h5 is very much in play as Black's f6-knight is covering the d5 pawn.} O-O 10. O-O-O Qa5 11. h5 $1 Nxh5 12. Rxh5 gxh5 13. Qxh5 Nf6 14. Qh4 Be6 15. Bd3 Rfc8 {Despite being an exchange up Black's position is on the verge of collapse.} 16. Nb1 Kf8 17. Bh6 Bxh6+ 18. Qxh6+ Ke8 19. Qg7 Kd8 20. Qf8+ Ne8 21. Nxf7+ Bxf7 22. Qxf7 $16 {Black's position is in total disarray and the h7-pawn is falling.}) (6... Bf5 7. Ne5 e6 $6 8. g4 Bg6 9. h4 Ne4 10. h5 Nxc3 11. bxc3 Be4 12. f3 f6 13. Nc4 $1 dxc4 14. fxe4 $16 {White has central control, more space and the bishop pair. He has a clear advantage.}) (6... Nc6 7. Ne5 e6 8. Nxc6 bxc6 9. Na4 {This is intended to prevent Black playing ...c5 easily and targets the dark squares. It has been the choice of Rapport and Howell amongst others. It should be said that this is one of Black's soundest ways of meeting this opening but White's position is easier to play and the pawn structure and piece placements are marginally favourable.} Bd6 10. Bxd6 Qxd6 11. Bd3 e5 (11... O-O 12. O-O e5 13. dxe5 Qxe5 14. Qf3 Re8 15. Qg3 Qxg3 16. hxg3 $10) 12. dxe5 Qxe5+ 13. Qe2 Qxe2+ 14. Kxe2 $10 {In honesty this position is objectively equal. However, if an opponent responds to an opening with a series of solid moves, although we wish for more we find ourselves in a position which is very comfortable and one which we should know better than our opponent.}) (6... e6 7. Bd3 Nc6 8. O-O Bd6 9. Bxd6 Qxd6 10. Re1 O-O 11. Na4 $10 {Once again this position is roughly equal, but White's plusses are the extra control of the dark squares namely e5 and c5.}) 7. h3 Bxf3 (7... Bh5 8. g4 Bg6 9. Ne5 Nc6 (9... e6 10. h4 Ne4 11. h5 Nxc3 12. bxc3 Be4 13. f3 f6 14. Nc4 dxc4 15. fxe4 $16) 10. h4 {This threatens h5, trapping Black's light-squared Bishop.} 10... Qb6 {This is the only decent reply, for example:} (10... Ne4 $2 11. h5 Nxe5 12. Bxe5 Nxc3 13. bxc3 Be4 14. f3 $18 {White wins a piece.}) (10... h6 {- or 10... h5 -} 11. Nxg6 fxg6 12. Qd3 {This shatters Black's structure and defences.}) 11. Nxc6 bxc6 12. Na4 Qa5+ 13. c3 e6 14. b4 $16 {Black must now sacrifice his dark-squared Bishop, as otherwise his light-squared Bishop will be trapped by h5 and if ...Be4 then f3.} 14... Bxb4 15. cxb4 Qxb4+ 16. Ke2 {White has won a piece but been forced to move his King to e2. The material gain is worth it.} 16... Nxg4 17. h5 Bf5 18. a3 Qa5 19. Bh3 $18 {White's extra piece gives a near winning advantage.}) 8. Qxf3 {Most players would prefer White though Black is solid.} Nc6 9. O-O-O e6 (9... b5 10. g4 {Once again when White has castled queenside it is imperative to understand that time is of the essence and the key expansion must take place on the Kingside without delay.} e6 11. g5 Ng8 12. h4 Bd6 13. Ne2 Nge7 14. Bh3 Bxf4+ 15. Nxf4 Ng6 16. h5 Nxf4 17. Qxf4 $14 {White has a clear edge due to his space advantage, lead in development and Bishop vs. Knight. I would be very happy if every opening brought me such an outcome.}) 10. g4 Bb4 11. Ne2 Qa5 12. Kb1 Ne4 13. Nc1 Bd6 14. Nb3 Qc7 15. Be3 O-O 16. Rg1 b5 17. Bd3 f5 18. gxf5 exf5 19. Bh6 {Rapport,R (2704) -Sutovsky,E (2624) Tromsoe ol (Men) 41st 2014 (9.4) 1-0} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3... c5 #1 - 4... a6"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860469"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 {Already taking Black out of mainline theory! This does seem similar to a very popular opening, The Italian Game, with 1 e4 e5 2 ♘f3 and 3 ♘c4. We are doing that, but with 1 d4!} d5 3. Bf4 {The starting position for our adventures! This bishop is often a great piece as we will see later. One thing I love about this opening is that White often gets a good version of the standard London System. This is due to the Knight on c3, which is much more of an active piece in the Jobava-London System.} c5 4. e3 {[%cal Gf1b5,Ge3d4,Gc3b5][%csl Gb5] This is the soundest reply. White now has ideas of Nb5 when Black is forced to play the awkward ...Na6 and his Queenside becomes tangled up.} a6 {[%csl Rb6,Rc5] This prevents Nb5 but weakens the dark squares on the Queenside.} 5. dxc5 {[%cal Gc3d5,Gd1d5][%csl Gb6,Gc5] This is usually a strong response when Black has played ...a6 and ...c5.} Qa5 6. Nf3 Ne4 {[%csl Rc3]} 7. Qxd5 {[%cal Be4c3,Bd5d2,Gd2a5]} Nxc5 (7... Nxc3 {is stronger, although after} 8. Qd2 $1 Qxc5 9. Qxc3 Qxc3 10. bxc3 {it is questionable whether Black has enough compensation for the pawn.}) 8. O-O-O Nbd7 9. Nd4 e6 10. Qf3 Be7 11. Qg3 {[%cal Gg3g7,Gg3b8][%csl Rg7,Gf4,Gg3]} O-O 12. h4 {[%cal Bh4h6,Gf4c7,Bc1b1][%csl Rg7,Ra5] White has a good lead in development, better placed pieces and a clear plan of attacking on the Kingside. h5 and h6 will follow. Black is a long way from getting any counterplay.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3... c5 #2 - 4... a6"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860470"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 {This is the soundest reply.} a6 5. dxc5 Qa5 6. Nf3 Ne4 7. Qxd5 Nxc3 ({This is clearly stronger than} 7... Nxc5 {.}) 8. Qd2 {[%cal Gd2a5][%csl Rc3,Ra5] Intending to recapture on c3 with the Queen.} Qxc5 9. Qxc3 Qxc3+ 10. bxc3 {[%cal Ba1b1,Gb1b7][%csl Rc3,Rc2] White's extra pawn is less important here than his slight lead in development and open b- and d-files with which he can pressure Black's position.} Nd7 11. Rb1 {[%cal Gb1b7]} g6 {This looks like a good way for Black to finish his development. However, the issue is that if he ever moves the d7-Knight to a different location, White can play Be5 forcing the exchange of dark-squared Bishops.} 12. c4 {[%cal Gg7a1][%csl Rc3] Black will play ...Bg7 soon, so it makes sense to vacate the a1-h8 diagonal.} Bg7 13. Be2 Bc3+ 14. Kd1 {[%cal Gd1c2,Gd1c1] The King can help in defending the Queenside.} O-O 15. Kc1 Nc5 16. Be5 {[%cal Be5c3]} Ne4 {[%cal Ge4c3,Ge4f2][%csl Rf2]} 17. Rf1 {[%cal Gf1f2]} Rd8 18. Bd3 {[%cal Gd3e4,Ge5c3][%csl Re4]} Bxe5 19. Nxe5 {[%csl Gc4,Gc2] White is a pawn up and although it is a doubled c-pawn, it is still a pawn. White will be playing for 2 results.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3... c5 #3 - 4... a6"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860471"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 {This is the soundest reply.} a6 5. dxc5 Qa5 6. Nf3 Qxc5 7. Be2 {[%cal Be1g1] White first brings his King to safety before starting play on the Queenside.} Nc6 8. O-O Bf5 9. Na4 {[%cal Ba1c1,Bc2c4,Ga4c5,Ga4b6][%csl Rc5,Rb6] Starting to exploit Black's weakened Queenside dark squares.} Qa7 10. Rc1 {This is also good, intending c4 with an initiative.} b5 11. Nc3 {[%cal Gc3d5,Gd1d5,Gc3b5,Ge2b5][%csl Rd5,Rb5] White threatens to take on d5 and b5.} e6 12. Nxb5 {[%cal Be2b5,Bf3d4]} ({+- After} 12. Nxb5 12... axb5 13. Bxb5 Qb7 14. Nd4 Rc8 15. c4 $1 {White will soon regain his sacrificed material with interest.}) * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3... c5 #4 - 4... a6"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860472"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 {This is the soundest reply.} a6 5. dxc5 Qa5 6. Nf3 Qxc5 7. Be2 Nc6 8. O-O Bf5 9. Na4 Qa7 10. Rc1 {This is also good.} e6 11. c4 {[%cal Gc1c8] When you're ahead in development it is a good idea to open up the position for your pieces.} dxc4 12. Rxc4 Rd8 13. Qc1 {[%cal Gc1c6,Bf3e5][%csl Gc4,Gc1] White increases his pressure on the c-file and then forces it open with Ne5.} Be7 14. Ne5 {[%cal Be5c6,Gc1c7]} Nxe5 15. Bxe5 O-O 16. Rd1 Nd5 17. Nc3 {[%cal Bc3d5,Bc4c7] White has a slight advantage due the better placement of his pieces. It must be acknowleged that this is not very significant, but White is to be preferred.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3... c5 #5 - 4... a6"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4904168"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 {This is the soundest reply.} a6 5. dxc5 Qa5 6. Nf3 Qxc5 7. Be2 {[%cal Be1g1] White first brings his King to safety before starting play on the Queenside.} Nc6 8. O-O Bf5 9. Na4 Qxc2 {This pawn grab leads to a clear advantage for White.} 10. Qxc2 Bxc2 11. Nb6 {[%csl Ra8]} Rd8 12. Bc7 {[%cal Gb6c8,Gb6a8,Gb6d7,Gc7b8,Gc7d8,Gc7d6][%csl Rd8] Picking up the exchange.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3... c5 #6 - 4... a6"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4904170"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 {This is the soundest reply.} a6 5. dxc5 Qa5 6. Nf3 Qxc5 7. Be2 {[%cal Be1g1] White first brings his King to safety before starting play on the Queenside.} Nc6 8. O-O Bf5 9. Na4 Qxc2 {This pawn grab leads to a clear advantage for White.} 10. Qxc2 Bxc2 11. Nb6 Ra7 12. Rac1 {[%cal Gc1c8][%csl Rc2] Developing with gain of tempo.} Bf5 13. Ne5 {[%cal Be5c6,Gc1c8][%csl Rc6] White will regain the pawn on c6 when he is far ahead in development.} Nxe5 14. Bxe5 {[%cal Be5b8,Gb6a8][%csl Ra7] Black is losing a full Rook, as he cannot prevent Bb8.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3... c5 #7 - 4... a6"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860473"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 {This is the soundest reply.} a6 5. dxc5 Nc6 {This signals that Black wants to play ...e5.} 6. a3 {[%cal Bb2b4] We should take up the challenge and try to hold on to the c5-pawn.} e5 {[%csl Rf4]} 7. Bg5 {[%cal Gg5d8,Gc3d5,Gd1d5][%csl Rd5,Rf6,Rd8] Threatening Bxf6 followed by Nxd5.} Be6 {[%cal Ge6d5]} 8. b4 {[%cal Bg1f3,Bf1e2,Be1g1][%csl Gc5,Gb4,Ga3] Thus we get to hold on to our extra pawn.} Be7 9. Nf3 O-O 10. Be2 h6 11. Bh4 {White is a pawn up and Black does not have sufficient compensation for this deficit.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3... c5 #8 - 4... a6"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860474"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 {This is the soundest reply.} a6 5. dxc5 Nc6 6. a3 e5 7. Bg5 d4 {This advance does not have the desired effect.} 8. exd4 exd4 9. Ne4 {[%cal Ge4f6,Gg5d8][%csl Rf6]} h6 ({Or} 9... Be7 10. Bxf6 {and Black has to take back with the g-pawn to prevent Nd6+.}) ({Note that} 9... Qa5+ $2 {doesn't work after} 10. b4 $1 Nxb4 11. axb4 Qxb4+ 12. Bd2 {and White is simply a piece up.}) 10. Nxf6+ gxf6 11. Bf4 Bxc5 {[%csl Rf6,Rf7,Rh6,Rd4] Black has regained his pawn but his pawn structure is ruined.} 12. Nf3 {[%cal Bf1e2,Be1g1]} Ne5 13. Be2 {White has a much better structure and safer king. In terms of an opening advantage it ticks many boxes.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3... c5 #9 - 4... a6"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860475"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 {This is the soundest reply.} a6 5. dxc5 Nc6 6. a3 e5 7. Bg5 d4 8. exd4 exd4 9. Ne4 Qd5 {[%cal Gf6e4,Gd5e4,Gd5g5][%csl Re4,Rg5] Black forces the issue but this doesn't work out.} 10. Nxf6+ gxf6 11. Bxf6 {[%cal Gf6h8][%csl Rh8]} Qe6+ {[%cal Ge6f6,Ge6e1]} 12. Qe2 {[%cal Ge2e8][%csl Re6,Re8] Pinning Black's Queen. White is two pawns up and Queens will soon be exchanged.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3..."] [Black "c5 #10 - 4... a6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883720"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 {This is the soundest reply.} a6 5. dxc5 Nc6 6. a3 e5 7. Bg5 d4 8. exd4 exd4 9. Ne4 Qd5 10. Nxf6+ gxf6 11. Bxf6 Rg8 12. Qf3 {[%cal Be1c1,Bf3d5,Gg1f3] Preparing to castle long.} Qxc5 13. O-O-O Bh6+ 14. Kb1 Bg4 {[%cal Gg4d1][%csl Rf3,Rd1]} 15. Qe4+ {[%cal Bg1f3][%csl Re8,Gb1] Stepping out of the skewer with gain of tempo. White is a pawn up with a much safer king. The lead in development that Black has will not last and there are no targets to exploit this.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3..."] [Black "c5 #11 - 4... a6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860477"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 {This is the soundest reply.} a6 5. dxc5 Nc6 6. a3 e5 7. Bg5 Bxc5 {This regains the c5-pawn but loses the d5-pawn in the process.} 8. Bxf6 {[%cal Bc3d5,Gd1d5][%csl Rd5]} Qxf6 9. Nxd5 {[%cal Gd5f6,Gd5c7][%csl Rf6,Rc7]} Qd8 10. c4 {[%cal Gc4d5,Bg1e2,Be2c3][%csl Gd5]} ({Black will soon challenge the d5-Knight with ...Be6, so it makes sense to reinforce this Knight.} 10. Ne2 {is also strong and likely leads to the same thing.}) Be6 11. Ne2 O-O 12. Nec3 {[%cal Bf1e2,Be1g1,Gc4d5,Gc3d5,Gd1d5][%csl Gd5] White is a clean pawn up and will complete his development via Be2 and O-O.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3..."] [Black "c5 #12 - 4... a6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883833"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 {This is the soundest reply.} a6 5. dxc5 e6 6. Na4 {[%cal Ga4c5,Ga4b6][%csl Gc5,Rb6,Ra8] Threatening Nb6 and making Black work to regain the c5-pawn.} Qa5+ {[%csl Ra4,Re1]} 7. c3 {[%cal Gd1a4,Bb2b4] Threatening b2-b4 when Black isn't seeing his pawn back anytime soon, so he has to make haste.} Bxc5 8. Nxc5 Qxc5 9. Nf3 {[%cal Bf1d3][%csl Ge5,Gd4] White has the Bishop pair and control over the dark squares. He should finish development and then open up the position with c3-c4 or e3-e4.} Nc6 10. Bd3 ({Carlsen-So, Paris Blitz 2017 continued} 10. Bd3 10... h6 11. Ne5 O-O 12. O-O Qe7 13. c4 Nxe5 14. Bxe5 dxc4 15. Bxc4 Rd8 16. Qf3 {, when White had the bishop pair in an open position which was the root of his advantage. Carlsen went on to win in 25 moves.}) * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3..."] [Black "c5 #13 - 4... e6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860479"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 {This is the soundest reply.} e6 5. Nb5 {[%cal Gb5c7][%csl Rc7] Whenever we get the opportunity to play Nb5 unthreatened we should do so!} Na6 {[%cal Ga6c7]} 6. c3 {[%cal Gb5a7,Gb5c7][%csl Ra7,Ra8,Ra6,Gb5] This position shows why Black should not allow White to play Nb5. Black's Knight on a6 is stuck defending the c7-square against a fork and Black's Rook is stuck on a8 defending the a7-pawn. White's Knight cannot be kicked away by a pawn as the Knight on a6 is preventing the pawn moving there. A good example of White exploiting this position comes from the game Bauer - Berend which continued as follows:} Qb6 {[%cal Gb6b2,Bc5c4]} 7. a4 {[%cal Ga4b5][%csl Gb5]} Be7 8. Nf3 {[%csl Gd4,Ge5]} Nh5 {[%csl Rf4] This almost by force loses a pawn.} 9. dxc5 {[%cal Gc5b6][%csl Rb6]} Bxc5 ({After} 9... Qxc5 {White would play the same Bishop maneuver.}) 10. Be5 {[%cal Be5d4,Bb2b4][%csl Ge5,Rh5,Rg7]} Nf6 11. b4 {[%csl Rc5]} Be7 12. Bd4 {[%cal Gd4a7][%csl Ra7,Rb6] The a7-pawn is lost.} Qd8 13. Nxa7 * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3..."] [Black "c5 #14 - 4... e6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883836"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 {This is the soundest reply.} e6 5. Nb5 Na6 6. c3 {This position shows why Black should not allow White to play Nb5. Black's knight on a6 is stuck defending the c7 square against a fork and Black's rook is stuck on a8 defending the a7 pawn. White's knight cannot be kicked away by a pawn as the knight on a6 is preventing the pawn moving there. A good example of White exploiting this position comes from the game Bauer - Berend which continued as follows:} Qb6 7. a4 Be7 8. Nf3 O-O 9. Ne5 Ne4 10. Bd3 f6 11. Nc4 {[%cal Bd5c4,Bd3e4,Gc4b6,Gc4d6][%csl Re4,Rb6] A nice trick that is worth remembering.} Qd8 12. Bxe4 dxe4 13. Ncd6 {[%cal Gb5d6,Gf4d6][%csl Gd6,Ra8,Ra6,Gb5]} ({White has infiltrated Black's position with his Knights and Black's Queenside is still locked up. The game concluded} 13. Ncd6 13... cxd4 14. exd4 g5 15. Bg3 f5 16. Be5 Bxd6 17. Nxd6 Nc7 18. Qh5 $18 Nd5 19. Qh6 Qe7 20. h4 g4 21. Qg5+ Qxg5 22. hxg5 Ne7 23. Rh6 Ng6 24. Kd2 Rd8 25. Rah1 Nf8 26. g6 Rd7 27. Ne8 hxg6 28. Nf6+ Kf7 29. Rh7+ {1-0.}) * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3..."] [Black "c5 #15 - 4... Qa5"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860482"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 {This is the soundest reply.} Qa5 5. dxc5 {[%cal Gc3d5,Gd1d5][%csl Rd5] The d5-pawn is hanging, forcing Black's hand.} e6 (5... a6 {transposes to 4... a6 line #1.}) 6. a3 {[%cal Bb2b4] Threatening b4, thus forcing Black to retake on c5 with the Queen.} Qxc5 ({Note that} 6... Ne4 $2 {can be answered by} 7. b4 $1 {anyway, when after} 7... Nxc3 8. Qd3 $16 {White regains the piece and keeps his extra pawn on c5.}) 7. Nb5 {[%cal Gb5c7][%csl Rc7]} Na6 8. Nf3 {[%cal Gb5a7,Gb5c7,Bf1d3,Be1g1][%csl Gb5,Ra6,Ra8] White has an edge.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3..."] [Black "c5 #16 - 4... Qa5"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860483"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 {This is the soundest reply.} Qa5 5. dxc5 Qxc5 (5... a6 {This transposes to 4... a6.}) 6. Nb5 {[%cal Gb5c7][%csl Rc7]} Na6 7. Nf3 Bd7 {[%cal Gd7b5][%csl Rb5]} 8. a4 {[%cal Ga4b5,Bf1d3,Bc2c3,Be1g1][%csl Gb5] Supporting the b5-Knight that keeps Black's Queenside under control. White can finish development and he keeps his typical edge in these variations.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3..."] [Black "c5 #17 - 4... Nc6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860484"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 {This is the soundest reply.} Nc6 5. Nb5 {[%cal Gb5c7][%csl Rc7] Black cannot prevent the fork Nc7+ without material loss.} e5 6. Bxe5 {[%cal Gb5c7][%csl Rc7]} Nxe5 7. dxe5 {[%csl Rf6]} Ng4 8. Qxd5 {[%cal Bd8d5,Bb5c7,Gc7e8,Gc7d5][%csl Re8,Gd5] White is 2 pawns up.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3... c5"] [Black "#18 - 4... cxd4"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860485"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 {This is the soundest reply.} cxd4 5. exd4 e6 6. Nb5 {[%cal Gb5c7,Gf1b5][%csl Rc7,Gb5]} Na6 7. c3 {[%cal Gc3b4][%csl Ra6,Gb4] Taking control over the b4-square, which guarantees that Black won't free the a6-Knight from its offside position anytime soon. If White foregoes playing c3, Black will eventually play ...Nh5 (chasing the f4-Bishop off of the h2-b8 diagonal) and then ...Nb4.} Be7 8. Bd3 {[%cal Gd1h5,Bf6h5,Bh2h3,Bh3h4][%csl Rh5]} (8. Nf3 {is less accurate because Black can then relieve the pressure on his position via} 8... Nh5 {. After the text White can simply finish development with a pleasant position.}) Bd7 {[%cal Gd7b5][%csl Rb5]} 9. a4 {[%cal Ga4b5,Gb5c7,Gb5a7,Bh2h4,Bg1f3,Gf4b8][%csl Gb5,Ra6,Ra8,Ra7,Gc7,Gd6] Once again we have the situation where White's Knight on b5 controls the whole of Black's Queenside, preventing him from untangling. Next White should first move his h-pawn (to either h3 or h4) to make space for the f4-bishop on h2, and then develop the g1-knight to f3 and e5.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3... c5"] [Black "#19 - 4... cxd4"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860486"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 {This is the soundest reply.} cxd4 5. exd4 Bg4 {[%cal Gg4d1][%csl Rd1]} 6. f3 {[%cal Gf3g4][%csl Rg4] We usually chase the Bishop around if Black posts it aggressively.} Bf5 7. Nb5 {[%cal Gb5c7][%csl Rc7]} Na6 8. c3 {[%cal Gc3b4][%csl Gb4,Rf5,Ra6]} ({Making sure that Black has no tricks with ...Nb4. Black now has to make a tough choice, as} 8. c3 8... e6 {would allow us to chase the Bishop around with} 9. g4 $1 Bg6 10. h4 {.}) * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3... c5"] [Black "#20 - 4... cxd4"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860487"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 {This is the soundest reply.} cxd4 5. exd4 a6 {Black has prevented us from getting any counterplay based on dxc5 or Nb5, but this has cost him precious time.} 6. Nf3 {[%cal Bf3e5][%csl Ge5] Played by Rapport.} g6 7. Ne5 {[%cal Bd1f3,Be1c1][%csl Ge5] The Knight is powerfully positioned here.} Nbd7 8. Qf3 {[%cal Be1c1,Gc3d5,Gf3d5][%csl Rd5]} Bg7 9. h4 {[%cal Bh4h5,Gf3d5,Gc3d5,Be1c1][%csl Rd5] I simply cannot resist pushing Harry the h-pawn when I get a clear opportunity to do so. h5 is very much in play as Black's f6-Knight is covering the d5-pawn.} O-O 10. O-O-O Qa5 11. h5 {[%cal Gh1h7][%csl Rg6]} Nxh5 12. Rxh5 {A typical exchange sacrifice that gives White a strong attack.} gxh5 13. Qxh5 {[%cal Bf1d3,Bd1h1,Bf4h6][%csl Rh7,Rg7]} Nf6 {[%cal Gf6h5][%csl Rh5] Even though Black can immediately bring the other Knight to the defense, his position is still very hard to defend.} 14. Qh4 {[%cal Bf1d3,Bd1h1] Keeping the Queen actively posted. White can continue with moves like Bd3 and Rh1 piling up on h7, or Bh6 trying to weaken the dark squares around Black's King further.} Be6 15. Bd3 Rfc8 {[%cal Gc8c3,Ga5c3][%csl Rc3] Despite being an exchange up Black's position is on the verge of collapse.} 16. Nb1 (16. Ne2 $6 {is less strong because after} 16... Qxa2 {Black will have the added option of ...Qa1+.}) ({After} 16. Bh6 Bxh6 17. Qxh6 Rxc3 $1 {Black has at least a draw.}) Kf8 ({In case of} 16... Qxa2 {White can play} 17. Bh6 Bxh6 18. Qxh6 $18 {followed by Rh1 or even g4-g5 with a decisive attack.}) 17. Bh6 Bxh6+ 18. Qxh6+ Ke8 19. Qg7 {[%cal Bg7h8] Threatening Qh8+.} Kd8 20. Qf8+ {[%cal Ge5f7,Gf8e7,Gf8f7][%csl Rd8,Re7,Rf7]} Ne8 21. Nxf7+ Bxf7 22. Qxf7 {[%cal Gd3h7,Gf7h7][%csl Rh7,Rd8] Black's position is in total disarray and the h7-pawn is falling.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3... c5"] [Black "#21 - 4... cxd4"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860488"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 {This is the soundest reply.} cxd4 5. exd4 a6 6. Nf3 {Played by Rapport.} Bf5 7. Ne5 {[%cal Bg2g4,Bh2h4][%csl Ge5] Now Black will experience problems with his light-squared Bishop if he plays ...e6.} e6 8. g4 {[%cal Ge5g4,Gd1g4][%csl Rf5]} Bg6 9. h4 {[%cal Bh4h5][%csl Rg6]} Ne4 10. h5 {[%csl Rg6]} Nxc3 11. bxc3 {[%csl Rg6]} Be4 12. f3 {[%csl Re4] The Bishop is trapped, but Black can somewhat limit the damage.} f6 {[%csl Re5]} 13. Nc4 {[%cal Bd5c4,Bf3e4][%csl Re4]} dxc4 14. fxe4 {[%csl Gd4,Ge4,Gf4,Gf1] White has central control, more space and the Bishop pair. He has a clear advantage.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3... c5"] [Black "#22 - 4... cxd4"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860489"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 {This is the soundest reply.} cxd4 5. exd4 a6 6. Nf3 {Played by Rapport.} Nc6 7. Ne5 {[%csl Ge5] The standard move in these lines with ...cxd4 and ...a6.} e6 8. Nxc6 {This is our standard reply to ...Nc6 in these lines. It looks strange to exchange off the Knight when we just spent two moves to put it on the beautiful e5-square, but Black is left with some defects in his pawn structure.} bxc6 9. Na4 {[%cal Ga4c5,Gd4c5][%csl Gc5,Rc6] This is intended to prevent Black playing ...c5 easily and targets the dark squares. It has been the choice of Rapport and Howell amongst others. It should be said that this is one of Black's soundest ways of meeting this opening but White's position is easier to play and the pawn structure and piece placements are marginally favourable.} Bd6 10. Bxd6 Qxd6 11. Bd3 {[%cal Be1g1] Simply intending to finish development.} O-O 12. O-O e5 {[%cal Be5e4]} 13. dxe5 Qxe5 14. Qf3 {[%cal Bf1e1,Ba1d1,Bf3g3]} Re8 {[%cal Ge8e1][%csl Ge8,Ge5]} 15. Qg3 {[%cal Bg3e5] Exchanging Queens will increase White's control over the c5-square and also increases the significance of Black's pawn weaknesses.} Qxg3 16. hxg3 {[%csl Ra6,Rc6,Rd5] White has a slightly better pawn structure in this endgame.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3... c5"] [Black "#23 - 4... cxd4"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860490"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 {This is the soundest reply.} cxd4 5. exd4 a6 6. Nf3 {Played by Rapport.} Nc6 7. Ne5 e6 8. Nxc6 bxc6 9. Na4 {This is intended to prevent Black playing ...c5 easily and targets the dark squares. It has been the choice of Rapport and Howell amongst others. It should be said that this is one of Black's soundest ways of meeting this opening but White's position is easier to play and the pawn structure and piece placements are marginally favourable.} Bd6 10. Bxd6 Qxd6 11. Bd3 e5 {[%cal Be5e4]} 12. dxe5 {White should not allow ...e4.} Qxe5+ 13. Qe2 Qxe2+ 14. Kxe2 {[%cal Ga4c5,Bh1e1,Ba1d1][%csl Rc6,Rd5,Gc5] In honesty this position is objectively equal. However, if an opponent responds to an opening with a series of solid moves, although we wish for more we find ourselves in a position which is very comfortable and one which we should know better than our opponent.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3... c5"] [Black "#24 - 4... cxd4"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860491"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 {This is the soundest reply.} cxd4 5. exd4 a6 6. Nf3 {Played by Rapport.} e6 7. Bd3 {[%cal Be1g1] Here Black has locked in his c8-Bishop early, so there is no point to playing Ne5.} Nc6 8. O-O Bd6 9. Bxd6 Qxd6 10. Re1 {[%cal Ge1e8][%csl Ge1]} O-O 11. Na4 {[%cal Ga4b6,Ga4c5,Gf3e5,Ge1e5,Gd4e5,Gd4c5,Bc2c3][%csl Ge5,Gc5,Gb6] Once again this position is roughly equal, but White's plusses are the extra control of the dark squares namely e5 and c5.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3... c5"] [Black "#25 - 4... cxd4"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860492"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 {This is the soundest reply.} cxd4 5. exd4 a6 6. Nf3 {Played by Rapport.} Bg4 7. h3 {[%csl Rg4] In this line if Black plays ...Bg4, we should immediately challenge the Bishop.} Bh5 8. g4 {[%cal Gg4h5][%csl Rh5]} Bg6 9. Ne5 {[%cal Bh3h4,Bh4h5,Ge5g6][%csl Rg6]} e6 10. h4 {[%cal Bh4h5][%csl Rg6] We have transposed to line #19 but with one move extra, as White has spent an extra tempo on h2-h3-h4 and Black has moved his light-squared Bishop an extra time.} Ne4 11. h5 {[%csl Rg6]} Nxc3 12. bxc3 Be4 13. f3 f6 14. Nc4 dxc4 15. fxe4 {[%csl Gd4,Ge4,Gf4,Gf1]} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3... c5"] [Black "#26 - 4... cxd4"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860493"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 {This is the soundest reply.} cxd4 5. exd4 a6 6. Nf3 {Played by Rapport.} Bg4 7. h3 Bh5 8. g4 Bg6 9. Ne5 Nc6 10. h4 {[%cal Bh4h5][%csl Rg6] This threatens h5, trapping Black's light-squared Bishop.} Ne4 11. h5 {[%csl Rg6]} Nxe5 12. Bxe5 Nxc3 13. bxc3 Be4 ({With} 13... f6 {Black manages to not lose a piece, but after} 14. hxg6 fxe5 15. Rxh7 $1 Rg8 16. Qf3 {he will soon lose a rook.}) 14. f3 {[%csl Re4] White wins a piece.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3... c5"] [Black "#27 - 4... cxd4"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860494"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 {This is the soundest reply.} cxd4 5. exd4 a6 6. Nf3 {Played by Rapport.} Bg4 7. h3 Bh5 8. g4 Bg6 9. Ne5 Nc6 10. h4 {This threatens h5, trapping Black's light-squared bishop.} h5 {Black prevents the loss of a piece but compromises his pawn structure.} 11. Nxg6 fxg6 12. g5 {[%cal Bf1d3,Gd3g6,Bd1f3][%csl Rg6,Rf6] This shatters Black's structure and defences.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3... c5"] [Black "#28 - 4... cxd4"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860495"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 {This is the soundest reply.} cxd4 5. exd4 a6 6. Nf3 {Played by Rapport.} Bg4 7. h3 Bh5 8. g4 Bg6 9. Ne5 Nc6 10. h4 {This threatens h5, trapping Black's light-squared bishop.} h6 11. Nxg6 fxg6 12. Qd3 {[%cal Gd3g6,Be1c1,Bf1h3,Bg4g5][%csl Rg6] This too shatters Black's structure and defences.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3... c5"] [Black "#29 - 4... cxd4"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860496"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 {This is the soundest reply.} cxd4 5. exd4 a6 6. Nf3 {Played by Rapport.} Bg4 7. h3 Bh5 8. g4 Bg6 9. Ne5 Nc6 10. h4 {This threatens h5, trapping Black's light-squared bishop.} Qb6 {[%cal Gb6b2,Gb6d4,Gc6d4][%csl Rb2,Rd4] This is the only decent reply to the threat of h5.} 11. Nxc6 (11. h5 {is also strong but leads to a lot of complications, whereas 11. Nxc6 removes Black's pressure while keeping the threat of h4-h5.}) bxc6 12. Na4 {[%cal Bh4h5,Ga4b6,Ga4b2][%csl Rb6,Gb2] Attacking the Queen and at the same time protecting b2 and threatening h5.} Qa5+ {After other moves White immediately wins a piece with 13. h5.} 13. c3 e6 ({Black can play} 13... h6 {, but after} 14. Qb3 $1 {White gains a decisive initiative on the Queenside - he is threatening Qb7. For example,} 14... Rd8 15. Nc5 $18 {and Black can't do anything against the threat of Nb7.}) 14. b4 {[%cal Bh4h5][%csl Ra5,Rg6] Black must now sacrifice his dark-squared Bishop, as otherwise his light-squared Bishop will be trapped by h5 and if ...Be4 then f3.} ({The immediate} 14. h5 {is less accurate, since after} 14... Be4 15. f3 Bxf3 $1 16. Qxf3 {Black regains the piece with} 16... Qxa4 {.}) Bxb4 15. cxb4 Qxb4+ 16. Ke2 {White has won a piece but been forced to move his king to e2. The material gain is worth it.} Nxg4 17. h5 {[%csl Rg6]} Bf5 18. a3 {[%csl Rb4] Black's Queen is forced back, neutralizing Black's initiative.} Qa5 19. Bh3 {[%cal Be2f1,Bf1g2,Bf4g3] White's extra piece gives a near winning advantage.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3... c5"] [Black "#30 - 4... cxd4"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860497"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 {This is the soundest reply.} cxd4 5. exd4 a6 6. Nf3 {Played by Rapport.} Bg4 7. h3 Bxf3 {This avoids the problems after ...Bh5 g4, but gives up the Bishop pair.} 8. Qxf3 {Most players would prefer White though Black is solid.} Nc6 9. O-O-O {[%cal Bg2g4]} b5 10. g4 {[%cal Bg4g5,Bh3h5] Once again when White has castled Queenside it is imperative to understand that time is of the essence and the key expansion must take place on the Kingside without delay.} e6 11. g5 Ng8 12. h4 Bd6 13. Ne2 {[%cal Be2f4,Bf1h3]} Nge7 14. Bh3 Bxf4+ 15. Nxf4 Ng6 16. h5 Nxf4 17. Qxf4 {[%cal Bg5g6,Bh5h6] White has a clear edge due to his space advantage, lead in development and Bishop vs. Knight. I would be very happy if every opening brought me such an outcome.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 1: 3... c5"] [Black "#31 - 4... cxd4"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "03 Theory 1 (3... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4860498"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 {This is the soundest reply.} cxd4 5. exd4 a6 6. Nf3 {Played by Rapport.} Bg4 7. h3 Bxf3 8. Qxf3 {Most players would prefer White though Black is solid.} Nc6 9. O-O-O e6 10. g4 Bb4 {[%cal Bb4c3,Bf6e4]} 11. Ne2 {Not giving Black any opportunity to play ...Bxc3.} Qa5 {[%cal Ga5a2][%csl Ra2]} 12. Kb1 {[%cal Gb1a2]} Ne4 13. Nc1 {[%cal Bc1b3]} Bd6 14. Nb3 Qc7 15. Be3 O-O 16. Rg1 {[%cal Bg4g5,Bf1d3] A good prophylactic move. White anticipates Black will reinforce the e4-Knight with ...f5 soon, after which White can exchange on f5 and get an open g-file for his Rook.} b5 17. Bd3 f5 {There it is!} 18. gxf5 {[%cal Gg1g7]} exf5 19. Bh6 {[%cal Gg1g7,Gh6g7][%csl Rg7,Rd5,Rf5] Rapport,R (2704) -Sutovsky,E (2624) Tromsoe ol (Men) 41st 2014 (9.4) 1-0. The rest of this game can be seen in model game #2.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 2 (3... Bf5): Model Games"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Model Game #5: Jobava, Baadur"] [Black "Mamedyarov, Shakhriyar"] [Result "1-0"] [SourceTitle "04 Theory 2 (3... Bf5): Model Games"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877043"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 Bf5 4. f3 {This is one of the key moves in the Jobava London System when Black plays Bf5. By not having developed the Knight to f3 White can play the pawn there and look towards a quick Kingside pawn advance which both gains space and pushes Black's pieces back.} e6 5. g4 Bg6 6. h4 {This natural follow up threatens to trap Black's light-squared Bishop. As you will know, when I can push 'Harry' (the h-pawn) I will, especially when it is the objectively best move.} h6 ({This is a natural reply but we will also see what happens if Black plays} 6... h5 {:} 7. g5 Nfd7 8. e3 Bd6 {This position has been seen a number of times before, and previously Jobava and others have played} 9. Nh3 {but this move does not seem best.} ({Instead} 9. Bxd6 {seems like the best move. It has been played before but not by a Grandmaster.} 9... cxd6 10. Nh3 Nc6 11. Nf4 {This looks like an excellent idea as White is ready to take on g6, shattering Black's pawn structure and preparing the powerful looking follow up Bh3 which hits e6.} 11... Ne7 12. Bd3 Qb6 13. Bxg6 Nxg6 14. Nxg6 fxg6 15. Qd3 $16 {We will see more of this variation in the theory section especially, as I feel strongly the existing Grandmaster approach (including by Jobava) can be improved upon.})) 7. e3 c5 ({This is the most active response but it is not without risk. As we will see in the theory section,} 7... a6 {is safer.}) 8. h5 (8. Nb5 {This is the move that I will be recommending in this position, but we can certainly learn from Jobava's approach.}) Bh7 9. Nb5 {Jobava plays Nb5 after getting h5 in. I think it's a better approach to save the opportunity of playing h5 as the option would have still been there after playing Nb5 first.} Na6 10. c3 Be7 11. Bd3 {This is a logical move as Black's Bishop on h7 has been pushed back with tempo, but it is still fairly active on the h7-b1 diagonal.} Bxd3 12. Qxd3 Nd7 13. Ne2 (13. Nh3 {This may be preferable as it retains the idea of playing g5 if this opportunity presents itself.}) O-O 14. a4 {White has an edge. Jobava's play has made sense as it restricts active play, which is Mamedyarov's preferred type of play.} Bf6 15. Bd6 Re8 16. f4 {This is an ambitious move but certainly in Jobava's style. It shows that this opening can contain many active possibilities despite what people may think.} Nb6 {This is too slow and after this move Mamedyarov does not put up much resistance, but the opening phase is comfortably over and White has prepared his pawn advances.} 17. g5 {Jobava does not need a second invitation to take the advantage.} hxg5 18. h6 g6 19. fxg5 Bxg5 20. h7+ Kg7 21. Be5+ f6 22. Nd6 Rh8 23. Nf4 Bxf4 {The Knight had to go, but now Black's Kingside will be fatally levered open in any case.} 24. Bxf4 g5 25. O-O-O Nc4 26. Rh6 Kxh6 27. Nf7+ Kg7 28. Nxd8 Raxd8 29. b3 Nb6 30. Rg1 Rxh7 31. e4 Kh8 32. e5 gxf4 33. Qg6 Rf8 34. exf6 1-0 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 2 (3... Bf5): Model Games"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Model Game #6: Naroditsky, Daniel"] [Black "Kiewra, Keaton"] [Result "1-0"] [SourceTitle "04 Theory 2 (3... Bf5): Model Games"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877044"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 Bf5 4. f3 e6 5. g4 Bg6 6. h4 h6 7. e3 a6 {This is more prudent than allowing White to play Nb5, which as we see ties Black up and is a key feature of this opening whenever White is allowed to play it.} 8. Bd3 Bxd3 9. cxd3 c5 ({This move seems to play into White's decision to play cxd3. We will look at} 9... Bd6 {in the theory section.}) 10. dxc5 Bxc5 11. d4 Bd6 12. Nge2 Nc6 13. Kf2 {This move shows the wealth of possibilities in this line. White's King should be entirely safe on f2 and he keeps his Rook on h1 which strongly retains the prospect of further Kingside advances. These advances are, repeating myself again, a key theme of this whole opening.} Rc8 14. Rc1 b5 {This looks natural, but as in so many variations of this opening Black should be more careful about his dark square weaknesses. It may not be immediately obvious that the c5-square is the key positional weakness, but it certainly isn't lost on a player of Naroditsky's skill.} 15. Bxd6 Qxd6 16. Nf4 {Not only does this cover the h5-square which is consistent with a g4-g5 advance and the Rook remaining on h1, but should White wish, this Knight can be rerouted to c5 via d3.} Ne7 17. g5 Nd7 {Black has defended well but White still has the initiative and his position is more pleasant and easier to play.} 18. gxh6 Rxh6 19. Qg1 Kf8 20. Qg5 {White's play may not be perfect but the old adage that it's better to have a plan than no plan at all has stood the test of the ages. White's play is consistent and in attack mode.} Nf6 21. Rhg1 Ne8 22. h5 Rc4 23. b3 Rc6 24. Nce2 Rf6 25. Rxc6 Nxc6 26. Rc1 Ne7 27. Ng3 Nf5 28. Rc8 (28. Nxf5 {was stronger.}) Qd7 29. Ra8 Nxg3 30. Kxg3 Qc6 31. Rd8 Qc1 32. Qe5 Qe1+ 33. Kg2 Qd2+ ({The pressure tells.} 33... Rxf4 {would have led to a draw.}) 34. Kh3 Qb4 35. Nxd5 {Black cannot save everything.} 1-0 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 2 (3... Bf5): Model Games"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Model Game #7: Naroditsky, D."] [Black "Saltvedt, Martin"] [Result "1-0"] [SourceTitle "04 Theory 2 (3... Bf5): Model Games"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877045"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 Bf5 4. f3 e6 5. g4 Bg6 6. h4 h6 7. e3 Bd6 {My experience tells me that this move and ...Bb4 are the most feared by white players but they need not be. Naroditsky demonstrates why.} 8. Nge2 a6 9. Bxd6 Qxd6 10. Nf4 Nc6 {This is probably the best move, but it shows how tricky Black's position is. I would say it is not natural to allow White to take on g6.} (10... Bh7 {is the logical alternative but once again the recurring theme of Black's dark square weaknesses comes to the fore. This theme along with Kingside expansion keep cropping up in this opening and they must be learnt from.} 11. Bd3 Bxd3 12. Nxd3 Nbd7 13. Qd2 c5 14. O-O-O O-O-O {Black has played the opening well, but White retains an edge both in position and playability after} 15. h5 {.}) 11. Nxg6 Qg3+ {To most players this would look scary, but it's not to be feared. Black has no other pieces to join the battle.} 12. Kd2 fxg6 13. Bd3 O-O 14. Qe2 {The check on g3 by Black has actually helped White, as the Queenside Rook can readily join the action if required. White's position is both strong and very playable. The Kingside play presents itself and should be readily understood.} g5 ({Panic, but what else? A retreat with} 14... Qd6 {is an admission that things have already gone awry.}) 15. hxg5 hxg5 16. Rag1 Qd6 17. f4 gxf4 18. g5 Ne4+ 19. Bxe4 dxe4 20. Qh5 fxe3+ 21. Kc1 Qxd4 22. g6 {White is mating.} Qd2+ 23. Kb1 1-0 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 2 (3... Bf5): Model Games"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Model Game #8: Rapport, Richard"] [Black "Rindlisbacher, Lars"] [Result "1-0"] [SourceTitle "04 Theory 2 (3... Bf5): Model Games"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877046"] 1. Nc3 ({We do not recommend this move order as it allows Black to reply with 1. ..} 1. Nc3 e5 {when} 2. d4 {would be a poor choice.}) d5 2. d4 {Back to where we want it!} Nf6 3. Bf4 Bf5 4. f3 e6 5. g4 Bg6 6. h4 {The key expansion once again. White threatens h5 trapping Black's light-squared Bishop.} h6 7. e3 Bd6 8. h5 Bh7 (8... Bxf4 9. exf4 Bh7 10. Bd3 Bxd3 11. Qxd3 {I prefer White's position due to his Kingside space and control of the centre. His plan is to castle Queenside, complete development and choose between centralization with Rhe1 and perhaps f5 or continuing to push on the kingside. This actually transposes into the game.}) 9. Bd3 Bxf4 10. exf4 Bxd3 11. Qxd3 Qd7 12. O-O-O Na6 13. Qe3 O-O-O 14. Nh3 {White develops the Knight to the initially funny looking h3-square, but Rapport truly understands the position and is planning Nh3-f2-d3. It's all about the dark squares of c5 and e5 again. This is such a key theme that every Jobava London player must try their best to understand it. This concept must be kept in mind at all times.} Ne8 15. Nf2 Nd6 16. Nd3 Nc4 {Most White players may feel that this favours Black, but the Queen can simply retreat, keeping the pressure on the half open e-file (A classic tenet of the best place for a Queen - on a half open line where it exerts pressure without fear of attack from an opposing Rook). The clever placement of the Knight on d3 is further revealed as it protects b2 should Black find a way of bringing his Queen to b6 for example.} 17. Qe1 Qd6 {White's space advantage is the key here. Rapport does not play perfectly (who does) but the opening phase has gone well and he still goes on to win in 32 moves!} 18. Na4 b6 19. Rh2 {A clever Rook lift aiming at the e2-square to form the Rook leading from the Queen battery.} Rhe8 20. Re2 Re7 21. b3 Qa3+ 22. Kb1 c5 23. Qc3 Rc7 (23... Nb4 {is very hard to see, but is the only way to keep the tension for Black.}) 24. dxc5 b5 25. bxc4 Qxa4 26. Nb2 Qb4 27. Qxb4 Nxb4 28. cxb5 d4 29. Na4 Rb7 30. c4 dxc3 31. Rxd8+ Kxd8 32. Nxc3 Nd5 {White is far too many pawns to the good.} 1-0 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 2 (3... Bf5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 2: 3... Bf5 Overview"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "05 Theory 2 (3... Bf5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877311"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 Bf5 4. f3 e6 (4... c6 {This has been played but should not be critical. As ever, though, it is always best to be prepared.} 5. g4 Bc8 {This could possibly be Black's best move. If this is the case then it is clear that Black is admitting guilt for the previous moves.} (5... Bg6 6. h4 h5 (6... h6 {This is an alternative but white already has a comfortable position. Play continues in line with the general themes of the opening.} 7. e3 e6 8. Bd3 {Not committing to an advance of the h pawn in order to retain the option of g5 with maximum effect.} 8... Bxd3 9. Qxd3 Nbd7 10. Nge2 Qa5 11. a3 {Preventing Bb4 but also making it harder for Black to break with ...c5.} 11... Rc8 12. Kf2 Qd8 13. Ng3 {There are chances for both sides here but White has a lead in development, more space and threats of further kingside expansion. Black is totally reliant on the c5 break. I would definitely prefer White's position.}) 7. g5 $14 {White is already getting on top. Wherever the knight retreats to, White will play e4 commanding the centre.} 7... Ng8 8. e4 e6 9. Nge2 Bd6 10. Qd2 Ne7 11. a3 {This was seen in Prie vs Duff Montpellier Open 2013 which was 1-0 in 31 moves.} (11. Bxd6 {This may be even stronger with the idea of castling Queenside. Black is likely to castle Kingside but with the opposite side castling, White's extra space and clear lead in the race against the Kings gives Black a worrisome defensive task.} 11... Qxd6 12. Nf4 Nd7 13. O-O-O O-O 14. Qh2 $14 {The threat of Nxg6 (with the idea of the intermezzo Nxe7+ winning material) means Black's best move is the meek retreat} 14... Qb8 {, highlighting White's advantage.})) 6. h4 {White continues with the plan of Kingside expansion. It is in no way taking liberties as Black has lost many tempi.} 6... Qb6 7. Na4 {This is an important move to remember against ...Qb6, but you must be careful that you can play Nc5 if the Knight is subsequently attacked by a ...b5 pawn thrust.} 7... Qa5+ 8. c3 e6 (8... b5 $6 9. Nc5 $14 {This is a very important option. Whites extra space, lead in development and control of the dark squares gives him more than a pleasant position.}) 9. b4 Qd8 10. e3 $14 {This ensures that White can answer} 10... a5 {with} 11. b5 {. White has a space advantage on both sides of the board and can simply continue developing. His King will be safe on f2.}) 5. g4 Bg6 6. h4 h6 (6... h5 7. g5 Nfd7 8. e3 Bd6 (8... c5 $6 9. Nb5 Na6 10. c3 Be7 11. Bg3 $14 {A clever move, intending Nh3-f4. Once again the combination of White's dark-squared Bishop and Knight on b5 tie Black up on the Queenside. White has an edge both in position and in future plans.}) 9. Bxd6 $1 {This is rarely seen which is why I have given it an exclam. I feel it's an important improvement on previous GM games.} 9... cxd6 10. Nh3 Nc6 11. Nf4 $14 Ne7 12. e4 {White has extra space and central dominance. Its more than a pleasant position. It's a good one which any player of the white pieces should consider to be an opening triumph.}) 7. e3 c5 (7... a6 {This is an alternative and in many lines a prudent choice, preventing any ideas White has of playing Nb5.} 8. Bd3 Bxd3 9. cxd3 $5 c5 10. dxc5 Bxc5 11. d4 Bd6 12. Nge2 Nc6 13. Bxd6 Qxd6 14. Rc1 {It is fair to say that this position is roughly equal. Black demonstrates again that the best defensive lines often include ...a6. White should not in any way be unhappy as he has a clear space edge, will continue with Kf2 and most likely g5.}) 8. h5 Bh7 9. Nb5 {This really is a powerful option which Black should probably not allow. Whenever White gets the Knight to b5 (after Black plays c5) it dominates Black's Queenside as ...Na6 is the only sensible reply. Simply put Black is tied up in the knots of the Knight on b5 and the Bishop on f4.} Na6 10. c3 Be7 11. Bd3 {Exchanging off Black's best minor piece.} Bxd3 12. Qxd3 Nd7 13. Ne2 O-O 14. a4 {A strong move, reinforcing the Knight's position on b5. It's here to stay for at least a good while yet.} Bf6 15. Bd6 Re8 16. f4 Nb6 17. g5 {This position was covered in model game #5.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 2 (3... Bf5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 2: 3..."] [Black "Bf5 #1 - 4... c6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "05 Theory 2 (3... Bf5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877315"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 Bf5 4. f3 c6 {This has been played but should not be critical. As ever though, it is always best to be prepared.} 5. g4 {[%csl Rf5] Gaining space and chasing Black's Bishop around.} Bg6 6. h4 {[%cal Bh4h5][%csl Rg6]} h6 ({This is an alternative to} 6... h5 {, but white already has a comfortable position. Play continues in line with the general themes of the opening.}) 7. e3 {[%cal Bf1d3,Bd3g6][%csl Rg6]} e6 8. Bd3 {[%cal Bd3g6,Bg1e2] Not committing to an advance of the h-pawn in order to retain the option of g5 with maximum effect.} Bxd3 9. Qxd3 {[%cal Bg1e2,Be1f2,Bg4g5,Be1c1] White can continue to develop, connect the rooks and eventually play the move g4-g5.} Nbd7 10. Nge2 Qa5 11. a3 {[%cal Ga3b4][%csl Gb4] Preventing ...Bb4 and also making it harder for Black to break with ...c5, since after dxc5 Bxc5 White could play b4 with a fork.} Rc8 12. Kf2 {[%csl Ga1,Gh1] Castling queenside would be too risky in this situation. The king is perfectly safe on f2.} Qd8 13. Ng3 {[%cal Bg4g5,Ba1g1][%csl Rf6] There are chances for both sides here but White has a lead in development, more space and threats of further kingside expansion. Black is totally reliant on the ...c5 break. I would definitely prefer White's position.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 2 (3... Bf5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 2: 3..."] [Black "Bf5 #2 - 4... c6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "05 Theory 2 (3... Bf5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877316"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 Bf5 4. f3 c6 {This has been played but should not be critical. As ever, though, it is always best to be prepared.} 5. g4 Bg6 6. h4 h5 7. g5 {[%cal Be2e4,Gc3e4,Gf3e4][%csl Rf6] White is already getting on top. Wherever the knight retreats to, White will play e4 commanding the centre.} Ng8 8. e4 {[%csl Ge4,Gd4] White has a large space advantage. He can simply develop his pieces and castle Queenside with a pleasant position.} e6 9. Nge2 Bd6 10. Qd2 Ne7 11. Bxd6 {[%cal Be2f4,Gf4g6,Gf4h5][%csl Rg6]} (11. a3 {was seen in Prie vs. Duff, Montpellier Open 2013, which was 1-0 in 31 moves.}) {11. Bxd6 may be even stronger with the idea of castling Queenside. Black is likely to castle Kingside but with the opposite side castling, White's extra space and clear lead in the race against the Kings gives Black a worrisome defensive task.} Qxd6 12. Nf4 {[%csl Gf4]} Nd7 13. O-O-O O-O 14. Qh2 {[%cal Bf4g6,Gh2d6,Bf1h3,Bf1d3][%csl Rd6,Rg6] The threat of Nxg6 (with the idea of the intermezzo Nxe7+ winning material) means Black's best move is the meek retreat 14... Qb8, highlighting White's advantage.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 2 (3... Bf5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 2: 3..."] [Black "Bf5 #3 - 4... c6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "05 Theory 2 (3... Bf5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877318"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 Bf5 4. f3 c6 {This has been played but should not be critical. As ever, though, it is always best to be prepared.} 5. g4 Bc8 {This could possibly be Black's best move. If this is the case then it is clear that Black is admitting guilt for the previous moves.} 6. h4 {[%csl Gh4,Gg4,Rc8] White continues with the plan of Kingside expansion. It is in no way taking liberties, as Black has lost many tempi with his Bishop.} Qb6 {[%cal Gb6b2][%csl Rb2]} 7. Na4 {[%cal Ga4b2,Ga4b6] This is an important move to remember against ...Qb6, but you must be careful that you can play Nc5 if the Knight is subsequently attacked by a ...b5 pawn thrust.} Qa5+ 8. c3 {[%cal Gd1a4,Bb2b4,Gb4c5,Gb4a5,Ga4c5][%csl Gc5] The point - White's Queen now guards the Knight on a4, and White is poised to continue with b2-b4, increasing his control over the c5-square.} b5 9. Nc5 {[%cal Bb2b4,Ba2a4][%csl Gc5] This is a very important option. White's extra space, lead in development and control of the dark squares give him more than a pleasant position.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 2 (3... Bf5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 2: 3..."] [Black "Bf5 #4 - 4... c6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "05 Theory 2 (3... Bf5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4982649"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 Bf5 4. f3 c6 {This has been played but should not be critical. As ever, though, it is always best to be prepared.} 5. g4 Bc8 {This could possibly be Black's best move. If this is the case then it is clear that Black is admitting guilt for the previous moves.} 6. h4 {White continues with the plan of Kingside expansion. It is in no way taking liberties as Black has lost many tempi.} Qb6 7. Na4 {This is an important move to remember against ...Qb6, but you must be careful that you can play Nc5 if the Knight is subsequently attacked by a ...b5 pawn thrust.} Qa5+ 8. c3 e6 9. b4 Qd8 10. e3 {[%cal Bf1d3,Be1f2,Bg1e2,Gb4b5,Ga7a5]} ({This ensures that White can answer} 10. e3 10... a5 {with} 11. b5 {.}) {White has a space advantage on both sides of the board and can simply continue developing. His King will be safe on f2.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 2 (3... Bf5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 2: 3..."] [Black "Bf5 #5 - 4... e6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "05 Theory 2 (3... Bf5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877320"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 Bf5 4. f3 e6 {This locks the Bishop outside the pawn chain, inviting White to attack it.} 5. g4 {[%csl Rf5]} Bg6 6. h4 {[%cal Bh4h5][%csl Rg6]} h5 7. g5 {[%csl Rf6]} Nfd7 8. e3 {[%cal Bf1d3,Bd3g6] One idea after Black has played ...h6 or ...h5 to safeguard his g6-Bishop is to challenge it with Bd3, since an exchange of Bishops will highlight the weakened light squares on the Kingside.} c5 {This allows our typical Jobava London attack.} 9. Nb5 {[%cal Gb5c7][%csl Rc7]} Na6 10. c3 {[%cal Gc3b4][%csl Gb4,Ra6,Ra8]} Be7 11. Bg3 {[%cal Bg1h3,Bh3f4,Gf4g6,Gf4h5][%csl Rg6,Rh5] A clever move, intending Nh3-f4. Once again the combination of White's dark-squared Bishop and Knight on b5 tie Black up on the Queenside. White has an edge both in position and in future plans.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 2 (3... Bf5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 2: 3..."] [Black "Bf5 #6 - 4... e6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "05 Theory 2 (3... Bf5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877321"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 Bf5 4. f3 e6 5. g4 Bg6 6. h4 h5 7. g5 Nfd7 8. e3 Bd6 {[%cal Gd6f4][%csl Rf4]} 9. Bxd6 {This is rarely seen which is why I have given it an exclam. I feel it's an important improvement on previous GM games.} cxd6 10. Nh3 {[%cal Bh3f4,Gf4g6][%csl Rg6,Rh5,Gf4] This Knight will be strongly positioned on f4.} Nc6 11. Nf4 {[%csl Rg6]} Ne7 12. e4 {[%cal Bf1d3,Bd1d2,Be1c1][%csl Gd4,Ge4] White has extra space and central dominance. Its more than a pleasant position. It's a good one which any player of the white pieces should consider to be an opening triumph.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 2 (3... Bf5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 2: 3..."] [Black "Bf5 #7 - 4... e6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "05 Theory 2 (3... Bf5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877322"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 Bf5 4. f3 e6 5. g4 Bg6 6. h4 h6 7. e3 {[%cal Bf1d3,Gd3g6][%csl Rg6] Again with the idea of playing Bd3 and exchanging Black's light-squared Bishop.} a6 {[%cal Ga6b5][%csl Gb5] This is an alternative and in many lines a prudent choice, preventing any ideas White has of playing Nb5.} 8. Bd3 {[%cal Bd3g6]} Bxd3 9. cxd3 {[%cal Gd4c5,Bc7c5][%csl Gd3,Ge3] Recapturing like this may look odd, but Black is intending to play ...c5 when we can undouble our pawns and keep 2 pawns in the centre.} c5 10. dxc5 Bxc5 11. d4 {The position now resembles an exchange Slav where Black has no boxed-in light-squared Bishop on c8, while White has some extra space on the Kingside.} Bd6 12. Nge2 {[%cal Ge2f4]} Nc6 13. Bxd6 Qxd6 14. Rc1 {[%cal Be1f2,Be2g3,Bg4g5] It is fair to say that this position is roughly equal. Black demonstrates again that the best defensive lines often include ...a6. White should not in any way be unhappy as he has a clear space edge, will continue with Kf2 and most likely g5.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 2 (3... Bf5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 2: 3..."] [Black "Bf5 #8 - 4... e6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "05 Theory 2 (3... Bf5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877323"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 Bf5 4. f3 e6 5. g4 Bg6 6. h4 h6 7. e3 c5 {This runs into a familiar theme.} 8. h5 {[%csl Rg6] First White gains some space at the expense of the g6-Bishop.} Bh7 9. Nb5 {[%cal Gb5c7][%csl Rc7,Gb5,Gf4] This really is a powerful option which Black should probably not allow. Whenever White gets the Knight to b5 (after Black plays ...c5) it dominates Black's Queenside, as ...Na6 is the only sensible reply. Simply put, Black is tied up in the knots of the Knight on b5 and the Bishop on f4.} Na6 10. c3 {[%cal Gc3b4][%csl Gb4] This pawn move is very useful, preventing any future ...Qa5+ or ...Nb4 ideas.} Be7 11. Bd3 {[%cal Bd3h7][%csl Rh7] Exchanging off Black's best minor piece} Bxd3 12. Qxd3 Nd7 {[%cal Ge7g5,Gd8g5] Black was afraid of the g4-g5 push.} 13. Ne2 O-O 14. a4 {[%csl Gb5] A strong move, reinforcing the Knight's position on b5. It's here to stay for at least a good while yet.} Bf6 {This allows White to improve the f4-Bishop's position.} 15. Bd6 {[%csl Gd6,Rf8]} Re8 16. f4 {[%cal Gf4e5,Bg4g5][%csl Ge5] With a strong grip on the centre, as well as ideas of playing g5.} Nb6 17. g5 {This position was covered in model game #5.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 3 (3... c6): Model Games"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Model Game #9: Howell, David"] [Black "Kasparov, G."] [Result "1-0"] [SourceTitle "06 Theory 3 (3... c6): Model Games"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877047"] {I must thank David Howell for giving me this game. It was a blitz game against none other than the great, former World Champion Garry Kasparov. David suggested the overall standard of the game wasn't the highest as it was blitz but I can comfortably say we would all love to play as well as him in this game and take down one of chess's biggest scalps.} 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c6 {Dare I say this is probably not the greatest challenge to White's opening, but in Kasparov's defence he has been away from competitive chess for a number of years and it demonstrates that even a chess legend can be caught somewhat cold by an unexpected opening such as this. That should make any potential player of this line very optimistic!} 4. e3 Bf5 5. f3 e6 6. g4 {David knows his stuff and goes for the classic Kingside thrust.} Bg6 7. h4 h5 8. g5 Ng8 (8... Nfd7 {is arguably better but White already has what he wants. He has gained space and time on the Kingside and at the same time pushed Black's pieces back.}) 9. Bd3 Nd7 (9... Ne7 10. e4 dxe4 11. fxe4 Qxd4 $2 12. Nb5 $3) 10. Bxg6 {Imagine getting this position from the opening against a legend. The Jobava puts another player under the cosh. Black's Kingside structure is shattered and he will need to be vigilant for the rest of the game. White is assuredly on the front foot.} fxg6 11. Nge2 Bb4 12. Qd3 {Developing with threat to the g6-pawn.} Ne7 13. Bh2 {The Bishop vacates the f4-square should the e2-Knight wish to occupy it with threats against e6 and g6.} (13. e4 {was probably the most accurate, dominating the centre and preventing Nf5 before Black can gain any sense of counterplay.}) c5 14. a3 c4 15. Qd2 Ba5 16. e4 b5 {This turns out to be dubious as Black needed to shore up his defences before carrying out his counterplay. This move is entirely understandable especially from Kasparov who had no desire to sit and wait.} 17. Qe3 O-O 18. O-O Bb6 19. Kg2 {Sensibly getting off the diagonal of the b6-bishop. An excellent and practical move. Prophylaxis to perfection!} Kh7 20. Rad1 a6 21. Nf4 {The totality of White's opening is a success. Black has many problems to overcome.} e5 22. Ne6 exd4 23. Rxd4 (23. Qd2 $1 $18 {, as pointed out by David himself, is the smoothest way to a material gain when} 23... dxc3 24. Qxc3 {threatens both the Queen on d8 and mate on g7. Black would be forced to play} 24... d4 {, and after} 25. Rxd4 $3 {Black cannot keep everything together due to the potential of moving the d4 Rook and once again threatening g7 with mate.}) Qe8 24. Qd2 Rf7 25. Nxd5 Nxd5 26. exd5 Bxd4 27. Qxd4 Nf8 28. Nc7 Rxc7 29. Bxc7 Qf7 30. Be5 Nd7 31. Re1 Re8 32. Bg3 Rxe1 33. Bxe1 Qf5 34. Qe4 Nb6 35. Qxf5 {The rest of the game shows how fantastic David's technique is but its outside the scope of this course.} gxf5 36. d6 g6 37. Kg3 Kg7 38. Kf4 Nd7 39. Ke3 Kf7 40. Kd4 Ke6 41. Bg3 Nb8 42. Kc5 Kd7 43. Kd5 Nc6 44. Be1 Nd8 45. Bg3 Nc6 46. c3 Na5 47. Ke5 Nb3 48. Kf6 Nc5 49. Kxg6 Nd3 50. Kf7 {A fabulous win for David and a great demonstration of the wealth of possibilities which can arise from this opening!} 1-0 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 3 (3... c6): Model Games"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Model Game #10: Jobava, Baadur"] [Black "Savitski, Andrei"] [Result "1-0"] [SourceTitle "06 Theory 3 (3... c6): Model Games"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877048"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 c6 4. e3 Bf5 5. f3 h5 {This has been played on a few occasions. It's important to take note how to proceed as White because the classic thrust g4 is now prevented. Thats's the upside, but the downside of this from Black's perspective is that the h5-pawn now looks a little loose and it is likely to be a permanent target/weakness.} 6. Bd3 Bxd3 7. Qxd3 e6 8. Nge2 h4 {This pawn advance makes the h-pawn even weaker. White was fully intending O-O-O so this doesn't even achieve that much.} (8... Be7 {This is a more conservative and better approach. I still like White's position and will recommend replying with} 9. e4 {in the theory section.}) 9. O-O-O Nbd7 10. Kb1 Qb6 11. e4 {This is the right approach and could easily have been played on either of the two preceding moves but Jobava knows his chess mantras, namely, that all the best players play Kb1!} Be7 12. e5 {White has more space and control of the centre. I might be starting to sound like a broken record, but what's not to like about the comment?} Nh5 13. Be3 g5 {Supporting h4, but it's not normally a good idea to play in an area of the board where your oponent has dominance. Jobava's reply is swift and demonstrates his understanding of this concept.} 14. g4 hxg3 15. hxg3 O-O-O 16. g4 Ng7 {This Knight has found its way from f6 to g7. Not a good transition!} 17. Nc1 {It's all about the dark squares again. This time c5} c5 18. dxc5 Nxc5 19. Qd4 Qc6 20. Nb3 Nxb3 21. axb3 b6 22. Qd3 {White's pieces are better placed, better coordinated and he has the safer king. It's a strong position!} Kb7 23. Nb5 a6 24. Nd4 Qc7 25. f4 gxf4 26. Bxf4 Qd7 27. Nf3 Rdg8 28. Rh7 Bd8 29. Rdh1 Rxh7 30. Rxh7 Ne8 31. g5 Rg7 32. Rh8 ({Missing} 32. Rxg7 Nxg7 33. Qh7 Nf5 34. g6 $18 {when the pin along the 7th rank is decisive in allowing the g-pawn to advance, which will result in material loss for Black.}) Nc7 33. Qd1 Nb5 34. Qh1 Na7 35. Qh6 Rg6 36. Qf8 {Black is now losing material. For example:} Kc8 37. Be3 Kc7 38. Qd6+ Qxd6 39. exd6+ Kd7 40. Ne5+ 1-0 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 3 (3... c6): Model Games"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Model Game #11: Grandelius, N."] [Black "Fargere, Fr"] [Result "1-0"] [SourceTitle "06 Theory 3 (3... c6): Model Games"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877049"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 c6 4. e3 Bf5 5. f3 h6 6. g4 Bh7 7. Bd3 {This is the main move of the strong players who have reached this position, and my recommendation.} (7. h4 {is an interesting alternative with the traditional Kingside expansion theme.}) Nbd7 (7... Qb6 {is an important alternative that will be covered in the theory section.}) 8. Bxh7 Nxh7 9. Nge2 ({This is a slight inaccuracy as it allows Black to play 9... Ng5 attacking the f3 pawn. I will suggest} 9. Qd3 {intending a quick O-O-O in the theory section.}) e6 10. Qd3 Be7 11. e4 Nhf6 {Black should not be in a hurry to reposition the Knight here as it gives White the option of playing e5 with gain of tempo.} 12. O-O-O Qa5 13. Kb1 {Need I repeat myself about the best players and Kb1? It removes the King from the dark-squared c1-h6 diagonal and shores up the defence of the a2-pawn, thereby freeing the c3-Knight to move should it wish. A move that everyone should take note of!} a6 14. Rhe1 (14. e5 {makes a lot of sense. White gains more space in the centre with tempo. Play may continue} 14... Nh7 15. h4 Nhf8 16. Bd2 O-O-O 17. f4 $14 {Black is cramped and White can press on with f5 putting black under considerable pressure.}) b5 15. Nc1 {It's once again all about those dark squares. I love it when an opening has consistent themes. Sooner or later everyone will get out of book and need to think for themselves and this is where a good grasp of the plans of a particular opening are worth their weight in gold (or saffron)!} Qd8 16. Nb3 Nb6 17. h4 Nc4 18. Bc1 Qd7 {And such is the precarious nature of Black's position that an innocent developing move, which prepares O-O-O, is an outright blunder! This move takes away the d7-square from the f6-Knight, which is crucial.} (18... dxe4 {This unnatural looking move was the only way to maintain the balance, but White can simply reply with} 19. fxe4 {, gambitting the g4 pawn, when play could continue} 19... Nxg4 20. Qf3 h5 21. e5 Qc7 22. Ne4 Rd8 23. Bg5 $1 {when the weakness of Black's dark squares ensure White has some edge and a much easier position to play.}) 19. g5 {The opening phase is well over. White converts in ruthless fashion.} hxg5 20. hxg5 Nh5 21. g6 f6 22. exd5 cxd5 23. Qe2 Bb4 24. Rd3 Ke7 25. f4 a5 26. f5 a4 27. Qxe6+ Qxe6 28. Rxe6+ Kd7 29. Nc5+ Bxc5 30. dxc5 b4 31. Rxd5+ Kc8 32. Nb5 Ng3 33. c6 Rh1 34. Re8# 1-0 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 3 (3... c6): Model Games"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Model Game #12: Magnus Carlsen"] [Black "undeteated6"] [Result "1-0"] [SourceTitle "06 Theory 3 (3... c6): Model Games"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877050"] 1. d4 {Who better to see in action than the World Champion himself: Magnus Carlsen!} Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c6 4. e3 {This position is similar to the lines in the previous chapter, but Black's decision to play ...c6 before ...Bf5 makes it subtly different. It is important to understand the best approach.} Bf5 5. f3 Qb6 {This is one of the natural follow ups for Black after playing an early ...c6. It targets the undefended pawn on b2 and it is important how White deals with this.} 6. g4 ({It turns out the World Champion is human and he should not allow 6... Qxb2. In his defence it was a Banter Blitz session. The theory section will deal with this position and our recommendation} 6. Na4 Qa5+ 7. c3 {.}) Bg6 (6... Qxb2 {is better.}) 7. h4 h5 (7... Qxb2 {was playable once again.}) 8. g5 Nfd7 9. Bd3 Bxd3 10. Qxd3 g6 (10... Qxb2 $2 11. Rb1 Qa3 12. g6 $1 f6 13. Nxd5 $1 Qxd3 $6 (13... Qa5+ 14. Nc3 $16 {Black is miles behind in development with weaknesses galore.}) 14. Nc7+ Kd8 15. cxd3 {and Black's Rook on a8 falls.}) 11. O-O-O {The world champion gives us a clinic in the options available to White in this game. Imagine if we could play like this!} e6 12. e4 Bb4 13. Nge2 Na6 14. a3 Bxc3 (14... Be7 $16 {The World Champion suggests preserving the dark-squared Bishop, but White has gained a lot of time. The opening is now a big success.} 15. Qe3 (15. Rhe1 {, Centralising the blocked Kingside Rook, is also strong.}) 15... O-O $2 16. exd5 cxd5 17. Nxd5 {and wins.}) 15. Nxc3 Nc7 16. Rhe1 {Centralising the rook and threatening some tricks around exploiting the position of Black's King.} Rc8 ({Black misses the danger.} 16... O-O {was the way to carry on without material loss, but White has a clear edge due to his central dominance, control of the dark squares and better piece placement.}) 17. Bxc7 Qxc7 18. exd5 Qf4+ 19. Kb1 cxd5 20. Nxd5 Qxh4 21. Qb5 O-O (21... Kd8 {was the only realistic way to fight on, but Black will not survive with his king on d8 against White's major pieces.} 22. Nf6 Nxf6 23. d5 $3 exd5 24. Rxd5+ Nxd5 25. Qxd5+ Kc7 26. Re7+ Kb6 27. Rxb7+ Ka6 28. Qb5#) 22. Ne7+ Kh7 23. Nxc8 {Black is a rook behind and playing the World Champion, so he resigned.} 1-0 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 3 (3... c6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 3: 3... c6 Overview"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "07 Theory 3 (3... c6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877337"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c6 4. e3 Bf5 (4... e6 {This solid but passive approach is not in any way dangerous to White. It really doesn't fight for the initiative.} 5. Bd3 Bd6 (5... c5 6. Nb5 {This is the normal reply when Black plays c5 - without a6 of course.} 6... Na6 7. c3 c4 8. Bc2 Bd7 9. a4 Bxb5 10. axb5 Nc7 11. Ba4 {I like White's position. He has the 2 Bishops and at the moment the Knight on c7 looks very awkward. A sample line is:} 11... b6 12. Nf3 Bd6 13. Ne5 O-O 14. Qf3 $14) 6. Qf3 {This is an unusual move in this line so early, but it takes advantage of the fact that Black has played e6 blocking in his light-squared Bishop. This move will not only most likely be unexpected it has merit in its own right.} 6... O-O 7. g4 {As soon as Black castles Kingside, White seeks out the initiative on that side of the board.} 7... Bxf4 8. Qxf4 {I very much like White's development, space and the start of a Kingside initiative.} 8... Nbd7 9. h4 Qe7 10. Nf3 Re8 11. g5 Nh5 12. Qh2 $14 {White has a good position. He is prepared to castle Queenside, has a Kingside initiative and the Knight on h5 is misplaced.}) (4... g6 5. Be2 {This is a clever move which prevents any ...Bg4 by Black and hints at an h4-h5 advance whilst keeping White's options open.} 5... Bg7 6. h4 h6 (6... h5 7. Nf3 Bg4 8. Ne5 Bxe2 9. Qxe2 Nbd7 10. O-O-O {This was played by Wei Yi and is commensurate with the opening themes. White has more control of the centre, a strongly placed Knight on e5 and prospects of f3 followed by e4.}) 7. Nf3 Qb6 8. b3 {This move is now entirely possible as Black cannot play ...Bb4.} 8... Nbd7 9. Ne5 {It is fair to say that from an evaluation standpoint there is little in this position. But not for the first time, White's plusses are clear - a strong Knight on e5 and the prospect of castling Queenside to make the game dynamic.} 9... O-O 10. Qd2 Nxe5 11. Bxe5 Ne4 12. Nxe4 dxe4 13. Bxg7 Kxg7 $14 {After this sequence White's edge lies with a better Bishop, but perhaps more importantly, better attacking chances through h5. White is better with a much clearer way forward.}) 5. f3 {This move contains ideas similar to the previous chapter, i.e. g4 and h4 followed by solid development.} e6 (5... h5 6. Bd3 Bxd3 7. Qxd3 e6 8. Nge2 Be7 9. e4 O-O 10. g4 $5 {This is an excellent idea. Not only is it objectively sound, it also follows the plans of the opening and puts direct practical pressure on Black.} 10... dxe4 11. fxe4 hxg4 $2 {When moves like this are suspect, White should be very happy.} 12. h3 {It's a classic attacking strategy of opening up lines against the enemy King. Not only is Black's defensive task difficult - he has very little, if any, in the way of counterplay.} 12... g3 13. Qf3 $18 {This is far from the only move, but it is accurate as it prevents Black playing ...Nh5 which would exchange off a minor piece and slow White's attack down. It is not an exaggeration to say that White is on the verge of a winning attack.}) (5... h6 6. g4 Bh7 (6... Bg6 7. Bd3 {Black's best move here is} 7... Bxd3 {which transposes into the line with 6... Bh7 and 7. Bd3 when Black replies with 7... Bxd3.}) 7. Bd3 Bxd3 8. Qxd3 {Exchanging the light-squared Bishops makes sense for White as this was Black's best minor piece. By recapturing with the Queen, White can castle Queenside without obstruction.} 8... e6 9. Nge2 {I like this move as it keeps White's options open. He can see how Black deploys his pieces before deciding between a Kingside push with h4 or advancing in the centre with e4. In keeping with the overall plan of our opening, I favour the former as it is consistent with many of the other positions encountered.} 9... Qa5 10. h4 Nbd7 11. Kf2 {Now that Black has played Qa5, White neatly steps out of the pin and does not castle into the line of Black's developed Queen.} 11... Be7 12. Kg2 {This is another smart move. Black is without a light-squared Bishop so neither the dark-squared Bishop can check White's King, and any possibility of the f6-Knight moving to g4 or even e4 will not come with check anymore.} 12... c5 13. Ng3 {White continues with the Kingside plan. Understanding the plans of an opening is important and it's particularly helpful when the themes are consistent. It makes the task of the opponent that much harder as well.}) 6. g4 Bg6 7. h4 h6 (7... h5 8. g5 Ng8 (8... Nfd7 9. Nge2 $14 {In this exact position it makes sense not to rush into Bd3 because the Bishop on g6 is awkwardly placed and cannot readily be supported by a Knight - this is why Kasparov amongst others retreat with ...Ng8 so that the knight can go to e7 supporting the Bishop.}) 9. Bd3 Bxd3 (9... Nd7 {We saw this in the introductory game of Howell - Kasparov.}) 10. Qxd3 $14) 8. Bd3 (8. h5 {is also possible although it means g4-g5 is less likely.} 8... Bh7 $10) Bxd3 9. Qxd3 {White is planning e4, Nge2 and at some point g4-g5.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 3 (3... c6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 3: 3... c6 #1 - 4... e6"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "07 Theory 3 (3... c6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877338"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c6 4. e3 e6 {[%csl Rc8] This solid but passive approach is not in any way dangerous to White. It really doesn't fight for the initiative.} 5. Bd3 {[%cal Gg1e2,Gg1f3] This Bishop is always well-positioned here, while White isn't sure yet whether he wants to put his g1-Knight on e2 (in case Black plays ...Bb4) or on f3.} c5 6. Nb5 {[%cal Gb5c7][%csl Rc7] This is the normal reply when Black plays ...c5 (without ...a6 of course).} Na6 7. c3 {[%cal Gc3b4][%csl Gb4] All the standard moves.} c4 8. Bc2 Bd7 9. a4 {[%cal Ga4b5][%csl Gb5] Reinforcing the b5-Knight.} Bxb5 10. axb5 Nc7 11. Ba4 {[%cal Ga4e8,Bb5b6][%csl Re8] I like White's position. He has the 2 Bishops and at the moment the Knight on c7 looks very awkward. A sample line is:} b6 {Otherwise 12. b6+ would be an embarassing discovered check.} 12. Nf3 {[%cal Bf3e5,Ge5c6][%csl Gc6,Ge5] This Knight will be very strongly positioned on e5.} Bd6 13. Ne5 O-O 14. Qf3 {[%cal Bf3h3,Ba4c2,Bg2g4,Bg4g5] White can continue in standard London-system style with Qh3, Bc2 and g4-g5 with an attack on Black's King.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 3 (3... c6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 3: 3... c6 #2 - 4... e6"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "07 Theory 3 (3... c6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877339"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c6 4. e3 e6 {This solid but passive approach is not in any way dangerous to White. It really doesn't fight for the initiative.} 5. Bd3 Bd6 6. Qf3 {[%cal Bg2g4,Bh2h4,Be1c1] This is an unusual move in this line so early, but it takes advantage of the fact that Black has played e6 blocking in his light-squared Bishop. This move will not only most likely be unexpected - it has merit in its own right.} O-O 7. g4 {[%cal Bg4g5][%csl Rf6] As soon as Black castles Kingside, White seeks out the initiative on that side of the board.} Bxf4 8. Qxf4 {I very much like White's development, space and the start of a Kingside initiative.} Nbd7 9. h4 {[%cal Bg4g6,Bh4h6]} Qe7 {[%cal Be6e5] Black prepares to push ...e5.} 10. Nf3 {[%cal Gf3e5][%csl Ge5]} Re8 11. g5 {[%csl Rf6]} Nh5 12. Qh2 {[%cal Be1c1][%csl Rh5] White has a good position. He is prepared to castle Queenside, has a Kingside initiative and the Knight on h5 is misplaced.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 3 (3... c6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 3: 3... c6 #3 - 4... g6"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "07 Theory 3 (3... c6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877340"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c6 4. e3 g6 5. Be2 {[%cal Ge2g4,Bh2h4][%csl Gg4] This is a clever move which prevents any ...Bg4 by Black and hints at an h4-h5 advance whilst keeping White's options open.} Bg7 6. h4 {[%cal Bh4h5]} h5 7. Nf3 {Now that Black has weakened the kingside with ...h5, this Knight will be strongly placed on e5 (since Black will find it hard to play ...f6 without dropping the g6-pawn).} Bg4 8. Ne5 {[%csl Ge5]} Bxe2 9. Qxe2 Nbd7 10. O-O-O {[%cal Bf2f3,Be3e4][%csl Ge5,Gd1,Gh1] This was played by Wei Yi and is commensurate with the opening themes. White has more control of the centre, a strongly placed Knight on e5 and prospects of f3 followed by e4.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 3 (3... c6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 3: 3... c6 #4 - 4... g6"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "07 Theory 3 (3... c6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4982656"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c6 4. e3 g6 5. Be2 {This is a clever move which prevents any Bg4 by Black and hints at an h4-h5 advance whilst keeping White's options open.} Bg7 6. h4 h6 {Black intends to answer h5 with ...g5.} 7. Nf3 {[%cal Gf3e5][%csl Ge5]} Qb6 {[%csl Rb2]} 8. b3 {This move is now entirely possible as Black cannot play ...Bb4.} Nbd7 9. Ne5 {[%cal Bd1d2,Be1c1][%csl Ge5] It is fair to say that from an evaluation standpoint there is little in this position. But not for the first time, White's plusses are clear (strong Knight on e5 and the prospect of castling Queenside to make the game dynamic).} O-O 10. Qd2 Nxe5 11. Bxe5 {[%cal Be5g7]} Ne4 {[%csl Rd2,Rc3]} 12. Nxe4 dxe4 13. Bxg7 {[%cal Bh4h5,Be1c1,Bg2g4]} ({After} 13. Bxg7 13... Kxg7 {White's edge lies with a better Bishop, but perhaps more importantly, better attacking chances through h5. White is better with a much clearer way forward.}) * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 3 (3... c6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 3: 3..."] [Black "c6 #5 - 4... Bf5"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "07 Theory 3 (3... c6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877342"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c6 4. e3 Bf5 5. f3 {[%cal Bg2g4,Bh2h4][%csl Rf5] This move contains ideas similar to the previous chapter, i.e. g4 and h4 followed by solid development.} h5 {[%cal Gh5g4][%csl Gg4]} 6. Bd3 {[%cal Bd3f5] Once Black has weakened his Kingside (in this case with ...h5), it is a good idea to exchange his active light-squared Bishop to better exploit the Kingside weaknesses.} Bxd3 7. Qxd3 e6 8. Nge2 {[%cal Be3e4]} Be7 9. e4 O-O 10. g4 {[%cal Bg4h5,Bg4g5,Be1c1][%csl Rg8] This is an excellent idea. Not only is it objectively sound, it also follows the plans of the opening and puts direct practical pressure on Black.} dxe4 11. fxe4 hxg4 {When moves like this are suspect, White should be very happy.} 12. h3 {[%cal Bh3g4,Gh1h8][%csl Rg8,Rh7,Rh8] It's a classic attacking strategy of opening up lines against the enemy King. Not only is Black's defensive task difficult - he has very little, if any, in the way of counterplay.} g3 13. Qf3 {[%cal Gf3h5,Be1c1,Be2g3,Bh1g1][%csl Gh5] This is far from the only move, but it is accurate as it prevents Black playing ...Nh5 which would exchange off a minor piece and slow White's attack down. It is not an exaggeration to say that White is on the verge of a winning attack.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 3 (3... c6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 3: 3..."] [Black "c6 #6 - 4... Bf5"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "07 Theory 3 (3... c6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877343"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c6 4. e3 Bf5 5. f3 {This move contains ideas similar to the previous chapter, i.e. g4 and h4 followed by solid development.} h6 6. g4 {[%csl Rf5]} Bg6 7. Bd3 {[%cal Bd3g6][%csl Rg6]} ({Black's best move here is} 7. Bd3 7... Bxd3 {which transposes into line #7.}) * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 3 (3... c6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 3: 3..."] [Black "c6 #7 - 4... Bf5"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "07 Theory 3 (3... c6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877344"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c6 4. e3 Bf5 5. f3 {This move contains ideas similar to the previous chapter, i.e. g4 and h4 followed by solid development.} h6 6. g4 Bh7 7. Bd3 {[%cal Bd3h7][%csl Rh7]} Bxd3 8. Qxd3 {[%cal Be1c1,Bg1e2,Bh2h4] Exchanging the light-squared Bishops makes sense for White as this was Black's best minor piece. By recapturing with the Queen, White can castle Queenside without obstruction.} e6 9. Nge2 {[%cal Be3e4,Bh2h4] I like this move as it keeps White's options open. He can see how Black deploys his pieces before deciding between a Kingside push with h4 or advancing in the centre with e4. In keeping with the overall plan of our opening, I favour the former as it is consistent with many of the other positions encountered.} Qa5 10. h4 Nbd7 11. Kf2 {[%csl Gf2] Now that Black has played Qa5, White neatly steps out of the pin and does not castle into the line of Black's developed Queen.} Be7 12. Kg2 {[%cal Be2g3,Bg4g5][%csl Gg2] This is another smart move. Black is without a light-squared Bishop so neither the dark-squared Bishop can check White's King, and any possibility of the f6-Knight moving to g4 or even e4 will not come with check anymore.} c5 13. Ng3 {[%cal Bg4g5,Gg5f6][%csl Rf6] White continues with the Kingside plan. Understanding the plans of an opening is important and it's particularly helpful when the themes are consistent. It makes the task of the opponent that much harder as well.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 3 (3... c6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 3: 3..."] [Black "c6 #8 - 4... Bf5"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "07 Theory 3 (3... c6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877345"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c6 4. e3 Bf5 5. f3 {This move contains ideas similar to the previous chapter, i.e. g4 and h4 followed by solid development.} e6 {This is very cooperative.} 6. g4 {[%cal Bh2h4][%csl Rf5]} Bg6 7. h4 {[%cal Bh4h5][%csl Rg6]} h5 8. g5 {[%csl Rf6]} Nfd7 9. Nge2 {[%cal Be2f4,Gf4g6,Bf4g3][%csl Rg6] In this exact position, it makes sense not to rush into Bd3 because the Bishop on g6 is awkwardly placed and cannot readily be supported by a Knight (this is why Kasparov amongst others retreat with Ng8 so that the knight can go to e7 supporting the Bishop). It will be awkward for Black once our Knight arrives on f4.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 3 (3... c6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 3: 3..."] [Black "c6 #9 - 4... Bf5"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "07 Theory 3 (3... c6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877347"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c6 4. e3 Bf5 5. f3 {This move contains ideas similar to the previous chapter, i.e. g4 and h4 followed by solid development.} e6 6. g4 Bg6 7. h4 h5 8. g5 Ng8 9. Bd3 {[%cal Bd3g6][%csl Rg6]} Bxd3 ({We saw} 9... Nd7 {in Model game #9, Howell vs. Kasparov.}) 10. Qxd3 {[%cal Bg1e2,Be1c1,Be3e4]} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 3 (3... c6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 3: 3..."] [Black "c6 #10 - 4... Bf5"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "07 Theory 3 (3... c6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877349"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 c6 4. e3 Bf5 5. f3 {This move contains ideas similar to the previous chapter, i.e. g4 and h4 followed by solid development.} e6 6. g4 Bg6 7. h4 h6 8. Bd3 (8. h5 {is also possible although it means g4-g5 is less likely.} 8... Bh7 $10) Bxd3 9. Qxd3 {[%cal Be3e4,Bg1e2,Be1c1,Bg4g5,Be1f2] White is planning e4, Nge2 and at some point g4-g5.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 4 (3... e6): Model Games"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Model Game #13: Jobava, Baadur"] [Black "Shalamberidze, Akaki"] [Result "1-0"] [SourceTitle "08 Theory 4 (3... e6): Model Games"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877053"] 1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. Nc3 e6 4. e3 Bb4 {This move is definitely one to be aware of as White. I have been asked many times how White should deal with this position. Before that, I want to consider the merits of the move 4... Bb4. Black pins the Knight on c3. It's an absolute pin (to the King) which means that currently White cannot move the c3-Knight at all. The biggest danger for White is not so much a quick capture on c3, but moves such as ...Ne4, ...c5 and ...Qa5, all increasing the pressure on the c3-Knight. ...Bb4 in this position takes advantage of the fact that White has played e3, which means that the f4-Bishop cannot retreat to d2 to support the c3-Knight and break the pin.} 5. Bd3 c5 {This is the most critical line, eyeing up a possible ...Qa5.} 6. dxc5 Nbd7 (6... Bxc3+ {will be looked at in the theory section.}) 7. Nge2 Nxc5 (7... O-O {and}) (7... a6 {, which may just be the critical move, will be covered in the theory section as well.}) 8. a3 Nxd3+ 9. Qxd3 Ba5 10. O-O-O O-O {White has a pleasant position. The knight on c3 is no longer pinned, White has a lead in development and will play e4 quickly. Normally when you have a lead in development it is to your benefit to open up the position as quick as possible. Black has failed to maximise the potential of 4... Bb4.} (10... Bd7 11. e4 Bc6 12. exd5 Nxd5 13. Qg3 {Attacking g7 and opening up the pin on the d-file. White's pressure on the Kingside gives him an advantage. It's a difficult task for Black to defend accurately.}) 11. Bg5 ({This is probably the most accurate, but I don't think I could have resisted} 11. h4 {. It doesn't gain points for subtlety, but if I can give Harry a push, I will! As we will see in the game Jobava also appreciates this concept.}) h6 12. h4 {This applies maximum pressure to Black's kingside. White's plan is clear: attack the King in the most direct way. When you are attacking and your opponent needs to spend time on defensive moves like ...h6, they are not taking the time to gain counterplay which strongly suggests you have the upper hand.} Bd7 (12... hxg5 $2 13. hxg5 {would, of course, just be a massacre due to the pin on the d-file in the event of} Ne4 $2 14. Nxe4 {,}) ({while the seemingly prudent} 12... Re8 $2 {would also have been a major error in view of the fork} 13. Bxf6 $1 Qxf6 14. Qb5 {, and if} Qd8 15. Nxd5 $1) 13. g4 {Here comes the main wave of the attack. Matters look grim for Shalamberidze, but Black need not panic just yet.} Bc6 14. Rh3 e5 ({Allowing White to add power to the pin down the h4-d8 diagonal was not wise. Black would have been better off with something like} 14... Rc8 {, although after} 15. f4 $1 (15. Bxf6 Qxf6 16. g5 Qg6 {isn't so clear}) 15... Qe7 (15... hxg5 $6 16. hxg5 Ne4 17. Rdh1 {mates}) 16. Kb1 {White would have retained a pleasant edge, if still with a major decision to make over how best to effect a breakthrough.}) 15. Qf5 Re8 ({Black isn't helped by the position of his a5-bishop in the case of} 15... Bd7 16. Bxf6 Bxf5 17. Bxd8 Bxg4 18. Bxa5 Bxh3 19. Nxd5 {,}) ({and} 15... Bxc3 16. Nxc3 Qc8 17. Qxc8 Raxc8 18. Bxf6 gxf6 19. Nxd5 {looks rather strong too.}) 16. Bxf6 Qxf6 17. Qxf6 gxf6 18. Nxd5 {Bagging an important pawn. Meanwhile Black's bishops continue to fail to impress, in contrast to the holes in his kingside.} Re6 19. Ng3 Rd8 20. e4 Kf8 21. Nf5 {Jobava is in complete control and only requires a few more moves to wrap things up.} Bb6 22. Nxb6 Rxd1+ 23. Kxd1 axb6 24. Rd3 h5 25. Rd8+ 1-0 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 4 (3... e6): Model Games"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Model Game #14: Jobava, Baadur"] [Black "Korneev, Oleg"] [Result "1-0"] [SourceTitle "08 Theory 4 (3... e6): Model Games"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4893529"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 e6 4. e3 Bb4 5. Bd3 c5 6. dxc5 Nbd7 7. Nge2 O-O ({This move has been played by a number of Grandmasters who are presumably aware that} 7... Nxc5 {is not too challenging for White, as we saw in our other introductory game.}) 8. Bd6 {I very much like this choice for White as it challenges Black to justify his decision to not recapture the c5-pawn on the previous move.} Re8 9. Bb5 {Pinning the d7-Knight which once again makes it harder for Black to win back his pawn.} a6 10. Bxd7 Nxd7 11. Qd4 Qa5 12. O-O-O ({This choice of Jobava should come as no surprise to us. He almost always takes the most combative approach, but it is risky and his opponent failed to find the best reply. For that reason I would recommend the move} 12. a3 {first, which effectively forces} 12... Bxc5 {. More of this in the theory section.}) Bxc5 (12... b6 $1 {would have somewhat turned the tables on White, as} 13. cxb6 {is not possible as the Bishop on d6 falls. The move chosen gives White an edge. It is very instructive how Jobava plays the game as it highlights the importance of the e4 break which is used in a number of lines.}) 13. Bxc5 Qxc5 14. e4 {This is a key idea which challenges Black's centre and intends to open up the d-file for White's well-placed rook. White's advantage lies in his clear lead in development, better placed and centralised pieces and the ineffectiveness of Black's light-squared Bishop. When we have such advantages it is important to open up the position before our opponent can get fully coordinated.} Qxd4 15. Nxd4 (15. Rxd4 {was also possible and perhaps a little more consistent with the d-file pressure, when White would like to double rooks on the d-file. Jobava prefers to improve the position of his e2-Knight which is entirely understandable. However, as we will see this is more visual than effective.}) dxe4 16. Nxe4 Nf6 17. Nxf6+ gxf6 18. Ne2 {Rerouting the knight as it had no good advances from d4. This also prevents Black from playing ...Bd7. Black's next move creates weaknesses.} e5 19. Nc3 Be6 20. Nd5 Bxd5 21. Rxd5 {A position where the much used phrase 'playing for two results' springs to mind. This means that White would need to make serious errors to lose. With perfect play Black may be able to hold out for a draw, but it will be hard work and White's opening and plans after have been a clear success.} Kg7 22. Rhd1 Re6 23. Rd7 b5 24. R1d6 Rae8 25. Kd2 {White has significantly more control of the board and gets his Queenside pawn majority rolling. It's somewhat hard to see exactly where Black went wrong. Jobava's technique is a lesson to us all.} f5 26. b3 f4 27. g3 fxg3 28. hxg3 b4 29. c3 bxc3+ 30. Kxc3 h5 31. b4 e4 32. a4 e3 33. fxe3 Rxe3+ 34. Rd3 Rxd3+ 35. Rxd3 Re6 {Material is equal but Black is basically lost. Whoever said all Rook and pawn endings were drawn?} 36. b5 axb5 37. axb5 Re4 38. b6 Re6 39. b7 Rb6 40. Rd7 Rb1 41. Kc4 Kg6 42. Kc5 Kg5 43. Rxf7 Kg4 44. Rf4+ Kxg3 45. Rb4 1-0 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 4 (3... e6): Model Games"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Model Game #15: Jobava, Baadur"] [Black "Tissir, Mohamed"] [Result "1-0"] [SourceTitle "08 Theory 4 (3... e6): Model Games"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877179"] 1. d4 e6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 Bd6 {This is a perfectly reasonable move by Black. Playing ...e6, which restricts the light-squared Bishop, followed by ...Bd6 is not the most aggressive, but it is definitely solid. Many of our opponents will be relatively unfamiliar with the Jobava London set-up so may not be well prepared for it. As a result they may deliberately try to seek out a solid position in order to avoid any sharp lines which their opponent (you) will know better than them. 3... Bd6 definitely fits this bill and I feel many of you will on occasion find yourselves in this position.} 4. e3 {This is not White's only decent response but in deciding on this move I felt that learning an opening is easier when we have a regular set up and common themes and plans. So unless there is a strong reason to deviate we probably should not. Jobava himself tends to play e3 against both 3... Bb4 and 3... Bd6, which retains the set-up of the opening. However, each line is different so the differences need to be understood individually. If Jobava himself has this approach I am very comfortable recommending this.} Nf6 (4... Bxf4 {is not often seen at the highest level but it will be covered in the theory section.}) 5. Nf3 O-O {There are a number of alternatives for Black which will be covered in the theory section.} 6. Bd3 Bxf4 7. exf4 c5 8. dxc5 {White cannot support the d-pawn with a pawn so it makes sense to capture on c5.} Qc7 9. Qd2 Qxc5 10. O-O-O (10. O-O {may be somewhat safer, but O-O-O is not particularly risky and as per usual Jobava plays in the most creative and dynamic fashion.}) Nc6 11. Ne5 a6 (11... Nxe5 {was possible, when} 12. fxe5 Ng4 13. f4 {leads to chances for both sides. White will focus on the Kingside and Black will focus on the Queenside. Note that} 13... Nf2 {does not win material as White replies} 14. Na4 {.}) 12. f3 b5 13. Kb1 Nd7 ({This feels a little slow. Perhaps it was once again time to consider} 13... Nxe5 14. fxe5 Nd7 15. Qe1 {with chances for both sides. The comments to Black's 11th move apply here as well.}) 14. Rhe1 Nb6 15. Nxc6 Qxc6 16. Ne2 Nc4 17. Qc3 Rb8 18. Bxc4 dxc4 (18... bxc4 {seems more natural, but there is no significant danger for White in particular as Black's only minor piece is going to struggle to contribute.}) 19. Qe5 Qb7 {This is one slow move too many. Jobava needs little encouragement to seize the initiative.} 20. Rd6 b4 21. Red1 h6 22. Rd8 Rxd8 23. Rxd8+ {Blacks pieces are in a tangle.} Kh7 24. Nd4 b3 25. axb3 cxb3 26. Nxb3 Qb4 27. Qe4+ Qxe4 28. fxe4 {White is a clear pawn to the good, with an 8th rank pin. At this level this is plenty enough to win, as the very best Black can hope for is to unravel by exchanging Rooks but be at least a pawn down in a single minor piece endgame.} 1-0 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 4: 3... e6 - Overview"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "09 Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4893554"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 e6 4. e3 Bb4 (4... c5 {This is a classic mistake.} 5. Nb5 $1 Na6 6. c3 $1 {Stopping any ...Nb4 ideas and in the process killing Black's Knight on a6.}) (4... a6 {This transposes to positions dealt with in the next chapter.}) (4... Be7 {This is a common idea, against which we should just develop and meet ...c5 with dxc5.} 5. Bd3 {The best square for the Bishop. 5 g4!? is an interesting idea that I would be tempted to play.} 5... O-O (5... c5 6. dxc5 $1 {With the Bishop on d3 this is pretty much forced (in order to try preserve an advantage) as otherwise Black will play ...c4 and gain great space on the Queenside. 6 Nb5 doesn't work as well now, because Black has ideas of ...c4 which gains an important tempo against the Bishop on d3.} 6... O-O 7. Nf3 Bxc5 (7... Nbd7 8. b4 $1 Nh5 9. Rb1 {It was not clear how Black could win the pawn back in Jobava vs Andreev, 2013.}) 8. O-O Nc6 9. e4 $1 {This is a key idea. After exchanges, White hopes that his light-squared Bishop will give him an advantage due to being superior over the Bishop on c8.} 9... dxe4 10. Nxe4 Nxe4 11. Bxe4 {White's position is to be slightly preferred. This is because of Black's Bishop on c8. White can even consider playing Bxc6 damaging Black's Queenside pawns.} 11... Qf6 $1 12. Qc1 $14) 6. Nf3 b6 {Keep in mind that against ...c5 we always capture the pawn.} 7. Ne5 $1 {This move has the idea of playing Qf3 and Qh3. A standard motif in such positions.}) (4... Bd6 {This is also an idea, but I am not sure Black ever wants to exchange on f4, as after exf4 White has actually improved his structure as we saw at the start of this course in the 'Common Ideas' section.} 5. Bd3 O-O (5... Bxf4 6. exf4 {This leads to the same thing.}) 6. Nf3 Bxf4 7. exf4 {White has great control of the centre and a good game. He can play Ne5, Qf3 and even Qh3 to start an attack.}) 5. Bd3 c5 {Other moves are less worrying as they would give White time to play Nge2 with a very comfortable position. 5... c5 is critical.} (5... Bxc3+ {I think this is premature. Black should not break the pin unless he has to. It makes sense in the context that White has not yet played Ng1-e2 so White has to accept doubled pawns, but the c3 pawn supports d4, covers any ...Nb4 and now White will develop the Kingside Knight to the more active square f3 as it is not needed on e2.} 6. bxc3 c5 7. dxc5 {At first glance this may look odd but it removes any chance of Black playing ...c4 and will support Bd6 which will prove troublesome for Black.} 7... Qa5 8. Bd6 Nbd7 9. Ne2 Nxc5 10. O-O {With roughly equal chances. White currently has the bishop pair. If Black wants to remove this feature with Nxd3, White will have his structure back and White's dark-squared Bishop is comfortably better than Black's light-squared Bishop.}) 6. dxc5 Nbd7 (6... Bxc3+ {This is also an option, but it directly transposes into the 5. ..Bxc3+ line.}) 7. Nge2 a6 {This move may look a little odd, but the value of stopping a white piece coming to b5 (the Knight if the Bishop on b4 stops pinning The knight on c3 or after white castles, or in a number of line the Bishop) proves a little tricky for White to handle but provided he is prepared there should not be any difficulties} (7... O-O 8. Bd6 Re8 9. Bb5 a6 (9... Ne4 10. a3 Bxc3+ 11. Nxc3 Nxd6 (11... Nxc3 $6 12. bxc3 {This would make it difficult for Black to win his pawn back.}) 12. cxd6 a6 13. Bxd7 Qxd7 14. Qd4 {Both sides are solid. I would very marginally pick White due to my preference for the Knight over the Bishop in a closed position. A sample line continues} 14... Qxd6 15. O-O b6 16. e4 Bb7 17. exd5 {and after} 17... exd5 {the position is equal.}) 10. Bxd7 Nxd7 11. Qd4 Qa5 12. a3 Bxc5 13. Bxc5 Qxc5 14. O-O-O {Now this move leads to a pleasant position for White, with very similar ideas to the introductory Jobava vs Korneev game.}) (7... Nxc5 8. a3 Nxd3+ (8... Ba5 {This does not really help Black and encourages White to move forward.} 9. b4 Nxd3+ 10. cxd3 {In this position I prefer recapturing with the pawn. The c-file is now accessible for White, the Queen can develop to b3 and White now has another pawn in the centre.} 10... Bc7 (10... Bb6 11. Na4 {Here the dark-squared Bishop will most likely drop back to c7, when White has gained a tempo with moves such as Rc1 and Nc5 to follow. White has a comfortable position.}) 11. Bxc7 Qxc7 12. Rc1 Qe7 13. O-O O-O 14. Qb3 Bd7 15. h3 {There is not much difference between the two sides. I have a marginal preference for the Knight over the Bishop due to the closed nature of the position. With his King's position secure, White can focus his attention on the c-file and queenside.}) 9. Qxd3 Ba5 10. O-O-O $14) (7... Bxc5 {This is not often played but it is certainly a viable choice and one we should consider. It looks less natural than capturing with the Knight but as we have seen these pieces rapidly get kicked back so Bxc5 makes sense.} 8. h3 {An important move, giving White's dark-squared Bishop a square to drop back to if Black should play ...Nh5. It also prevents any black piece from moving to g4.} 8... a6 {Controlling the b5-square. White must be alert to e5-e4 trapping his light-squared Bishop.} 9. Bh2 {Ensuring any e5 advance does not come with tempo.} 9... Qe7 10. O-O O-O 11. e4 {This important move challenges Black's centre and intends to free up squares for the white pieces.} 11... d4 (11... dxe4 12. Nxe4 $10 {With equal chances. Both sides will seek to centralise. There are few weaknesses to exploit.}) 12. e5 dxc3 13. exf6 Nxf6 14. Nxc3 {Once again there is little between the prospects of both sides. White would be happy in principle with exchanges as this brings his 3 vs 2 Queenside majority more into play. Centralisation should be the key to White's plans.}) 8. Bg3 {I believe this is the soundest reply as it means that Black cannot play ...e5 with tempo. ...e5 followed by ...e4 was a threat as the light-squared Bishop would be trapped - herein lies one of the points of Black' move 7... a6.} Nh5 9. e4 Nxg3 10. hxg3 dxe4 11. Bxe4 Bxc5 12. Nf4 {A clever move rerouting the Knight to d3 from where it covers b2, f2 and pressures the dark-squared Bishop.} Qb6 13. Nd3 Bd4 14. Qd2 {With roughly equal chances. Black has the two Bishops but White's pieces are well placed, he has a half open h-file and will most likely castle queenside.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 4: 3... e6 #1 - 4... c5"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "09 Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877373"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 e6 4. e3 {[%cal Gf1b5][%csl Gb5]} c5 {This is a classic mistake.} (4... a6 {transposes to positions dealt with in the next chapter.}) 5. Nb5 {[%cal Gb5c7,Gf4c7][%csl Rc7]} Na6 {[%cal Ga6c7]} 6. c3 {[%cal Gc3b4][%csl Ra6,Gb4,Gb5,Gf4,Ra8,Ra7] Stopping any ...Nb4 ideas and in the process killing Black's Knight on a6.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 4: 3..."] [Black "e6 #2 - 4... Be7"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "09 Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877375"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 e6 4. e3 Be7 {This is a common idea, against which we should just develop and meet ...c5 with dxc5.} 5. Bd3 {[%cal Bg1f3,Bd1d2,Be1c1]} ({The best square for the Bishop.} 5. g4 $5 {is an interesting idea that I would be tempted to play.}) c5 6. dxc5 ({With the Bishop on d3 this is pretty much forced (in order to try preserve an advantage) as otherwise Black will play ...c4 and gain great space on the Queenside.} 6. Nb5 {doesn't work as well now, because Black has ideas of} 6... c4 {which gains an important tempo against the Bishop on d3.}) O-O 7. Nf3 Nbd7 {Black should have played ...Bxc5 with a normal position.} 8. b4 {[%csl Gc5] If Black waits too long with recapturing on c5, White can try to hold on to the pawn.} Nh5 9. Rb1 {[%csl Gb4,Gc5] It was not clear how Black could win the pawn back in Jobava vs Andreev, 2013.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 4: 3..."] [Black "e6 #3 - 4... Be7"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "09 Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877376"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 e6 4. e3 Be7 {This is a common idea, against which we should just develop and meet ...c5 with dxc5.} 5. Bd3 {The best square for the Bishop. 5 g4!? is an interesting idea that I would be tempted to play.} c5 6. dxc5 {With the Bishop on d3 this is pretty much forced (in order to try preserve an advantage) as otherwise Black will play ...c4 and gain great space on the Queenside. 6 Nb5 doesn't work as well now, because Black has ideas of ...c4 which gains an important tempo against the Bishop on d3.} O-O 7. Nf3 Bxc5 8. O-O Nc6 9. e4 {[%cal Be4d5][%csl Rc8] This is a key idea. After exchanges, White hopes that his light-squared Bishop will give him an advantage due to being superior over the Bishop on c8.} dxe4 10. Nxe4 Nxe4 11. Bxe4 {[%csl Ge4,Gf4,Rc8] White's position is to be slightly preferred. This is because of Black's Bishop on c8. White can even consider playing Bxc6 damaging Black's Queenside pawns.} Qf6 {[%cal Gf6f4,Gf6b2]} 12. Qc1 {[%cal Gc1b2,Gc1f4]} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 4: 3..."] [Black "e6 #4 - 4... Be7"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "09 Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877377"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 e6 4. e3 Be7 {This is a common idea, against which we should just develop and meet ...c5 with dxc5.} 5. Bd3 {The best square for the Bishop. 5 g4!? is an interesting idea that I would be tempted to play.} O-O 6. Nf3 {[%cal Bf3e5][%csl Ge5]} b6 {Keep in mind that against ...c5 we always capture the pawn.} 7. Ne5 {[%cal Bd1f3,Bf3h3,Bg2g4,Bg4g5,Gd3h7,Gh3h7][%csl Rh7,Rf6] This move has the idea of playing Qf3 and Qh3. A standard motif in such positions.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 4: 3..."] [Black "e6 #5 - 4... Bd6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "09 Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877378"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 e6 4. e3 Bd6 {This is also an idea, but I am not sure Black ever wants to exchange on f4, as after exf4 White has actually improved his structure, as we saw at the start of this course in the 'Common Ideas' section.} 5. Bd3 {[%cal Bg1f3]} Bxf4 6. exf4 {[%cal Gf4e5,Gd4e5][%csl Gd4,Gf4,Rc8] This transposes to variation #6.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 4: 3..."] [Black "e6 #6 - 4... Bd6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "09 Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877379"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 e6 4. e3 Bd6 {This is also an idea, but I am not sure Black ever wants to exchange on f4, as after exf4 White has actually improved his structure as we saw at the start of this course in the 'Common Ideas' section.} 5. Bd3 O-O 6. Nf3 {[%cal Gf3e5][%csl Ge5]} Bxf4 7. exf4 {[%cal Gf4e5,Gd4e5,Bf3e5,Bd1f3,Bf3h3][%csl Ge5,Rh7] White has great control of the centre and a good game. He can play Ne5, Qf3 and even Qh3 to start an attack.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 4: 3..."] [Black "e6 #7 - 4... Bb4"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "09 Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877380"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 e6 4. e3 Bb4 {[%cal Gb4e1][%csl Rc3,Re1]} 5. Bd3 Bxc3+ {I think this is premature. Black should not break the pin unless he has to. It makes sense in the context that White has not yet played Ng1-e2 so White has to accept doubled pawns, but the c3 pawn supports d4, covers any ...Nb4 and now White will develop the Kingside Knight to the more active square f3 as it is not needed on e2.} 6. bxc3 {[%cal Bg1f3,Gc3d4,Ba1b1,Gb1b7][%csl Gc3]} c5 7. dxc5 {[%cal Bf4d6][%csl Gc5,Gd6] At first glance this may look odd, but it removes any chance of Black playing ...c4 and will support Bd6 which will prove troublesome for Black.} Qa5 8. Bd6 {[%csl Gc5,Gd6]} Nbd7 9. Ne2 {[%cal Be1g1]} Nxc5 10. O-O {[%csl Gd6,Gd3] With roughly equal chances. White currently has the bishop pair. If Black wants to remove this feature with Nxd3, White will have his structure back and White's dark-squared Bishop is comfortably better than Black's light-squared Bishop.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 4: 3..."] [Black "e6 #8 - 4... Bb4"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "09 Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4893565"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 e6 4. e3 Bb4 5. Bd3 c5 {[%cal Bc5c4,Bf6e4][%csl Rd3,Rc3] Other moves are less worrying as they would give White time to play Nge2 with a very comfortable position. 5... c5 is critical.} 6. dxc5 {Otherwise Black will play ...c4 followed by ...Ne4 with some advantage.} Nbd7 (6... Bxc3+ {is an option but it directly transposes into line #7.}) 7. Nge2 O-O 8. Bd6 {[%csl Gd6,Gc5,Rf8]} Re8 9. Bb5 {[%cal Gb5e8][%csl Re8,Rd7] Preventing Black from immediately regaining his pawn.} Ne4 10. a3 {[%csl Rb4]} Bxc3+ 11. Nxc3 Nxc3 12. bxc3 {[%cal Ba1b1,Be1g1] This would make it difficult for Black to win his pawn back.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 4: 3..."] [Black "e6 #9 - 4... Bb4"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "09 Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4893566"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 e6 4. e3 Bb4 5. Bd3 c5 {Other moves are less worrying as they would give White time to play Nge2 with a very comfortable position. 5... c5 is critical.} 6. dxc5 Nbd7 7. Nge2 O-O 8. Bd6 Re8 9. Bb5 Ne4 10. a3 Bxc3+ 11. Nxc3 Nxd6 12. cxd6 a6 13. Bxd7 Qxd7 14. Qd4 {[%cal Be1g1][%csl Gd4] Both sides are solid. I would very marginally pick White due to my preference for the Knight over the Bishop in a closed position. A sample line continues as follows:} Qxd6 15. O-O b6 16. e4 {[%cal Gd4d6][%csl Rd6,Gd4] Taking advantage of the fact that Black's Queen is undefended.} Bb7 17. exd5 ({and after} 17. exd5 17... exd5 {the position is equal.}) * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 4: 3..."] [Black "e6 #10 - 4... Bb4"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "09 Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4893567"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 e6 4. e3 Bb4 5. Bd3 c5 {Other moves are less worrying as they would give White time to play Nge2 with a very comfortable position. 5... c5 is critical.} 6. dxc5 Nbd7 7. Nge2 O-O 8. Bd6 Re8 9. Bb5 a6 {This puts the question to the b5-Bishop.} 10. Bxd7 {Forced.} Nxd7 11. Qd4 {[%cal Gd4b4,Gd4c5][%csl Rb4] We can hold on to the c5-pawn a little longer.} Qa5 12. a3 {[%csl Rb4]} Bxc5 13. Bxc5 Qxc5 14. O-O-O {[%cal Be3e4][%csl Gd4,Gd1,Gh1,Rc8] This move leads to a pleasant position for White, with very similar ideas to model game #14.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 4: 3..."] [Black "e6 #11 - 4... Bb4"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "09 Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4893568"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 e6 4. e3 Bb4 5. Bd3 c5 {Other moves are less worrying as they would give White time to play Nge2 with a very comfortable position. 5... c5 is critical.} 6. dxc5 Nbd7 7. Nge2 Nxc5 8. a3 {[%cal Bb2b4][%csl Rb4,Rc5]} Ba5 {This does not really help Black and encourages White to move forward.} 9. b4 {[%csl Ra5,Rc5]} Nxd3+ 10. cxd3 {[%cal Gc1c8,Bd1b3][%csl Gd3,Ge3] In this position, I prefer recapturing with the pawn. The c-file is now accessible for White, the Queen can develop to b3 and White now has another pawn in the centre.} Bb6 11. Na4 {[%cal Ba1c1,Ga4c5,Gc1c8][%csl Rb6,Gc5] Here the dark-squared Bishop will most likely drop back to c7, when White has gained a tempo with moves such as Rc1 and Nc5 to follow. White has a comfortable position.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 4: 3..."] [Black "e6 #12 - 4... Bb4"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "09 Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4893569"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 e6 4. e3 Bb4 5. Bd3 c5 {Other moves are less worrying as they would give White time to play Nge2 with a very comfortable position. 5... c5 is critical.} 6. dxc5 Nbd7 7. Nge2 Nxc5 8. a3 Ba5 {This does not really help Black and encourages White to move forward.} 9. b4 Nxd3+ 10. cxd3 {In this position, I prefer recapturing with the pawn. The c-file is now accessible for White, the Queen can develop to b3 and White now has another pawn in the centre.} Bc7 {[%cal Gc7f4]} 11. Bxc7 {[%cal Ba1c1,Gc1c7]} Qxc7 12. Rc1 {[%cal Gc1c7][%csl Rc7] Gaining a tempo on Black's Queen.} Qe7 13. O-O O-O 14. Qb3 {[%csl Gc1,Gf1] Connecting the Rooks.} Bd7 15. h3 {[%cal Gg1h2,Ba3a4,Bb4b5,Bc1c2,Bf1c1][%csl Gh2] There is not much difference between the two sides. I have a marginal preference for the Knight over the Bishop due to the closed nature of the position. With his King's position secure, White can focus his attention to the c-file and queenside.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 4: 3..."] [Black "e6 #13 - 4... Bb4"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "09 Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4893570"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 e6 4. e3 Bb4 5. Bd3 c5 {Other moves are less worrying as they would give White time to play Nge2 with a very comfortable position. 5... c5 is critical.} 6. dxc5 Nbd7 7. Nge2 Nxc5 8. a3 Nxd3+ 9. Qxd3 Ba5 10. O-O-O {[%cal Be3e4,Gd1d8][%csl Rc8,Gd3,Gd1] White has a slight lead in development and can put some pressure on Black's position with e4 next.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 4: 3..."] [Black "e6 #14 - 4... Bb4"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "09 Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4893571"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 e6 4. e3 Bb4 5. Bd3 c5 {Other moves are less worrying as they would give White time to play Nge2 with a very comfortable position. 5... c5 is critical.} 6. dxc5 Nbd7 7. Nge2 Bxc5 {This is not often played but it is certainly a viable choice and one we should consider. It looks less natural than capturing with the Knight but as we have seen these pieces rapidly get kicked back so Bxc5 makes sense.} 8. h3 {[%cal Gf4h2,Gh3g4][%csl Gh2,Gg4] An important move, giving White's dark-squared Bishop a square to drop back to if Black should play ...Nh5. It also prevents any black piece from moving to g4.} a6 {[%cal Ge6e5,Ge5e4][%csl Rd3] Controlling the b5-square. White must be alert to e5-e4 trapping his light-squared Bishop.} 9. Bh2 {[%cal Ge6e4,Be1g1][%csl Gh2] Ensuring any e5 advance does not come with tempo.} Qe7 10. O-O O-O 11. e4 {[%cal Be4d5,Be4e5][%csl Ge4] This important move challenges Black's centre and intends to free up squares for the white pieces.} dxe4 12. Nxe4 {[%csl Ge4] With equal chances. Both sides will seek to centralise. There are few weaknesses to exploit.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 4: 3..."] [Black "e6 #15 - 4... Bb4"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "09 Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4893572"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 e6 4. e3 Bb4 5. Bd3 c5 {Other moves are less worrying as they would give White time to play Nge2 with a very comfortable position. 5... c5 is critical.} 6. dxc5 Nbd7 7. Nge2 Bxc5 {This is not often played but it is certainly a viable choice and one we should consider. It looks less natural than capturing with the Knight but as we have seen these pieces rapidly get kicked back so Bxc5 makes sense.} 8. h3 {An important move, giving White's dark-squared Bishop a square to drop back to if Black should play ...Nh5. It also prevents any black piece from moving to g4.} a6 {Controlling the b5-square. White must be alert to e5-e4 trapping his light-squared Bishop.} 9. Bh2 {Ensuring any e5 advance does not come with tempo.} Qe7 10. O-O O-O 11. e4 {This important move challenges Black's centre and intends to free up squares for the white pieces.} d4 12. e5 {[%cal Be5f6][%csl Rf6]} dxc3 13. exf6 {[%csl Re7]} Nxf6 14. Nxc3 {[%cal Bd1e2,Bf1e1,Ba1d1] Once again there is little between the prospects of both sides. White would be happy in principle with exchanges as this brings his 3 vs 2 Queenside majority more into play. Centralisation should be the key to White's plans.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 4: 3..."] [Black "e6 #16 - 4... Bb4"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "09 Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4893573"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 e6 4. e3 Bb4 5. Bd3 c5 {Other moves are less worrying as they would give White time to play Nge2 with a very comfortable position. 5... c5 is critical.} 6. dxc5 Nbd7 7. Nge2 a6 {[%cal Ga6b5][%csl Gb5] This move may look a little odd but the value of stopping a white piece coming to b5 (the Knight if the Bishop on b4 moves off the pinning diagonal, or after White castles or in a number of line the Bishop) proves a little tricky for White to handle but provided he is prepared there should not be any difficulties.} 8. Bg3 {[%cal Ge6e5][%csl Gg3] I believe this is the soundest reply as it means that Black cannot play ...e5 with tempo. ...e5 followed by ...e4 was a threat as the light-squared Bishop would be trapped - herein lies one of the points of Black' move 7... a6.)} Nh5 {[%cal Bh5g3]} 9. e4 {[%csl Ge4,Rd5]} Nxg3 10. hxg3 dxe4 11. Bxe4 Bxc5 12. Nf4 {[%cal Bf4d3,Gd3c5,Gd3b2,Gd3f2][%csl Gd3,Rc5] A clever move rerouting the Knight to d3 from where it covers b2, f2 and pressures the dark-squared Bishop.} Qb6 {[%cal Gb6b2,Gb6f2][%csl Rf2,Rb2]} 13. Nd3 {[%cal Gd3b2,Gd3f2,Gd3c5]} Bd4 14. Qd2 {[%cal Be1c1,Gh1h7,Ge4h7,Ge4a8][%csl Ge4,Gh1] With roughly equal chances. Black has the two Bishops but White's pieces are well placed, he has a half-open h-file and will most likely castle queenside.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 4.5: 3..."] [Black "Bd6 - Overview"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "09 Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883095"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 e6 3. Bf4 Bd6 {This is a perfectly reasonable move by Black. Playing ...e6, which restricts the light-squared Bishop, followed by ...Bd6 is not the most aggressive, but it is definitely solid. Many of our opponents will be relatively unfamiliar with the Jobava London set-up so may not be well prepared for it. As a result they may deliberately try to seek out a solid position in order to avoid any sharp lines which their opponent (you) will know better than them. 3... Bd6 definitely fits this bill and I feel many of you will on occasion find yourselves in this position.} 4. e3 {This is not White's only decent response, but in deciding on this move I felt that learning an opening is easier when we have a regular set-up and common themes and plans. So unless there is a strong reason to deviate, we probably should not. Jobava himself tends to play e3 against both 3... Bb4 and 3... Bd6, which retains the set-up of the opening. However, each line is different so the differences need to be understood individually. If Jobava himself has this approach I am very comfortable recommending this.} Nf6 (4... Bxf4 5. exf4 {This will most likely transpose to later lines in which Black takes on f4 one or two moves later.}) 5. Nf3 O-O (5... Bxf4 6. exf4 {This will once again most likely transpose, as} 6... O-O {now looks comfortably the most likely move for Black.}) 6. Bd3 Bxf4 {This was played in model game #28 but there are other moves to consider here - mainly 6... c5.} (6... c5 7. dxc5 Bxc5 8. O-O Nc6 {We now arrive at a position which is important. Currently it is Black whose pawns control more of the centre. If White does not combat this, Black will catch up in development and potentially have a preferable position.} 9. e4 {Therefore this is my strong recommendation. Black has 2 main replies.} 9... dxe4 {This is comfortable to play as White.} (9... d4 {I think most people as White would prefer not to face this move by Black. It is nothing to fear, but White will benefit from knowing what to do.} 10. Ne2 Nd7 {This move supports e5 which Black would very much like to play.} (10... Nh5 {Trying to exchange Knight for Bishop, but White can avoid this.} 11. Bg5 Qb6 (11... f6 12. Bd2 {The advance to g5 followed by retreating to d2 seems odd, but Black's Knight on h5 could rapidly find itself in difficulty as it currently is unprotected with no safe square. There are chances for both sides here. Despite Black's current central control White will very quickly seek to undermine it with c3, when the awkward placement of some of Black's pieces gives White somewhat the better prospects.}) 12. Nexd4 {Very cleverly taking advantage of the discovered attack on Black's Knight on h5.} 12... Nxd4 13. Nxd4 Bxd4 14. Qxh5 Qxb2 {Black regains his pawn but White's position has improved after the exchanges. There is a growing threat to Black's king and there are not many defenders in the immediate vicinity. White has the better chances. There are other lines which are trickier for White to handle.}) 11. e5 {This is an important move in this position as it prevents Black playing ...e5 immediately and any time soon. The downside is that pushing e4 to e5 weakens the e-pawn so White must be careful that Black does not win this pawn.} 11... Qc7 $2 {This attempt to immediately attack the e5-pawn fails spectacularly. It turns out it is Black who must be careful as this allows a classic chess sacrifice - The Greek Gift which features a Bishop sacrifice on h7.} (11... h6 $14 {so it actually turns out that Black is compelled to play a defensive move as the threat of Bxh7 is incredibly strong.} 12. c3 {White does not rush as despite the prospects of a sacrificial breakthrough they are unsound. White calmly switches play to the centre. Black is both lagging in development and the pieces he does have developed are passively placed. White will continue to develop, most notably by centralising his rooks.}) 12. Bxh7+ Kxh7 13. Ng5+ Kg8 14. Qd3 {Threatening mate and the switch to h3 for a renewed angle of attack.} 14... Re8 {14... f5 fails to exf6 e.p. threatening mate on h7 and opening up a discovered attack on the Queen on c7. Black cannot prevent both.} 15. Qh7+ Kf8 16. Ne4 $1 {A tough move to see over the board. It frees up the g5-square for White's Bishop to attack or cover the e7 escape square.} 16... Ncxe5 17. Qh8+ Ke7 18. Bg5+ f6 19. Qxg7+ Kd8 20. Nxf6 $18 {Black will lose material or get mated or both.}) 10. Nxe4 Nxe4 11. Bxe4 $14 {Just from a visual impression White is a bit better with 2 strong Bishops and a reduction in Black's central control.} 11... Qf6 {This is met by Qc1 defending the Bishop and b2.} 12. Qc1 {In the game Nabaty - Murtazin there was a nasty shock in store for Black.} 12... e5 13. Bg5 Qd6 14. Rd1 Qc7 15. c3 Kh8 16. b4 Bb6 $6 17. Bf6 $3 $18 {Black cannot prevent White playing Qh6 when mate on g7 or h7 or f8 follows.}) * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 4.5: 3..."] [Black "Bd6 #1 - 4... Bxf4"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "09 Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883096"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 e6 3. Bf4 Bd6 {[%cal Bd6f4] This is a perfectly reasonable move by Black. Playing ...e6, which restricts the light-squared Bishop, followed by ...Bd6 is not the most aggressive, but it is definitely solid. Many of our opponents will be relatively unfamiliar with the Jobava London set-up so may not be well prepared for it. As a result they may deliberately try to seek out a solid position in order to avoid any sharp lines which their opponent (you) will know better than them. 3... Bd6 definitely fits this bill and I feel many of you will on occasion find yourselves in this position.} 4. e3 {[%cal Ge3f4][%csl Gf4] This is not White's only decent response, but in deciding on this move I felt that learning an opening is easier when we have a regular set-up and common themes and plans. So unless there is a strong reason to deviate, we probably should not. Jobava himself tends to play e3 against both 3... Bb4 and 3... Bd6, which retains the set-up of the opening. However, each line is different so the differences need to be understood individually. If Jobava himself has this approach I am very comfortable recommending this.} Bxf4 5. exf4 {[%cal Gf4e5,Gd4e5][%csl Ge5,Rc8] This will most likely transpose to later lines in which Black takes on f4 one or two moves later.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 4.5: 3..."] [Black "Bd6 #2 - 5... Bxf4"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "09 Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883097"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 e6 3. Bf4 Bd6 {This is a perfectly reasonable move by Black. Playing ...e6, which restricts the light-squared Bishop, followed by ...Bd6 is not the most aggressive, but it is definitely solid. Many of our opponents will be relatively unfamiliar with the Jobava London set-up so may not be well prepared for it. As a result they may deliberately try to seek out a solid position in order to avoid any sharp lines which their opponent (you) will know better than them. 3... Bd6 definitely fits this bill and I feel many of you will on occasion find yourselves in this position.} 4. e3 {This is not White's only decent response, but in deciding on this move I felt that learning an opening is easier when we have a regular set-up and common themes and plans. So unless there is a strong reason to deviate, we probably should not. Jobava himself tends to play e3 against both 3... Bb4 and 3... Bd6, which retains the set-up of the opening. However, each line is different so the differences need to be understood individually. If Jobava himself has this approach I am very comfortable recommending this.} Nf6 5. Nf3 {[%cal Gf3e5][%csl Ge5]} Bxf4 6. exf4 {[%cal Gf4e5,Gd4e5,Gf3e5][%csl Ge5,Rc8]} ({This will once again most likely transpose to theory 4, as} 6. exf4 6... O-O {now looks comfortably the most likely move for Black.}) * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 4.5: 3..."] [Black "Bd6 #3 - 5... O-O"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "09 Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4989145"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 e6 3. Bf4 Bd6 {This is a perfectly reasonable move by Black. Playing ...e6, which restricts the light-squared Bishop, followed by ...Bd6 is not the most aggressive, but it is definitely solid. Many of our opponents will be relatively unfamiliar with the Jobava London set-up so may not be well prepared for it. As a result they may deliberately try to seek out a solid position in order to avoid any sharp lines which their opponent (you) will know better than them. 3... Bd6 definitely fits this bill and I feel many of you will on occasion find yourselves in this position.} 4. e3 {This is not White's only decent response, but in deciding on this move I felt that learning an opening is easier when we have a regular set-up and common themes and plans. So unless there is a strong reason to deviate, we probably should not. Jobava himself tends to play e3 against both 3... Bb4 and 3... Bd6, which retains the set-up of the opening. However, each line is different so the differences need to be understood individually. If Jobava himself has this approach I am very comfortable recommending this.} Nf6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Bd3 ({Now} 6. Bd3 6... Bxf4 {was played in model game #28, but there are other moves to consider here - mainly 6... c5.}) * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 4.5: 3..."] [Black "Bd6 #4 - 5... O-O"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "09 Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883098"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 e6 3. Bf4 Bd6 {This is a perfectly reasonable move by Black. Playing ...e6, which restricts the light-squared Bishop, followed by ...Bd6 is not the most aggressive, but it is definitely solid. Many of our opponents will be relatively unfamiliar with the Jobava London set-up so may not be well prepared for it. As a result they may deliberately try to seek out a solid position in order to avoid any sharp lines which their opponent (you) will know better than them. 3... Bd6 definitely fits this bill and I feel many of you will on occasion find yourselves in this position.} 4. e3 {This is not White's only decent response, but in deciding on this move I felt that learning an opening is easier when we have a regular set-up and common themes and plans. So unless there is a strong reason to deviate, we probably should not. Jobava himself tends to play e3 against both 3... Bb4 and 3... Bd6, which retains the set-up of the opening. However, each line is different so the differences need to be understood individually. If Jobava himself has this approach I am very comfortable recommending this.} Nf6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Bd3 c5 7. dxc5 {[%cal Be1g1,Be3e4] Our plan is to finish development and then strike in the centre with e4.} Bxc5 8. O-O Nc6 {We now arrive at a position which is important. Currently it is Black whose pawns control more of the centre. If White does not combat this, Black will catch up in development and potentially have a preferable position.} 9. e4 {[%cal Be4d5][%csl Rd5] Therefore this is my strong recommendation. Black has 2 main replies.} d4 {I think most people as White would prefer not to face this move by Black. It is nothing to fear, but White will benefit from knowing what to do.} 10. Ne2 Nh5 {[%csl Rf4] Trying to exchange Knight for Bishop, but White can avoid this.} 11. Bg5 {[%cal Gg5d8]} f6 12. Bd2 {[%cal Bc2c3,Ge2d4,Gf3d4,Gc3d4][%csl Rh5] The advance to g5 followed by retreating to d2 seems odd, but Black's Knight on h5 could rapidly find itself in difficulty as it currently is unprotected with no safe square. There are chances for both sides here. Despite Black's current central control White will very quickly seek to undermine it with c3, when the awkward placement of some of Black's pieces gives White somewhat the better prospects.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 4.5: 3..."] [Black "Bd6 #5 - 5... O-O"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "09 Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4989148"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 e6 3. Bf4 Bd6 {This is a perfectly reasonable move by Black. Playing ...e6, which restricts the light-squared Bishop, followed by ...Bd6 is not the most aggressive, but it is definitely solid. Many of our opponents will be relatively unfamiliar with the Jobava London set-up so may not be well prepared for it. As a result they may deliberately try to seek out a solid position in order to avoid any sharp lines which their opponent (you) will know better than them. 3... Bd6 definitely fits this bill and I feel many of you will on occasion find yourselves in this position.} 4. e3 {This is not White's only decent response, but in deciding on this move I felt that learning an opening is easier when we have a regular set-up and common themes and plans. So unless there is a strong reason to deviate, we probably should not. Jobava himself tends to play e3 against both 3... Bb4 and 3... Bd6, which retains the set-up of the opening. However, each line is different so the differences need to be understood individually. If Jobava himself has this approach I am very comfortable recommending this.} Nf6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Bd3 c5 7. dxc5 Bxc5 8. O-O Nc6 {We now arrive at a position which is important. Currently it is Black whose pawns control more of the centre. If White does not combat this, Black will catch up in development and potentially have a preferable position.} 9. e4 {Therefore this is my strong recommendation. Black has 2 main replies.} d4 {I think most people as White would prefer not to face this move by Black. It is nothing to fear, but White will benefit from knowing what to do.} 10. Ne2 Nh5 {Trying to exchange Knight for Bishop, but White can avoid this.} 11. Bg5 Qb6 {[%cal Gb6b2][%csl Rb2]} 12. Nexd4 {[%cal Gd1h5,Bc6d4,Bf3d4][%csl Rh5] Very cleverly taking advantage of the discovered attack on Black's Knight on h5.} Nxd4 13. Nxd4 Bxd4 14. Qxh5 {[%cal Be4e5,Gd3h7,Gh5h7][%csl Rh7]} ({After} 14. Qxh5 14... Qxb2 {Black regains his pawn but White's position has improved after the exchanges. There is a growing threat to Black's king and there are not many defenders in the immediate vicinity. White has the better chances. There are other lines which are trickier for White to handle.}) * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 4.5: 3..."] [Black "Bd6 #6 - 5... O-O"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "09 Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883100"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 e6 3. Bf4 Bd6 {This is a perfectly reasonable move by Black. Playing ...e6, which restricts the light-squared Bishop, followed by ...Bd6 is not the most aggressive, but it is definitely solid. Many of our opponents will be relatively unfamiliar with the Jobava London set-up so may not be well prepared for it. As a result they may deliberately try to seek out a solid position in order to avoid any sharp lines which their opponent (you) will know better than them. 3... Bd6 definitely fits this bill and I feel many of you will on occasion find yourselves in this position.} 4. e3 {This is not White's only decent response, but in deciding on this move I felt that learning an opening is easier when we have a regular set-up and common themes and plans. So unless there is a strong reason to deviate, we probably should not. Jobava himself tends to play e3 against both 3... Bb4 and 3... Bd6, which retains the set-up of the opening. However, each line is different so the differences need to be understood individually. If Jobava himself has this approach I am very comfortable recommending this.} Nf6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Bd3 c5 7. dxc5 Bxc5 8. O-O Nc6 {We now arrive at a position which is important. Currently it is Black whose pawns control more of the centre. If White does not combat this, Black will catch up in development and potentially have a preferable position.} 9. e4 {Therefore this is my strong recommendation. Black has 2 main replies.} d4 {I think most people as White would prefer not to face this move by Black. It is nothing to fear, but White will benefit from knowing what to do.} 10. Ne2 Nd7 {[%cal Be6e5] This move supports e5 which Black would very much like to play.} 11. e5 {[%cal Gf4e5,Gf3e5][%csl Ge5] This is an important move in this position as it prevents Black playing ...e5 immediately and any time soon. The downside is that pushing e4 to e5 weakens the e-pawn so White must be careful that Black does not win this pawn.} h6 {[%csl Gg5] So it actually turns out that Black is compelled to play a defensive move as the threat of Bxh7 is incredibly strong.} 12. c3 {[%cal Bd4c3,Be2c3,Bf1e1,Ge1e5][%csl Rd4,Ge5] White does not rush as despite the prospects of a sacrificial breakthrough they are unsound. White calmly switches play to the centre. Black is both lagging in development and the pieces he does have developed are passively placed. White will continue to develop, most notably by centralising his rooks.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 4.5: 3..."] [Black "Bd6 #7 - 5... O-O"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "09 Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883101"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 e6 3. Bf4 Bd6 {This is a perfectly reasonable move by Black. Playing ...e6, which restricts the light-squared Bishop, followed by ...Bd6 is not the most aggressive, but it is definitely solid. Many of our opponents will be relatively unfamiliar with the Jobava London set-up so may not be well prepared for it. As a result they may deliberately try to seek out a solid position in order to avoid any sharp lines which their opponent (you) will know better than them. 3... Bd6 definitely fits this bill and I feel many of you will on occasion find yourselves in this position.} 4. e3 {This is not White's only decent response, but in deciding on this move I felt that learning an opening is easier when we have a regular set-up and common themes and plans. So unless there is a strong reason to deviate, we probably should not. Jobava himself tends to play e3 against both 3... Bb4 and 3... Bd6, which retains the set-up of the opening. However, each line is different so the differences need to be understood individually. If Jobava himself has this approach I am very comfortable recommending this.} Nf6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Bd3 c5 7. dxc5 Bxc5 8. O-O Nc6 {We now arrive at a position which is important. Currently it is Black whose pawns control more of the centre. If White does not combat this, Black will catch up in development and potentially have a preferable position.} 9. e4 {Therefore this is my strong recommendation. Black has 2 main replies.} d4 {I think most people as White would prefer not to face this move by Black. It is nothing to fear, but White will benefit from knowing what to do.} 10. Ne2 Nd7 {This move supports e5 which Black would very much like to play.} 11. e5 {This is an important move in this position as it prevents Black playing ...e5 immediately and any time soon. The downside is that pushing e4 to e5 weakens the e-pawn so White must be careful that Black does not win this pawn.} Qc7 {[%csl Re5] This attempt to immediately attack the e5-pawn fails spectacularly. It turns out it is Black who must be careful as this allows a classic chess sacrifice - The Greek Gift which features a Bishop sacrifice on h7.} 12. Bxh7+ {[%csl Rg8]} Kxh7 13. Ng5+ Kg8 14. Qd3 {[%cal Gd3h7][%csl Rh7] Threatening mate and the switch to h3 for a renewed angle of attack.} Re8 (14... f5 {fails to} 15. exf6 {e.p. threatening mate on h7 and opening up a discovered attack on the Queen on c7. Black cannot prevent both.}) 15. Qh7+ Kf8 16. Ne4 {[%cal Bf4g5,Bh7h8,Gg5d8][%csl Rf8] A tough move to see over the board. It frees up the g5-square for White's Bishop to attack or cover the e7 escape square.} Ncxe5 17. Qh8+ Ke7 18. Bg5+ f6 19. Qxg7+ Kd8 20. Nxf6 {[%cal Gg5d8][%csl Rd8,Re8] Black will lose material or get mated or both.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 4.5: 3..."] [Black "Bd6 #8 - 5... O-O"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "09 Theory 4 (3... e6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883102"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 e6 3. Bf4 Bd6 {This is a perfectly reasonable move by Black. Playing ...e6, which restricts the light-squared Bishop, followed by ...Bd6 is not the most aggressive, but it is definitely solid. Many of our opponents will be relatively unfamiliar with the Jobava London set-up so may not be well prepared for it. As a result they may deliberately try to seek out a solid position in order to avoid any sharp lines which their opponent (you) will know better than them. 3... Bd6 definitely fits this bill and I feel many of you will on occasion find yourselves in this position.} 4. e3 {This is not White's only decent response, but in deciding on this move I felt that learning an opening is easier when we have a regular set-up and common themes and plans. So unless there is a strong reason to deviate, we probably should not. Jobava himself tends to play e3 against both 3... Bb4 and 3... Bd6, which retains the set-up of the opening. However, each line is different so the differences need to be understood individually. If Jobava himself has this approach I am very comfortable recommending this.} Nf6 5. Nf3 O-O 6. Bd3 c5 7. dxc5 Bxc5 8. O-O Nc6 {We now arrive at a position which is important. Currently it is Black whose pawns control more of the centre. If White does not combat this, Black will catch up in development and potentially have a preferable position.} 9. e4 {Therefore this is my strong recommendation. Black has 2 main replies.} dxe4 {This is comfortable to play as White.} 10. Nxe4 {[%cal Ge4c5][%csl Rc5]} Nxe4 11. Bxe4 {[%csl Rc8,Ge4,Gf4] Just from a visual impression White is a bit better with 2 strong Bishops and a reduction in Black's central control.} Qf6 {[%cal Gf6f4,Gf6b2][%csl Rf4,Rb2] This is met by Qc1 defending the Bishop and b2.} 12. Qc1 {[%cal Gc1f4,Gc1b2][%csl Gb2,Gf4] In the game Nabaty - Murtazin there was a nasty shock in store for Black.} e5 13. Bg5 {[%csl Rf6]} Qd6 14. Rd1 {[%cal Gd1d6][%csl Rd6]} Qc7 15. c3 {[%cal Bb2b4,Gc3d4][%csl Gd4] Taking control over the d4-square and preparing b2-b4.} Kh8 16. b4 Bb6 (16... Be7 {was necessary.}) 17. Bf6 {[%cal Bc1h6,Gf6h8,Ge4h7][%csl Rh8,Rg7,Rh7] Black cannot prevent White playing Qh6 when mate on g7 or h7 or f8 follows.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 5 (3... a6): Model Games"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Model Game #16: Carlsen, M."] [Black "Caruana, F."] [Result "1-0"] [SourceTitle "10 Theory 5 (3... a6): Model Games"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877054"] {Whenever we get a chance to watch the reigning World Champion play the opening that is the topic of this course, it would surely be imprudent to overlook the game. Furthermore, his opponent is the most recent World Championship contender who held Magnus to 12 long play draws in that match before succumbing in the rapid tiebreaks.} 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 {Not for the first time Magnus keeps his opponent guessing as to whether this will be a London System or a Jobava London System with Nc3.} d5 3. Nc3 {The Jobava it is!} a6 {This move order by Black prevents any ideas White might have of playing Nb5 and awaits White's next choice.} 4. e3 ({This is unquestionably my response as Black must decide whether or not to play} 4. e3 4... c5 {which as we have seen in the theory section of chapter 1 allows White the desirable option of} 5. dxc5 {.}) e6 {This is a logical follow up which delays, at least for the time being, the ...c5 advance by Black.} 5. g4 {By playing 4... e6 black is no longer covering the g4-square with his light-squared Bishop. Magnus immediately seizes the chance of Kingside expansion which is a running theme of this opening.} c5 {So Black decides to counter immediately in the centre of the board, which makes logical sense. It also makes use of 3... a6, which prevents the desirable Nb5.} 6. g5 {Gaining space on the Kingside with tempo.} Nfd7 7. Nf3 Nc6 8. a3 {The choice of Magnus and a good one, as it prevents a black piece from landing on b4, particularly the Bishop. ...Bb4 is a move that many Jobava London System players would perhaps prefer to avoid.} b5 9. h4 {Supporting g5 in the short term, but as we will see the pawn will not stop on h4. The plan of Kingside expansion/pressure should be clear.} Bb7 10. h5 Nb6 ({Black may have considered} 10... h6 {, but this simply invites White's advances:} 11. g6 {Black immediately has an unenviable choice, e.g.} 11... fxg6 12. Bd3 $1 {Developing with tempo} 12... Ne7 {When you force a retreat such as this you can be fairly confident the opening has gone well.} 13. Ne5 {White is very much on the front foot and Black had best watch out for the weaknesses around his King.}) 11. Ne5 ({It always feels a bit harsh to criticise a move by Magnus, but lest we forget that even he is human.} 11. Qd2 {, retaining White's options, is perhaps a better alternative as White would welcome the natural} 11... Nc4 {:} 12. Bxc4 dxc4 13. d5 $14 {White's better development and central breakthrough is strong.}) Nxe5 12. Bxe5 Nc4 (12... Nd7 {would force the retreat of the Bishop and keep the position in balance.}) 13. Bxc4 dxc4 14. Rg1 f6 15. Bf4 Qd7 16. h6 O-O-O 17. Qe2 cxd4 18. exd4 Qxd4 19. Rd1 Qxf4 20. Qxe6+ Kc7 21. Qf7+ Be7 {This loses.} 22. Qxe7+ Kc8 23. hxg7 Rxd1+ 24. Nxd1 Rg8 25. Qf8+ Kc7 26. Qxg8 1-0 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 5 (3... a6): Model Games"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Model Game #17: Alekseenko, K."] [Black "Kokarev, Dm"] [Result "1-0"] [SourceTitle "10 Theory 5 (3... a6): Model Games"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877055"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 a6 4. e3 e6 5. g4 Bb4 {This move is particularly important, as it is of concern to many white players of this line.} 6. Nge2 {This move should allay a number of the fears of Bb4 as the knight on c3 is reinforced, so there is currently no danger of White's pawns being doubled - even though this is not necessarily a disadvantage.} c5 {This natural looking break is one of the reasons why playing Bb4 as Black is not always as strong as it seems. White's reply is very instructive.} 7. a3 {The Bishop on b4 is required to defend c5, so retreating would allow White to capture on c5.} cxd4 8. axb4 dxc3 9. Nxc3 {White is already much better due to greater central control, most importantly over the dark squares. ...Bb4 is generally a good move for Black, but it can readily backfire if not followed up accurately.} O-O 10. g5 Nfd7 11. h4 {White's play is thematic - Black has castled Kingside so White focusses on advancing against the King.} Nb6 {Too slow, but White was already on top.} 12. Bd3 Nc6 13. Qh5 g6 14. Qh6 e5 15. h5 Qe7 16. hxg6 fxg6 17. Bxg6 Bf5 (17... hxg6 18. Bxe5 $1 Nxe5 (18... Bf5 19. Bf6 Rxf6 20. Qh8+ Kf7 21. Rh7+ Ke6 22. Rxe7+ Kxe7 23. gxf6+ $18) 19. Qh8+ Kf7 20. Rh7+ $18) 18. Bxf5 Rxf5 19. Bg3 {White is a pawn up with a big attack.} Rd8 20. g6 Rd7 21. O-O-O Qg7 22. gxh7+ {White is not greedy and simplifies to an easily winning endgame.} Qxh7 23. Qxh7+ Rxh7 24. Rxh7 Kxh7 25. Nxd5 Nxd5 26. Rxd5 Kg6 27. b5 axb5 28. Rxb5 Rf7 29. Bxe5 Rxf2 30. Bf4 Nd8 31. Bc7 Ne6 32. Rxb7 Rf1+ 33. Kd2 Rf2+ 34. Kd1 Nc5 35. Rb6+ Kf7 36. Bf4 Ne4 37. Rb4 1-0 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 5 (3... a6): Model Games"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Model Game #18: Alekseenko, K."] [Black "Riazantsev, A."] [Result "1-0"] [SourceTitle "10 Theory 5 (3... a6): Model Games"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877056"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 a6 4. e3 e6 5. g4 b5 {We have not seen many lines with such an early Queenside thrust by Black. It's important not to panic. Let's look at the following instructive example of how a Grandmaster handles such a move and strategy.} 6. g5 {As ever when the two sides are playing on opposite sides of the board, time and tempos are critical.} Nfd7 7. h4 c5 (7... b4 $6 {This would actually help White as placing the knight on a4 reduces the impact of ...c5.}) 8. Nce2 {This is a relatively cautious approach but certainly not a bad one. White feels he has time to solidify the centre and reduce the chances of counterplay before continuing his advances.} (8. Nf3 {seems very reasonable to me. White develops a piece and supports the centre. If White needs to play Nc3-e2 it remains an option.}) Nc6 9. Nf3 Nb6 10. c3 {White is content to solidify his control of the dark squares. This game shows that this is a very reasonable approach.} cxd4 {Black should not break the tension. I think White's recapture was excellent but unexpected.} 11. Nexd4 Bb7 12. Nxc6 Bxc6 13. Qd4 {This is the key recapture. Not for the first time, White's dominance of the dark squares puts Black under pressure.} Nc4 14. Ne5 Bb7 15. O-O-O Qb6 16. Bg2 Bc5 17. Nxc4 Bxd4 18. Nxb6 Bxb6 {It's fair to say the opening phase is comfortably over and White's edge comes from Black's difficulties in getting any active play.} 19. h5 Rc8 20. h6 g6 21. Be5 O-O 22. Kd2 f5 23. gxf6 Bd8 24. Bh3 Kf7 25. Rhg1 Bxf6 26. Bxf6 Kxf6 27. f4 Rce8 28. Rdf1 e5 29. Kd3 Bc8 {Black has achieved a lot by exchanging off his worst piece, but White remains in good shape.} 30. Bxc8 Rxc8 31. Rg5 exf4 32. exf4 Ke6 33. Re1+ Kd6 34. Rge5 Rf6 {The pressure tells.} 35. Re7 Rc7 36. Rxc7 Kxc7 37. Re7+ Kd6 38. Rxh7 Rxf4 39. Rg7 Rf3+ 40. Kd4 Rf4+ 41. Ke3 Rh4 42. Rxg6+ Ke5 43. Rxa6 Rh2 44. b3 Rh3+ 45. Kd2 Rh2+ 46. Kc1 Ke4 47. Rg6 (47. a4 {, creating passed pawns on both sides of the board, was the easiest way to win.}) Kd3 48. Rg3+ Ke4 49. h7 Rxh7 50. Kb2 Ra7 51. Rg6 b4 52. Rg4+ Kd3 53. Rd4+ 1-0 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 5: 3... a6 - Overview"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "11 Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4997287"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 a6 {This is a logical yet rather time consuming move. Black stops any ideas of Nb5, which as we have seen is a very annoying move, yet wastes some time playing a move on the side of the board. Another disadvantage of the move ...a6 for Black is that when he plays ...c5, an approach with dxc5 becomes much stronger for White. The reason for this is that there is a big hole on b6 and Na4-b6 becomes a very potent idea.} 4. e3 {There is no reason for us to drift from our normal plan. Let's develop and see how Black will set up.} e6 {This is again logical, Black simply develops. There are now two plans for White. For Chessable I normally only suggest one plan for White, but in this case I am giving two ideas. That is because one idea is very aggressive - 5. g5, while the other idea - 5. Bd3 - is a solid option. You can decide which one suits your needs more. They are both of equal-ish value, yet lead to different games.} (4... g6 {This invites an advance of the h-pawn.} 5. h4 $1 Bg7 6. h5 {This is a very playable sacrifice which Jobava has employed. The position may not be objectively better for White, but from a practical point of view it's strong. If Black accepts the sacrifice a computer may have a balanced assessment, but whenever this happens with such a material balance it requires computer-like defence for Black to hold on. It's hard to imagine any human would take Black.} 6... gxh5 7. Rxh5 Nxh5 8. Qxh5 c6 9. Nf3 h6 10. O-O-O Nd7 11. Qh2 Nf8 $14 {This was seen in Jobava - Savchenko (1-0 in 35 moves). Already White has an edge due to the cramped and passive positioning of the black pieces.}) (4... c5 {This allows White the following option.} 5. dxc5 $1 {White should take on c5 before Black has the natural reply ...Bxc5.} 5... Nc6 (5... Qa5 {This runs into natural development.} 6. Nf3 e6 (6... Qxc5 7. Be2 e6 8. O-O {This is nice for White with a lead in development and two main ideas: *1:* a3 and b4, *2:* e4.}) 7. Bd3 Bxc5 8. O-O O-O 9. a3 Be7 10. e4 {This is an important break for White and should lead to a slight advantage, as Black is behind in development.}) 6. a3 (6. Nf3 {is also good.}) 6... e5 7. Bg5 $1 {With pressure against d5.} 7... Be6 8. b4 {White is a pawn up. Although Black has compensation through central control and a lead in development, a pawn is still a pawn and it's worth more than Black's compensation here.} 8... Be7 9. Nf3 O-O 10. Be2 $14) (4... Bf5 5. f3 {Planning g4 and h4 as we have seen in Theory 2.}) 5. g4 {The aggressive option! I am unsure that I would be able to resist such a plan... White gains space and starts a Kingside attack. By playing 4... e6, Black is no longer covering the g4-square with his light-squared Bishop, so this becomes a new option. This was also Carlsen's choice. This Kingside expansion is a running theme of the Jobava London.} (5. Bd3 {This is a much safer option, and a move that some players may prefer. White simply aims to develop and at later moment - normally after Nf3 and O-O - play the typical break e4!} 5... c5 {The most logical move in conjunction with the earlier ...a6, which made Nb5 impossible for us.} (5... b5 6. Nf3 b4 $6 (6... c5 $10) 7. Na4 Bd7 8. c4 $14) (5... Nbd7 $5 {This is logical and rare. Black wants to play ...c5 and then after dxc5 capture back with the Knight. This may actually be one of Black's better options. It took me a while to come up with an answer to this move that I was happy with.} 6. Nce2 $5 (6. e4 {was my first thought, and it still remains interesting. The key variation is} 6... c5 7. exd5 cxd4 8. dxe6 fxe6 9. Ne4 e5 {when White has some compensation for the pawn. The more adventurous of you out there might wish to try this aggressive line.}) ({The problem with} 6. Nf3 {is that I couldn't find a good answer to} 6... c5 {, as} 7. dxc5 Nxc5 {must be completely fine for Black.}) {With 6. Nce2 White aims to play in a more traditional London System way, with c3 coming up next to keep the pawn structure in touch. The computer at first doesn't like this, but it gradually comes around.} 6... c5 (6... Nh5 {is likely to lead to a similar position.}) 7. c3 {White wants to continue with Nf3 and Ne5 with chances in the centre and Kingside, in order to counter Black's Queenside advance.} 7... Nh5 {The computer's top choice.} 8. Nf3 $5 {Aiming to play against Black's c8-Bishop.} 8... Nxf4 9. exf4 c4 {Still following the computer's top choice, but only now does it start to think the position is ok for White.} 10. Bc2 b5 11. O-O {White will play with Ne5, Qd2-e3 and hopefully the f5-break at some point. That being said, I certainly cannot say that White has an advantage - mainly due to Black's space on the Queenside. This one line does seem to be a good option for Black. Luckily it is very rare, and if you do not feel comfortable here then 6 g4 is always an alternative.}) 6. dxc5 {White's automatic answer to ...c5 when there is a Bishop on d3. Otherwise ...c4, gaining a tempo for Black, is very annoying.} 6... Bxc5 7. Nf3 {Simple development. White lacks a bit of space at the moment, but once e4 is played all will be ok. We have seen this idea already in Theory 4, and it worked out well for White.} 7... Nc6 8. O-O {White is now fully developed and must come up with a middlegame plan.} 8... O-O (8... b5 {This is a way for Black to advance and gain immediate space on the Queenside. This shouldn't deter us from our natural plan though.} 9. e4 $1 {White must play this advance in this variation; otherwise it is not clear how to proceed.} 9... b4 {Other options are very similar to what we see after 8... O-O.} 10. exd5 $1 {White is better after this. Here is a sample line.} 10... exd5 11. Na4 Be7 12. Ne5 $1 {Black has some noticeable weaknesses, mainly the isolated pawn on d5 but also the c5-square. White can continue by gaining control of d4, most likely by playing Bxe5 and Bd4. After that Nc5 and b6 become options, and later in the game Black's pawn on d5 will become a real target.}) 9. e4 $1 {The position seems easier for White to play.} 9... h6 {This stops one of White's main ideas which was e5 and then Bxh7+.} (9... dxe4 {This is a typical reaction.} 10. Nxe4 Nxe4 11. Bxe4 {White is slightly better. Compare the light-squared bishops of both sides. White can advance his pawn majority on the Queenside with c3 and b4 etc. White also has some nasty ideas on the Kingside. For example a typical mistake here would be:} 11... Bd7 $6 12. Bxh7+ $1 {This is a typical Greek Gift, leading to a won position for White.}) 10. exd5 ({The simplest.} 10. e5 {was possible, but without a pawn on d4 to support e5 and without any attacking chances against h7, Black will play the break ...f6 at the moment, gaining good counter chances.}) 10... exd5 (10... Nxd5 {This is possible if Black wants to try and avoid getting an isolated pawn. White's play is very simple though.} 11. Nxd5 Qxd5 $6 (11... exd5 {is better, but we have already looked at this type of position.}) 12. Re1 $1 {White should aim to stop Black from playing ...e5, as then the bad Bishop on c8 has chances to escape into the game. This also prepares Be4 against any b-pawn move.} 12... Rd8 13. Qe2 {White is much more comfortable, with ideas of c3, Be4 and Rd1 to follow. Black still has problems developing his Queenside pieces.}) 11. Qd2) c5 {Black decides to counter immediately in the centre of the board, which makes logical sense. It also makes use of 3... a6 which prevents the desirable Nb5.} (5... Bb4 {This is often a good idea against the Jobava-London, yet I am not so sure here due to White's next move.} 6. Nge2 $1 {We saw this simple developing move in the introductory game. It is also an idea that we should remember. Given a choice we would of course rather not double our pawns on c3. The simple plan now is to play a3 and take over the dark squares.} 6... c5 $6 {This natural looking break is one of the reasons why playing ...Bb4 as Black is not always as strong as it seems. White's reply is very instructive.} (6... O-O {This makes more sense as ...c5 doesn't really work out for Black.} 7. a3 {Now that we can capture back on c3 with the Knight, this makes perfect sense.} 7... Be7 {Black has wasted a lot of time.} 8. Rg1 $5 {This leads us to a very interesting and exciting position. The concept of pushing with g4 is one that AlphaZero would approve of! The position can be defined as dynamically equal. White is ready to advance with h4 and g5 etc., but Black remains solid. Of course this is all new stuff so lets take a bit of a deeper look...} 8... Nbd7 {9 Ng3 is another idea. From g3 the Knight controls h5 therefore after g5 Black must play the passive ...Ne8 rather than ...Nh5.} 9. h4 c5 10. g5 Nh5 11. Bh2 {With mutual chances. White will aim to play Nf4, Be2, O-O-O and eventually h5 with some attack.}) 7. a3 {The bishop on b4 is required to defend c5, so retreating would allow White to capture on c5.} 7... cxd4 8. axb4 dxc3 9. Nxc3 {White is much better as in the introductory game Alekseenko vs Kokarev.}) (5... b5 {We have not seen many lines with such an early queenside thrust by Black. It is instructive and important not to panic, and to understand how a Grandmaster handles such a move and strategy.} 6. g5 {As ever when White and Black are attacking on opposite sides of the board, time and tempos are critical.} 6... Nfd7 7. h4 {White is making good strides on the Kingside.} 7... c5 (7... b4 $6 {This would actually help White, as placing the knight on a4 reduces the impact of ...c5.} 8. Na4 c5 9. c4 $5 {This seems to lead to slightly better chances for White.} 9... bxc3 {Best as otherwise White's pawn on c4 is a real pain for Black.} 10. bxc3 cxd4 11. exd4 {I slightly prefer White, as he is solid yet retains chances of attacking on the Kingside with h5 and g6.}) 8. Nf3 {A simple developing move. White will always meet ...b4 with Nge2. In theory this position should be roughly equal. White has space on the Kingside and Black has space on the Queenside. I would prefer to be White though, as there is more potential to start an attack with a blow such as g6. We saw 8 Nce2 in the introductory game, and things will probably transpose here.} 8... Nc6 {Logically developing.} 9. Ne2 $5 {I like this sensible move, transposing to Alekseenko vs Riazantsev. White keeps options of c3 available, therefore ensuring a strong centre.} 9... Nb6 10. c3 Bd7 {10... cxd4 was seen in the model game.} 11. h5 $1 {White must be better. The threat of g6 hovers over Black's head, which is unpleasant. It is not entirely clear just where Black went wrong.}) 6. g5 {You cannot play g4 without going g5! This gains space and pushes Black's Knight to a worse square.} Nfd7 {Other squares would seem to be too passive.} 7. Nf3 {This kind of position should be about equal, but it looks to me to be more fun pushing on the Kingside than the Queenside. The idea of g6 is a key thing to remember in this position.} Nc6 8. a3 {The choice of Magnus, and a good one as it prevents a black piece from landing on b4, particularly the bishop. ....Bb4 is a move that many Jobava London System players would perhaps prefer to avoid. 8 h4, simply getting on with things, was the other option.} b5 9. h4 {Supporting g5 in the short term, but as we will see the pawn will not stop at h4. The plan of Kingside expansion/pressure should be clear. h5 and g6 is one breakthrough to remember.} Bb7 10. h5 {This opens up two main concepts. 1) g6 at the right moment; 2) Bh3 with pressure against e6.} Nb6 {Logically aiming for ...Nc4.} (10... h6 {This simply invites the following response.} 11. g6 $1 fxg6 12. Bd3 {Developing with tempo.} 12... Ne7 {When you force a retreat such as this, you can be fairly confident the opening has gone well.} 13. Ne5 {White is very much on the front foot. Black had best watch out for the weaknesses around his King.}) 11. Qd2 ({This is better than} 11. Ne5 {, which Magnus played against Fabiano. White keeps things flexible and may even capture on c5 followed up with Queenside castling, a brave idea! Let's take a look at a couple of options that Black may try here.}) Be7 {A very logical move.} (11... Nc4 $1 {Black dives in! This forceful move seems to be one of Black's best options.} 12. Bxc4 dxc4 {Opening the Bishop on b7.} 13. Rh3 $1 {A useful prophylactic move. White gets ready with Ne5 in some cases. 13 dxc5 runs into 13... e5!} 13... b4 14. axb4 cxb4 15. Na4 c3 $1 {Aiming for ...Bb4.} 16. Qd3 cxb2 {Otherwise b3 from White secures everything on the Queenside.} 17. Nxb2 {With an interesting position where White's chances are slightly to be preferred. This is because White has many more options to break with a pawn - g6, h6 and e4 being the main three.}) 12. dxc5 ({This pawn needs to be captured before playing O-O-O. If} 12. O-O-O {Black could play} 12... c4 {with a ready-made attack.}) Bxc5 13. O-O-O {A very double edged position. White is relying on two main pawn breaks: e4 and g6, but Black does have some Queenside counterplay.} b4 {Black starts his Queenside action.} 14. h6 {Opening up the dark squares.} g6 (14... bxc3 $2 {This is a mistake.} 15. Qxc3 Bd6 16. hxg7 Rg8 17. Rxh7 {White is winning.}) 15. axb4 Bxb4 16. Ne5 {White is aiming to take over the dark squares with a capture on c6 and Qd4 to follow. The computer assesses this as being better for White.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 5: 3... a6 #1 - 4... g6"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "11 Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4997310"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 a6 {This is a logical yet rather time consuming move. Black stops any ideas of Nb5, which as we have seen is a very annoying move, yet wastes some time playing a move on the side of the board. Another disadvantage of the move ...a6 for Black is that when he plays ...c5, an approach with dxc5 becomes much stronger for White. The reason for this is that there is a big hole on b6 and Na4-b6 becomes a very potent idea.} 4. e3 {[%cal Bf1d3] There is no reason for us to drift from our normal plan. Let's develop and see how Black will set up.} g6 {This invites an advance of the h-pawn.} 5. h4 {[%cal Bh4h5,Gh5g6][%csl Rg6]} Bg7 6. h5 {This is a very playable sacrifice which Jobava has employed. The position may not be objectively better for White, but from a practical point of view it's strong. If Black accepts the sacrifice a computer may have a balanced assessment, but whenever this happens with such a material balance it requires computer-like defence for Black to hold on. It's hard to imagine any human would take Black.} gxh5 7. Rxh5 Nxh5 8. Qxh5 {[%cal Bg1f3,Bf1d3,Be1c1]} c6 9. Nf3 h6 10. O-O-O Nd7 11. Qh2 {[%cal Gh2c7,Bf1d3][%csl Rd8,Rh6,Rg7,Re8] This was seen in Jobava - Savchenko (1-0 in 35 moves). Already White has an edge due to the cramped and passive positioning of the black pieces.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 5: 3... a6 #2 - 4... c5"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "11 Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4997290"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 a6 {This is a logical yet rather time consuming move. Black stops any ideas of Nb5, which as we have seen is a very annoying move, yet wastes some time playing a move on the side of the board. Another disadvantage of the move ...a6 for Black is that when he plays ...c5, an approach with dxc5 becomes much stronger for White. The reason for this is that there is a big hole on b6 and Na4-b6 becomes a very potent idea.} 4. e3 {There is no reason for us to drift from our normal plan. Let's develop and see how Black will set up.} c5 {This allows White the following option.} 5. dxc5 {[%cal Gc3a4,Ga4b6,Ga4c5][%csl Rb6] White should take on c5 before Black has the natural reply ...Bxc5.} Qa5 {[%cal Ga5e1] This runs into natural development.} 6. Nf3 Qxc5 7. Be2 e6 8. O-O {[%cal Be3e4,Bd1d2,Ba2a3,Bb2b4][%csl Rc5] This is nice for White, with a lead in development and two main ideas: 1) a3 and b4 2) e4.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 5: 3... a6 #3 - 4... c5"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "11 Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4997291"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 a6 {This is a logical yet rather time consuming move. Black stops any ideas of Nb5, which as we have seen is a very annoying move, yet wastes some time playing a move on the side of the board. Another disadvantage of the move ...a6 for Black is that when he plays ...c5, an approach with dxc5 becomes much stronger for White. The reason for this is that there is a big hole on b6 and Na4-b6 becomes a very potent idea.} 4. e3 {There is no reason for us to drift from our normal plan. Let's develop and see how Black will set up.} c5 {This allows White the following option.} 5. dxc5 {White should take on c5 before Black has the natural reply ...Bxc5.} Qa5 {This runs into natural development.} 6. Nf3 e6 7. Bd3 {[%cal Be1g1,Be3e4] Black can no longer play ...Bg4, so we develop our Bishop more actively.} Bxc5 8. O-O O-O 9. a3 {[%cal Gb2b4][%csl Ra5,Rc5]} Be7 10. e4 {[%cal Bd1e2,Bf1d1][%csl Rc8,Rd5] This is an important break for White and should lead to a slight advantage, as Black is behind in development.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 5: 3... a6 #4 - 4...c5"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "11 Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4997293"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 a6 {This is a logical yet rather time consuming move. Black stops any ideas of Nb5, which as we have seen is a very annoying move, yet wastes some time playing a move on the side of the board. Another disadvantage of the move ...a6 for Black is that when he plays ...c5, an approach with dxc5 becomes much stronger for White. The reason for this is that there is a big hole on b6 and Na4-b6 becomes a very potent idea.} 4. e3 {There is no reason for us to drift from our normal plan. Let's develop and see how Black will set up.} c5 {This allows White the following option.} 5. dxc5 {White should take on c5 before Black has the natural reply ...Bxc5.} Nc6 6. a3 {[%cal Bb2b4,Gb4c5][%csl Gc5]} (6. Nf3 {is also good.}) e5 7. Bg5 {[%cal Gc3d5,Gd1d5,Gg5d8][%csl Rd5] With pressure against d5.} Be6 8. b4 {[%csl Gc5] White is a pawn up. Although Black has compensation through central control and a lead in development, a pawn is still a pawn and it's worth more than Black's compensation here.} Be7 9. Nf3 O-O 10. Be2 {[%cal Be1g1]} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 5: 3..."] [Black "a6 #5 - 4... Bf5"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "11 Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4997294"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 a6 {This is a logical yet rather time consuming move. Black stops any ideas of Nb5, which as we have seen is a very annoying move, yet wastes some time playing a move on the side of the board. Another disadvantage of the move ...a6 for Black is that when he plays ...c5, an approach with dxc5 becomes much stronger for White. The reason for this is that there is a big hole on b6 and Na4-b6 becomes a very potent idea.} 4. e3 {There is no reason for us to drift from our normal plan. Let's develop and see how Black will set up.} Bf5 5. f3 {[%cal Bg2g4,Bh2h4][%csl Rf5] Planning g4 and h4 as we have seen in Theory 2.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 5: 3... a6"] [Black "#6 - 4... e6 5. Bd3"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "11 Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4997296"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 a6 {This is a logical yet rather time consuming move. Black stops any ideas of Nb5, which as we have seen is a very annoying move, yet wastes some time playing a move on the side of the board. Another disadvantage of the move ...a6 for Black is that when he plays ...c5, an approach with dxc5 becomes much stronger for White. The reason for this is that there is a big hole on b6 and Na4-b6 becomes a very potent idea.} 4. e3 {There is no reason for us to drift from our normal plan. Let's develop and see how Black will set up.} e6 {This is again logical, Black simply develops. There are now two plans for White. For Chessable I normally only suggest one plan for White, but in this case I am giving two ideas. That is because one idea is very aggressive - 5. g4, while the other idea - 5. Bd3 - is a solid option. You can decide which one suits your needs more. They are both of equal-ish value, yet lead to different games.} 5. Bd3 {[%cal Bg1f3,Be1g1,Be3e4] This is a much safer option, and a move that some players may prefer. White simply aims to develop and at later moment - normally after Nf3 and O-O - play the typical break e4!} b5 6. Nf3 b4 (6... c5 $10) {This is black's best move but white can handle it. Hopefully you all remember how important it is to take on c5 to stop black advancing with c4. 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.0-0 0-0 9.e4! We have transposed back into the 5...c5 line which has some promising options for white. The move e4 is key to break up black's centre} 7. Na4 {[%cal Ga4c5][%csl Gc5] This move shows the error of the premature advance of 6...b4 With 7.Na4 white is making it significantly harder for black to make the most natural ...c5 break} Bd7 {[%cal Gd7a4][%csl Ra4] Challenging the knight on a4 but white has a very active reply} 8. c4 {[%cal Gd1a4] Opening the d1-a4 diagonal to protect the knight. White is better developed and challenging the centre. White will aim to 0-0 and most likely put his knight into c5 when black can either allow it to stay there like a thorn in his side or remove it by giving up his best minor piece, the dark squared bishop.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 5: 3... a6"] [Black "#7 - 4... e6 5. Bd3"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "11 Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4997297"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 a6 {This is a logical yet rather time consuming move. Black stops any ideas of Nb5, which as we have seen is a very annoying move, yet wastes some time playing a move on the side of the board. Another disadvantage of the move ...a6 for Black is that when he plays ...c5, an approach with dxc5 becomes much stronger for White. The reason for this is that there is a big hole on b6 and Na4-b6 becomes a very potent idea.} 4. e3 {There is no reason for us to drift from our normal plan. Let's develop and see how Black will set up.} e6 {This is again logical, Black simply develops. There are now two plans for White. For Chessable I normally only suggest one plan for White, but in this case I am giving two ideas. That is because one idea is very aggressive - 5. g4, while the other idea - 5. Bd3 - is a solid option. You can decide which one suits your needs more. They are both of equal-ish value, yet lead to different games.} 5. Bd3 {This is a much safer option, and a move that some players may prefer. White simply aims to develop and at later moment (normally after Nf3 and O-O) play the typical break e4!} Nbd7 6. Nce2 {[%cal Bc2c3,Bg1f3,Be1g1] This is logical and rare. Black wants to play ...c5 and then after dxc5 capture back with the Knight. This may actually be one of Black's better options. It took me a while to come up with an answer to this move that I was happy with.} (6. e4 {was my first thought, and it still remains interesting. The key variation is} 6... c5 7. exd5 cxd4 8. dxe6 fxe6 9. Ne4 e5 {when White has some compensation for the pawn. The more adventurous of you out there might wish to try this aggressive line.}) ({The problem with} 6. Nf3 {is that I couldn't find a good answer to} 6... c5 {, as} 7. dxc5 Nxc5 {must be completely fine for Black.}) {With 6. Nce2 White aims to play in a more traditional London System way, with c3 coming up next to keep the pawn structure in touch. The computer at first doesn't like this, but it gradually comes around.} c5 (6... Nh5 {is likely to lead to a similar position.}) 7. c3 {[%cal Gc3d4,Bg1f3,Bf3e5][%csl Gd4] White wants to continue with Nf3 and Ne5 with chances in the centre and Kingside, in order to counter Black's Queenside advance.} Nh5 {The computer's top choice.} 8. Nf3 {[%cal Gf3e5,Gd4e5,Gf4e5][%csl Rc8,Ge5] Aiming to play against Black's c8-Bishop.} Nxf4 9. exf4 c4 {Still following the computer's top choice, but only now does it start to think the position is ok for White.} 10. Bc2 b5 11. O-O {[%cal Bf3e5,Bd1d2,Bd2e3][%csl Ge5,Rc8] White will play with Ne5, Qd2-e3 and hopefully the f5-break at some point. That being said, I certainly cannot say that White has an advantage - mainly due to Black's space on the Queenside. This one line does seem to be a good option for Black. Luckily it is very rare, and if you do not feel comfortable here then 5. g4 is always an alternative.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 5: 3... a6"] [Black "#8 - 4... e6 5. Bd3"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "11 Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4997298"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 a6 {This is a logical yet rather time consuming move. Black stops any ideas of Nb5, which as we have seen is a very annoying move, yet wastes some time playing a move on the side of the board. Another disadvantage of the move ...a6 for Black is that when he plays ...c5, an approach with dxc5 becomes much stronger for White. The reason for this is that there is a big hole on b6 and Na4-b6 becomes a very potent idea.} 4. e3 {There is no reason for us to drift from our normal plan. Let's develop and see how Black will set up.} e6 {This is again logical, Black simply develops. There are now two plans for White. For Chessable I normally only suggest one plan for White, but in this case I am giving two ideas. That is because one idea is very aggressive - 5. g4, while the other idea - 5. Bd3 - is a solid option. You can decide which one suits your needs more. They are both of equal-ish value, yet lead to different games.} 5. Bd3 {This is a much safer option, and a move that some players may prefer. White simply aims to develop and at later moment (normally after Nf3 and O-O) play the typical break e4!} c5 {The most logical move in conjunction with the earlier ...a6, which made Nb5 impossible for us.} 6. dxc5 {[%cal Gc3a4,Ga4b6][%csl Rb6] White's automatic answer to ...c5 when there is a Bishop on d3. Otherwise ...c4, gaining a tempo for Black, is very annoying.} Bxc5 7. Nf3 {[%cal Be1g1,Be3e4] Simple development. White lacks a bit of space at the moment, but once e4 is played all will be ok. We have seen this idea already in Theory 4, and it worked out well for White.} Nc6 8. O-O {White is now fully developed and must come up with a middlegame plan.} b5 {This is a way for Black to advance and gain immediate space on the Queenside. This shouldn't deter us from our natural plan though.} 9. e4 {[%csl Ge4,Rd5,Re8] White must play this advance in this variation; otherwise it is not clear how to proceed.} b4 {Other options are very similar to what we see after 8... O-O.} 10. exd5 {White is better after this. Here is a sample line.} exd5 11. Na4 {[%csl Rc5]} Be7 12. Ne5 {[%cal Ga4c5,Bf4e5,Be5d4][%csl Gc5,Gd4,Rd5] Black has some noticeable weaknesses, mainly the isolated pawn on d5 but also the c5-square. White can continue by gaining control of d4, most likely by playing Bxe5 and Bd4. After that Nc5 and b6 become options, and later in the game Black's pawn on d5 will become a real target.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 5: 3... a6"] [Black "#9 - 4... e6 5. Bd3"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "11 Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4997299"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 a6 {This is a logical yet rather time consuming move. Black stops any ideas of Nb5, which as we have seen is a very annoying move, yet wastes some time playing a move on the side of the board. Another disadvantage of the move ...a6 for Black is that when he plays ...c5, an approach with dxc5 becomes much stronger for White. The reason for this is that there is a big hole on b6 and Na4-b6 becomes a very potent idea.} 4. e3 {There is no reason for us to drift from our normal plan. Let's develop and see how Black will set up.} e6 {This is again logical, Black simply develops. There are now two plans for White. For Chessable I normally only suggest one plan for White, but in this case I am giving two ideas. That is because one idea is very aggressive - 5. g4, while the other idea - 5. Bd3 - is a solid option. You can decide which one suits your needs more. They are both of equal-ish value, yet lead to different games.} 5. Bd3 {This is a much safer option, and a move that some players may prefer. White simply aims to develop and at later moment (normally after Nf3 and O-O) play the typical break e4!} c5 {The most logical move in conjunction with the earlier ...a6, which made Nb5 impossible for us.} 6. dxc5 {White's automatic answer to ...c5 when there is a Bishop on d3. Otherwise ...c4, gaining a tempo for Black, is very annoying.} Bxc5 7. Nf3 {Simple development. White lacks a bit of space at the moment, but once e4 is played all will be ok. We have seen this idea already in Theory 4, and it worked out well for White.} Nc6 8. O-O {White is now fully developed and must come up with a middlegame plan.} O-O 9. e4 {[%csl Ge4,Rd5,Rc8] The position seems easier for White to play.} dxe4 {This is a typical reaction.} 10. Nxe4 Nxe4 11. Bxe4 {[%csl Ge4,Gf4,Rc8] White is slightly better. Compare the light-squared bishops of both sides. White can advance his pawn majority on the Queenside with c3 and b4 etc. White also has some nasty ideas on the Kingside. For example a typical mistake here would be:} Bd7 12. Bxh7+ {[%cal Bf3g5,Bd1d3,Bd3h3,Bd1h5][%csl Rg8] This is a typical Greek Gift, leading to a won position for White.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 5: 3... a6"] [Black "#10 - 4... e6 5. Bd3"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "11 Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4997300"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 a6 {This is a logical yet rather time consuming move. Black stops any ideas of Nb5, which as we have seen is a very annoying move, yet wastes some time playing a move on the side of the board. Another disadvantage of the move ...a6 for Black is that when he plays ...c5, an approach with dxc5 becomes much stronger for White. The reason for this is that there is a big hole on b6 and Na4-b6 becomes a very potent idea.} 4. e3 {There is no reason for us to drift from our normal plan. Let's develop and see how Black will set up.} e6 {This is again logical, Black simply develops. There are now two plans for White. For Chessable I normally only suggest one plan for White, but in this case I am giving two ideas. That is because one idea is very aggressive - 5. g4, while the other idea - 5. Bd3 - is a solid option. You can decide which one suits your needs more. They are both of equal-ish value, yet lead to different games.} 5. Bd3 {This is a much safer option, and a move that some players may prefer. White simply aims to develop and at later moment (normally after Nf3 and O-O) play the typical break e4!} c5 {The most logical move in conjunction with the earlier ...a6, which made Nb5 impossible for us.} 6. dxc5 {White's automatic answer to ...c5 when there is a Bishop on d3. Otherwise ...c4, gaining a tempo for Black, is very annoying.} Bxc5 7. Nf3 {Simple development. White lacks a bit of space at the moment, but once e4 is played all will be ok. We have seen this idea already in Theory 4, and it worked out well for White.} Nc6 8. O-O {White is now fully developed and must come up with a middlegame plan.} O-O 9. e4 {The position seems easier for White to play.} h6 {This stops one of White's main ideas which was e5 and then Bxh7+.} 10. exd5 {[%csl Gd5]} ({The simplest.} 10. e5 {was possible, but without a pawn on d4 to support e5 and without any attacking chances against h7, Black will play the break ...f6 at the moment, gaining good counter chances.}) Nxd5 11. Nxd5 {This is possible if Black wants to try and avoid getting an isolated pawn. White's play is very simple though.} Qxd5 (11... exd5 {is better, but we have already looked at this type of position.}) 12. Re1 {[%cal Ge1e5,Gf4e5,Gf3e5][%csl Ge5] White should aim to stop Black from playing ...e5, as then the bad Bishop on c8 has chances to escape into the game. This also prepares Be4 against any b-pawn move.} Rd8 13. Qe2 {[%cal Ba1d1,Bc2c3,Bd3e4][%csl Rc8,Ra8] White is much more comfortable, with ideas of c3, Be4 and Rd1 to follow. Black still has problems developing his Queenside pieces.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 5: 3... a6"] [Black "#11 - 4... e6 5. Bd3"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "11 Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4997301"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 a6 {This is a logical yet rather time consuming move. Black stops any ideas of Nb5, which as we have seen is a very annoying move, yet wastes some time playing a move on the side of the board. Another disadvantage of the move ...a6 for Black is that when he plays ...c5, an approach with dxc5 becomes much stronger for White. The reason for this is that there is a big hole on b6 and Na4-b6 becomes a very potent idea.} 4. e3 {There is no reason for us to drift from our normal plan. Let's develop and see how Black will set up.} e6 {This is again logical, Black simply develops. There are now two plans for White. For Chessable I normally only suggest one plan for White, but in this case I am giving two ideas. That is because one idea is very aggressive - 5. g4, while the other idea - 5. Bd3 - is a solid option. You can decide which one suits your needs more. They are both of equal-ish value, yet lead to different games.} 5. Bd3 {This is a much safer option, and a move that some players may prefer. White simply aims to develop and at later moment (normally after Nf3 and O-O) play the typical break e4!} c5 {The most logical move in conjunction with the earlier ...a6, which made Nb5 impossible for us.} 6. dxc5 {White's automatic answer to ...c5 when there is a Bishop on d3. Otherwise ...c4, gaining a tempo for Black, is very annoying.} Bxc5 7. Nf3 {Simple development. White lacks a bit of space at the moment, but once e4 is played all will be ok. We have seen this idea already in Theory 4, and it worked out well for White.} Nc6 8. O-O {White is now fully developed and must come up with a middlegame plan.} O-O 9. e4 {The position seems easier for White to play.} h6 {This stops one of White's main ideas which was e5 and then Bxh7+.} 10. exd5 {The simplest. 10 e5 was possible, but without a pawn on d4 to support e5 and without any attacking chances against h7, Black will play the break ...f6 at the moment, gaining good counter chances.} exd5 11. Qd2 {[%cal Gd2h6,Ba1e1,Bf3e5][%csl Rh6] The position is double-edged, as White has ideas of Bxh6, a piece sacrifice that gives him a dangerous attack.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 5: 3... a6"] [Black "#12 - 4... e6 5. g4!?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "11 Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4997302"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 a6 {This is a logical yet rather time consuming move. Black stops any ideas of Nb5, which as we have seen is a very annoying move, yet wastes some time playing a move on the side of the board. Another disadvantage of the move ...a6 for Black is that when he plays ...c5, an approach with dxc5 becomes much stronger for White. The reason for this is that there is a big hole on b6 and Na4-b6 becomes a very potent idea.} 4. e3 {There is no reason for us to drift from our normal plan. Let's develop and see how Black will set up.} e6 {This is again logical, Black simply develops. There are now two plans for White. For Chessable I normally only suggest one plan for White, but in this case I am giving two ideas. That is because one idea is very aggressive - 5. g4, while the other idea - 5. Bd3 - is a solid option. You can decide which one suits your needs more. They are both of equal-ish value, yet lead to different games.} 5. g4 {[%cal Gc8e6,Bg4g5,Bh2h4][%csl Gg4,Rc8] The aggressive option! I am unsure that I would be able to resist such a plan... White gains space and starts a Kingside attack. By playing 4... e6, Black is no longer covering the g4-square with his light-squared Bishop, so this becomes a new option. This was also Carlsen's choice. This Kingside expansion is a running theme of the Jobava London.} Bb4 {This is often a good idea against the Jobava-London, yet I am not so sure here due to White's next move.} 6. Nge2 {[%cal Ge2c3,Bf6g4,Bh1g1,Gg1g7][%csl Gc3] We saw this simple developing move in the introductory game. It is also an idea that we should remember. Given a choice we would of course rather not double our pawns on c3. The simple plan now is to play a3 and take over the dark squares.} O-O {This makes more sense as ...c5 doesn't really work out for Black.} 7. a3 {[%csl Rb4] Now that we can capture back on c3 with the Knight, this makes perfect sense.} Be7 {Black has wasted a lot of time.} 8. Rg1 {[%cal Bh2h4,Bg4g5][%csl Rf6,Rg8] This leads us to a very interesting and exciting position. The concept of pushing with g4 is one that AlphaZero would approve of! The position can be defined as dynamically equal. White is ready to advance with h4 and g5 etc., but Black remains solid. Of course this is all new stuff so lets take a bit of a deeper look...} Nbd7 9. h4 (9. Ng3 {is another idea. From g3 the Knight controls h5 therefore after g5 Black must play the passive ...Ne8 rather than ...Nh5.}) c5 10. g5 {[%csl Rf6]} Nh5 11. Bh2 {[%cal Be2f4,Bf1e2,Bd1d2,Be1c1][%csl Rh5,Rg8] With mutual chances. White will aim to play Nf4, Be2, O-O-O and eventually h5 with some attack.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 5: 3... a6"] [Black "#13 - 4... e6 5. g4!?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "11 Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4997303"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 a6 {This is a logical yet rather time consuming move. Black stops any ideas of Nb5, which as we have seen is a very annoying move, yet wastes some time playing a move on the side of the board. Another disadvantage of the move ...a6 for Black is that when he plays ...c5, an approach with dxc5 becomes much stronger for White. The reason for this is that there is a big hole on b6 and Na4-b6 becomes a very potent idea.} 4. e3 {There is no reason for us to drift from our normal plan. Let's develop and see how Black will set up.} e6 {This is again logical, Black simply develops. There are now two plans for White. For Chessable I normally only suggest one plan for White, but in this case I am giving two ideas. That is because one idea is very aggressive - 5. g4, while the other idea - 5. Bd3 - is a solid option. You can decide which one suits your needs more. They are both of equal-ish value, yet lead to different games.} 5. g4 {The aggressive option! I am unsure that I would be able to resist such a plan... White gains space and starts a Kingside attack. By playing 4... e6, Black is no longer covering the g4-square with his light-squared Bishop, so this becomes a new option. This was also Carlsen's choice. This Kingside expansion is a running theme of the Jobava London.} Bb4 {This is often a good idea against the Jobava-London, yet I am not so sure here due to White's next move.} 6. Nge2 {We saw this simple developing move in the introductory game. It is also an idea that we should remember. Given a choice we would of course rather not double our pawns on c3. The simple plan now is to play a3 and take over the dark squares.} c5 {This natural looking break is one of the reasons why playing ...Bb4 as Black is not always as strong as it seems. White's reply is very instructive.} 7. a3 {[%cal Gd4c5,Ga3b4][%csl Rc5,Rb4] The bishop on b4 is required to defend c5, so retreating would allow White to capture on c5.} cxd4 8. axb4 dxc3 9. Nxc3 {[%cal Bg4g5,Bh2h4,Bf1d3][%csl Rc8] White is much better as in the model game #16 Alekseenko vs. Kokarev.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 5: 3... a6"] [Black "#14 - 4... e6 5. g4!?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "11 Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4997304"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 a6 {This is a logical yet rather time consuming move. Black stops any ideas of Nb5, which as we have seen is a very annoying move, yet wastes some time playing a move on the side of the board. Another disadvantage of the move ...a6 for Black is that when he plays ...c5, an approach with dxc5 becomes much stronger for White. The reason for this is that there is a big hole on b6 and Na4-b6 becomes a very potent idea.} 4. e3 {There is no reason for us to drift from our normal plan. Let's develop and see how Black will set up.} e6 {This is again logical, Black simply develops. There are now two plans for White. For Chessable I normally only suggest one plan for White, but in this case I am giving two ideas. That is because one idea is very aggressive - 5. g4, while the other idea - 5. Bd3 - is a solid option. You can decide which one suits your needs more. They are both of equal-ish value, yet lead to different games.} 5. g4 {The aggressive option! I am unsure that I would be able to resist such a plan... White gains space and starts a Kingside attack. By playing 4... e6, Black is no longer covering the g4-square with his light-squared Bishop, so this becomes a new option. This was also Carlsen's choice. This Kingside expansion is a running theme of the Jobava London.} b5 {We have not seen many lines with such an early queenside thrust by Black. It is instructive and important not to panic, and to understand how a Grandmaster handles such a move and strategy.} 6. g5 {As ever when White and Black are attacking on opposite sides of the board, time and tempos are critical.} Nfd7 7. h4 {White is making good strides on the Kingside.} b4 {This would actually help White, as placing the knight on a4 reduces the impact of ...c5.} 8. Na4 c5 9. c4 {This seems to lead to slightly better chances for White.} bxc3 {Best as otherwise White's pawn on c4 is a real pain for Black.} 10. bxc3 cxd4 11. exd4 {[%cal Bf1d3,Bg1f3,Bh4h5,Bg5g6] I slightly prefer White, as he is solid yet retains chances of attacking on the Kingside with h5 and g6.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 5: 3... a6"] [Black "#15 - 4... e6 5. g4!?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "11 Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4997305"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 a6 {This is a logical yet rather time consuming move. Black stops any ideas of Nb5, which as we have seen is a very annoying move, yet wastes some time playing a move on the side of the board. Another disadvantage of the move ...a6 for Black is that when he plays ...c5, an approach with dxc5 becomes much stronger for White. The reason for this is that there is a big hole on b6 and Na4-b6 becomes a very potent idea.} 4. e3 {There is no reason for us to drift from our normal plan. Let's develop and see how Black will set up.} e6 {This is again logical, Black simply develops. There are now two plans for White. For Chessable I normally only suggest one plan for White, but in this case I am giving two ideas. That is because one idea is very aggressive - 5. g4, while the other idea - 5. Bd3 - is a solid option. You can decide which one suits your needs more. They are both of equal-ish value, yet lead to different games.} 5. g4 {The aggressive option! I am unsure that I would be able to resist such a plan... White gains space and starts a Kingside attack. By playing 4... e6, Black is no longer covering the g4-square with his light-squared Bishop, so this becomes a new option. This was also Carlsen's choice. This Kingside expansion is a running theme of the Jobava London.} b5 {We have not seen many lines with such an early queenside thrust by Black. It is instructive and important not to panic, and to understand how a Grandmaster handles such a move and strategy.} 6. g5 {As ever when White and Black are attacking on opposite sides of the board, time and tempos are critical.} Nfd7 7. h4 {White is making good strides on the Kingside.} c5 8. Nf3 {[%cal Bh4h5,Bg5g6,Gf3e5,Bb5b4,Bc3e2] A simple developing move. White will always meet ...b4 with Nce2. In theory this position should be roughly equal. White has space on the Kingside and Black has space on the Queenside. I would prefer to be White though, as there is more potential to start an attack with a blow such as g6. We saw 8 Nce2 in model game #17, and things will probably transpose here.} Nc6 {Logically developing.} 9. Ne2 {[%cal Bc2c3,Be2g3] I like this sensible move, transposing to Alekseenko vs Riazantsev. White keeps options of c3 available, therefore ensuring a strong centre.} Nb6 10. c3 {[%csl Gd4,Gc3]} Bd7 (10... cxd4 {was seen in model game #17.}) 11. h5 {[%cal Bg5g6,Bf1g2] White must be better. The threat of g6 hovers over Black's head, which is unpleasant. It is not entirely clear just where Black went wrong.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 5: 3... a6"] [Black "#16 - 4... e6 5. g4!?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "11 Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4997306"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 a6 {This is a logical yet rather time consuming move. Black stops any ideas of Nb5, which as we have seen is a very annoying move, yet wastes some time playing a move on the side of the board. Another disadvantage of the move ...a6 for Black is that when he plays ...c5, an approach with dxc5 becomes much stronger for White. The reason for this is that there is a big hole on b6 and Na4-b6 becomes a very potent idea.} 4. e3 {There is no reason for us to drift from our normal plan. Let's develop and see how Black will set up.} e6 {This is again logical, Black simply develops. There are now two plans for White. For Chessable I normally only suggest one plan for White, but in this case I am giving two ideas. That is because one idea is very aggressive - 5. g4, while the other idea - 5. Bd3 - is a solid option. You can decide which one suits your needs more. They are both of equal-ish value, yet lead to different games.} 5. g4 {The aggressive option! I am unsure that I would be able to resist such a plan... White gains space and starts a Kingside attack. By playing 4... e6, Black is no longer covering the g4-square with his light-squared Bishop, so this becomes a new option. This was also Carlsen's choice. This Kingside expansion is a running theme of the Jobava London.} c5 {Black decides to counter immediately in the centre of the board, which makes logical sense. It also makes use of 3... a6 which prevents the desirable Nb5.} 6. g5 {[%csl Rf6] You cannot play g4 without going g5! This gains space and pushes Black's Knight to a worse square.} Nfd7 {Other squares would seem to be too passive.} 7. Nf3 {[%cal Bh2h4,Bh4h5,Bg5g6] This kind of position should be about equal, but it looks to me to be more fun pushing on the Kingside than the Queenside. The idea of g6 is a key thing to remember in this position.} Nc6 8. a3 {[%cal Ga3b4][%csl Gb4]} ({The choice of Magnus, and a good one as it prevents a black piece from landing on b4, particularly the Bishop. ....Bb4 is a move that many Jobava London System players would perhaps prefer to avoid.} 8. h4 {, simply getting on with things, was the other option.}) b5 9. h4 {[%cal Bh4h5,Bg5g6] Supporting g5 in the short term, but as we will see the pawn will not stop at h4. The plan of Kingside expansion/pressure should be clear. h5 and g6 is one breakthrough to remember.} Bb7 10. h5 {[%cal Bf1h3,Gh3e6,Bg5g6][%csl Re6,Rf7,Rh7] This opens up two main concepts: • 1) g6 at the right moment; • 2) Bh3 with pressure against e6.} h6 {This simply invites the following response.} 11. g6 fxg6 12. Bd3 {[%cal Gd3g6][%csl Re8,Rg6] Developing with tempo.} Ne7 {When you force a retreat such as this, you can be fairly confident the opening has gone well.} 13. Ne5 {[%cal Ge5g6,Gd3g6,Bd1g4,Gg4e6,Gg4g6][%csl Rg6,Re8,Re6] White is very much on the front foot. Black had best watch out for the weaknesses around his King.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 5: 3... a6"] [Black "#17 - 4... e6 5. g4!?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "11 Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4997307"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 a6 {This is a logical yet rather time consuming move. Black stops any ideas of Nb5, which as we have seen is a very annoying move, yet wastes some time playing a move on the side of the board. Another disadvantage of the move ...a6 for Black is that when he plays ...c5, an approach with dxc5 becomes much stronger for White. The reason for this is that there is a big hole on b6 and Na4-b6 becomes a very potent idea.} 4. e3 {There is no reason for us to drift from our normal plan. Let's develop and see how Black will set up.} e6 {This is again logical, Black simply develops. There are now two plans for White. For Chessable I normally only suggest one plan for White, but in this case I am giving two ideas. That is because one idea is very aggressive - 5. g4, while the other idea - 5. Bd3 - is a solid option. You can decide which one suits your needs more. They are both of equal-ish value, yet lead to different games.} 5. g4 {The aggressive option! I am unsure that I would be able to resist such a plan... White gains space and starts a Kingside attack. By playing 4... e6, Black is no longer covering the g4-square with his light-squared Bishop, so this becomes a new option. This was also Carlsen's choice. This Kingside expansion is a running theme of the Jobava London.} c5 {Black decides to counter immediately in the centre of the board, which makes logical sense. It also makes use of 3... a6 which prevents the desirable Nb5.} 6. g5 {You cannot play g4 without going g5! This gains space and pushes Black's Knight to a worse square.} Nfd7 {Other squares would seem to be too passive.} 7. Nf3 {This kind of position should be about equal, but it looks to me to be more fun pushing on the Kingside than the Queenside. The idea of g6 is a key thing to remember in this position.} Nc6 8. a3 ({The choice of Magnus, and a good one as it prevents a black piece from landing on b4, particularly the bishop. ....Bb4 is a move that many Jobava London System players would perhaps prefer to avoid.} 8. h4 {, simply getting on with things, was the other option.}) b5 9. h4 {Supporting g5 in the short term, but as we will see the pawn will not stop at h4. The plan of Kingside expansion/pressure should be clear. h5 and g6 is one breakthrough to remember.} Bb7 10. h5 {This opens up two main concepts. • 1) g6 at the right moment; • 2) Bh3 with pressure against e6.} Nb6 {Logically aiming for ...Nc4.} 11. Qd2 {[%cal Bd4c5,Be1c1,Bf1h3,Bf1d3,Bh1h3]} ({This is better than} 11. Ne5 {, which Magnus played against Fabiano. White keeps things flexible and may even capture on c5 followed up with Queenside castling, a brave idea! Let's take a look at a couple of options that Black may try here.}) Nc4 {Black dives in! This forceful move seems to be one of Black's best options.} 12. Bxc4 dxc4 {Opening the Bishop on b7.} 13. Rh3 {[%cal Gb7h1,Gh3f3,Bf3e5][%csl Rh1,Rf3]} ({A useful prophylactic move. White gets ready with Ne5 in some cases.} 13. dxc5 {runs into} 13... e5 $1) b4 14. axb4 cxb4 15. Na4 c3 {[%cal Bb2c3,Bb4c3,Bf8b4] Aiming for ...Bb4.} 16. Qd3 {[%cal Bb2b3][%csl Ga4]} cxb2 {Otherwise b3 from White secures everything on the Queenside.} 17. Nxb2 {[%cal Be3e4,Bh5h6,Bg5g6,Bb2c4][%csl Ge5] With an interesting position where White's chances are slightly to be preferred. This is because White has many more options to break with a pawn - g6, h6 and e4 being the main three.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 5: 3... a6"] [Black "#18 - 4... e6 5. g4!?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "11 Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4997308"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 a6 {This is a logical yet rather time consuming move. Black stops any ideas of Nb5, which as we have seen is a very annoying move, yet wastes some time playing a move on the side of the board. Another disadvantage of the move ...a6 for Black is that when he plays ...c5, an approach with dxc5 becomes much stronger for White. The reason for this is that there is a big hole on b6 and Na4-b6 becomes a very potent idea.} 4. e3 {There is no reason for us to drift from our normal plan. Let's develop and see how Black will set up.} e6 {This is again logical, Black simply develops. There are now two plans for White. For Chessable I normally only suggest one plan for White, but in this case I am giving two ideas. That is because one idea is very aggressive - 5. g4, while the other idea - 5. Bd3 - is a solid option. You can decide which one suits your needs more. They are both of equal-ish value, yet lead to different games.} 5. g4 {The aggressive option! I am unsure that I would be able to resist such a plan... White gains space and starts a Kingside attack. By playing 4... e6, Black is no longer covering the g4-square with his light-squared Bishop, so this becomes a new option. This was also Carlsen's choice. This Kingside expansion is a running theme of the Jobava London.} c5 {Black decides to counter immediately in the centre of the board, which makes logical sense. It also makes use of 3... a6 which prevents the desirable Nb5.} 6. g5 {You cannot play g4 without going g5! This gains space and pushes Black's Knight to a worse square.} Nfd7 {Other squares would seem to be too passive.} 7. Nf3 {This kind of position should be about equal, but it looks to me to be more fun pushing on the Kingside than the Queenside. The idea of g6 is a key thing to remember in this position.} Nc6 8. a3 {The choice of Magnus, and a good one as it prevents a black piece from landing on b4, particularly the bishop. ....Bb4 is a move that many Jobava London System players would perhaps prefer to avoid. 8 h4, simply getting on with things, was the other option.} b5 9. h4 {Supporting g5 in the short term, but as we will see the pawn will not stop at h4. The plan of Kingside expansion/pressure should be clear. h5 and g6 is one breakthrough to remember.} Bb7 10. h5 {This opens up two main concepts. • 1) g6 at the right moment; • 2) Bh3 with pressure against e6.} Nb6 {Logically aiming for ...Nc4.} 11. Qd2 {This is better than 11 Ne5, which Magnus played against Fabiano. White keeps things flexible and may even capture on c5 followed up with Queenside castling, a brave idea! Let's take a look at a couple of options that Black may try here.} Be7 {A very logical move.} 12. dxc5 {[%cal Be1c1,Gd1d8][%csl Gd2,Gd1]} ({This pawn needs to be captured before playing O-O-O. If} 12. O-O-O {Black could play} 12... c4 {with a ready-made attack.}) Bxc5 13. O-O-O {[%cal Be3e4,Bg5g6][%csl Re8] A very double edged position. White is relying on two main pawn breaks: e4 and g6, but Black does have some Queenside counterplay.} b4 {[%csl Rc3,Ra3] Black starts his Queenside action.} 14. h6 {[%csl Rg7] Opening up the dark squares.} bxc3 {This is a mistake.} 15. Qxc3 {[%cal Gc3c5,Gc3g7,Gh6g7][%csl Rc5,Rg7,Rh8]} Bd6 16. hxg7 {[%csl Rh8]} Rg8 17. Rxh7 {[%cal Bh7h8,Gf4d6][%csl Rd6,Rg8] White is winning.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 5: 3... a6"] [Black "#19 - 4... e6 5. g4!?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "11 Theory 5 (3... a6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4997309"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 a6 {This is a logical yet rather time consuming move. Black stops any ideas of Nb5, which as we have seen is a very annoying move, yet wastes some time playing a move on the side of the board. Another disadvantage of the move ...a6 for Black is that when he plays ...c5, an approach with dxc5 becomes much stronger for White. The reason for this is that there is a big hole on b6 and Na4-b6 becomes a very potent idea.} 4. e3 {There is no reason for us to drift from our normal plan. Let's develop and see how Black will set up.} e6 {This is again logical, Black simply develops. There are now two plans for White. For Chessable I normally only suggest one plan for White, but in this case I am giving two ideas. That is because one idea is very aggressive - 5. g4, while the other idea - 5. Bd3 - is a solid option. You can decide which one suits your needs more. They are both of equal-ish value, yet lead to different games.} 5. g4 {The aggressive option! I am unsure that I would be able to resist such a plan... White gains space and starts a Kingside attack. By playing 4... e6, Black is no longer covering the g4-square with his light-squared Bishop, so this becomes a new option. This was also Carlsen's choice. This Kingside expansion is a running theme of the Jobava London.} c5 {Black decides to counter immediately in the centre of the board, which makes logical sense. It also makes use of 3... a6 which prevents the desirable Nb5.} 6. g5 {You cannot play g4 without going g5! This gains space and pushes Black's Knight to a worse square.} Nfd7 {Other squares would seem to be too passive.} 7. Nf3 {This kind of position should be about equal, but it looks to me to be more fun pushing on the Kingside than the Queenside. The idea of g6 is a key thing to remember in this position.} Nc6 8. a3 {The choice of Magnus, and a good one as it prevents a black piece from landing on b4, particularly the bishop. ....Bb4 is a move that many Jobava London System players would perhaps prefer to avoid. 8 h4, simply getting on with things, was the other option.} b5 9. h4 {Supporting g5 in the short term, but as we will see the pawn will not stop at h4. The plan of Kingside expansion/pressure should be clear. h5 and g6 is one breakthrough to remember.} Bb7 10. h5 {This opens up two main concepts. • 1) g6 at the right moment; • 2) Bh3 with pressure against e6.} Nb6 {Logically aiming for ...Nc4.} 11. Qd2 {This is better than 11 Ne5, which Magnus played against Fabiano. White keeps things flexible and may even capture on c5 followed up with Queenside castling, a brave idea! Let's take a look at a couple of options that Black may try here.} Be7 {A very logical move.} 12. dxc5 {This pawn needs to be captured before playing O-O-O. If 12 O-O-O Black could play 12... c4 with a ready-made attack.} Bxc5 13. O-O-O {A very double edged position. White is relying on two main pawn breaks: e4 and g6, but Black does have some Queenside counterplay.} b4 {Black starts his Queenside action.} 14. h6 {Opening up the dark squares.} g6 15. axb4 Bxb4 16. Ne5 {[%cal Be5c6,Bd2d4,Gd4h8][%csl Rh8,Rg7,Rf6,Gd4] White is aiming to take over the dark squares with a capture on c6 and Qd4 to follow. The computer assesses this as being better for White.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 6 (3... g6): Model Games"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Model Game #19: Piorun, Kacper"] [Black "Szczurek, Krzysztof"] [Result "1-0"] [SourceTitle "12 Theory 6 (3... g6): Model Games"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877059"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. e3 Bg7 5. h4 {Those of you who know me will not be surprised that against a ...g6 setup, pushing Harry the h-pawn is my clear choice. Many players of the black pieces underestimate the potential danger. The clear plan is to push h5 especially after Black plays O-O. Many players of Black do indeed play 5... O-O which as we will see in this game is highly risky.} O-O {A brave choice. Two other recent games saw Black hold back on housing the King:} (5... h6 {was seen in Grischuk-Khusnutdinov - model game #21,}) ({while} 5... h5 {was played in Navara-Bobras, model game #20.}) (5... c5 {is also an option. These will all be looked at subsequently in the theory section.}) 6. h5 Nxh5 ({This is a dubious move at best. Black plays right into White's hands. You may be surprised how often this is played, but it should come as no surprise how strong White's attack is and how hard it is for Black to defend!} 6... c5 {is a much stronger move.}) 7. Rxh5 gxh5 8. Qxh5 e6 9. Bd3 ({A natural and good developing move, but White had a strong alternative with} 9. Qh2 {which both threatens c7, prevents Black gaining any immediate counterplay with} 9... c5 {(as the Knight on b8 would be lost), and perhaps most importantly removes the Queen from h5. This means that should a Knight come to the aid of the defence by getting to f6 it does not gain a tempo attacking the Queen.}) f5 10. Nf3 Nc6 11. O-O-O {It is unfair to say that White's position plays itself, but castling intending Rh1 both keeps White's King safe and intends to increase the attack. In just 2 moves the Rook can get from a1 to h1.} Qe8 12. Qh2 {Obviously White will avoid the exchange of Queens as it's the key attacking piece. This move also prevents any idea Black may have of playing ...e5.} Bd7 13. a3 {Such is White's dominance he even has time to prevent Black gaining counterplay by playing ...Nb4 followed by ...c5.} Qg6 14. g4 {White's attack is already breaking through.} Qxg4 15. Be2 Qg6 16. Rg1 Qf6 17. Bg5 Qg6 18. Bh6 Rf6 19. Bxg7 Qxg1+ 20. Nxg1 Kxg7 21. Qxc7 Rf7 22. Nh3 Rg8 23. Ng5 Re7 24. Qd6 Kh6 25. Nxd5 Reg7 26. Qh2+ Kxg5 27. Qh5# 1-0 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 6 (3... g6): Model Games"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Model Game #20: Aronian, L."] [Black "Nepomniachtchi, I."] [Result "1-0"] [SourceTitle "12 Theory 6 (3... g6): Model Games"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877060"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. e3 Bg7 5. h4 O-O 6. h5 c5 {It's no surprise that we see Nepo declining to take on h5.} 7. hxg6 {I think this is the best move, which immediately asks Black the question of which way he will recapture.} fxg6 {Capturing away from the centre looks unnatural but it keeps the King safer which, given the potential of White's attack, is understandable.} 8. dxc5 b6 {Gambitting a pawn for counterplay.} 9. cxb6 Qxb6 10. Rb1 Nc6 11. Nf3 Qa5 12. Nd2 (12. Bb5 {, developing a piece with tempo, was also a good move.}) Ng4 {This is a premature counter attacking move. I think it shows how much Nepo dislikes his position.} 13. Nxd5 Nxf2 {A desperate attempt, but White's opening has been a resounding success.} 14. Kxf2 e5 15. Bc4 Be6 16. Ne7+ Nxe7 17. Bxe6+ {The game ended here in light of:} Kh8 18. Rxh7+ Kxh7 19. Qh1+ Bh6 20. Qxh6# 1-0 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 6 (3... g6): Model Games"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Model Game #21: Short, Nigel D"] [Black "Cawdery, Daniel"] [Result "1-0"] [SourceTitle "12 Theory 6 (3... g6): Model Games"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877061"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. e3 Bg7 5. h4 O-O 6. h5 c5 7. hxg6 hxg6 {This looks like the more normal way to recapture, but just the visual impression of the open h-file alone with White's rook on h1 gives reasons for White to be optimistic.} 8. Qd2 {White develops and makes it clear that his intention is castle long.} Nc6 9. Nge2 Re8 10. O-O-O b5 {A bold try by Black, but he realises the folly in sitting back and allowing England's former number one a free attacking reign.} 11. Nxb5 e5 12. Bg5 {Nigel smoothly sidesteps any immediate central pressure and complications by pinning the f6-Knight.} Rb8 13. Nbc3 Bf5 ({Black should have taken the opportunity to open up the c-file and the centre with} 13... cxd4 {.}) 14. dxc5 Qa5 15. Bxf6 Qb4 16. Na4 ({This is a small error as Black could have found a way to equalise in the game.} 16. b3 {would have held Black back.}) Qxa4 17. Bxg7 Rxb2 ({Black miscalculates, whereas} 17... Qxa2 {would have put him firmly in the game.}) 18. Kxb2 Rb8+ 19. Ka1 Kxg7 (19... Nb4 20. Qxb4 $3 $18 {is what Black surely overlooked.} 20... Qxb4 21. Bxe5 {threatening mate on h8 and covering the b2-square. Black is simply too much material down and losing his pieces hand over fist.} 21... f6 22. Bxb8 Qxb8 23. Rb1 $18) 20. Nc3 Qa3 21. Rb1 {White is a rook up and Black's attack will not succeed. The game ended here as the following continuation stops all of Black's threats:} Nb4 22. e4 Bxe4 23. Bd3 1-0 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 6 (3... g6): Model Games"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Model Game #22: Navara, David"] [Black "Bobras, Piotr"] [Result "1-0"] [SourceTitle "12 Theory 6 (3... g6): Model Games"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877062"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. e3 Bg7 5. h4 h5 6. Nf3 {Other moves have been tried here, but Navara is not worried about the Bishop coming to g4 with a pin, as he has a clever response.} Bg4 7. Qd2 {This is an excellent idea. White escapes the pin and is now ready to play Ne5 or Ng5 and also O-O-O depending on Black's next move.} Bxf3 8. gxf3 {White's pawn structure is compromised and now g4 cannot be played, but he has the Bishop pair and increased control of the centre, most notably the e4 square.} O-O 9. O-O-O c5 (9... c6 {might be better, but White is already well on top and could reply with} 10. e4 b5 $6 11. e5 Nfd7 12. e6 $1 fxe6 13. Rg1 {, after which Black's position is a total mess. White will take advantage of all the weaknesses in double quick time.}) 10. dxc5 {Not only does this win a pawn, White also opens up the d-file. He is already well on top.} Nc6 11. Nxd5 Nxd5 12. Qxd5 {White is 2 pawns to the good. The Queenside is Black's only hope, but there is no real danger provided White keeps his guard up.} Qa5 13. Qb3 e5 14. Bh2 Qxc5 15. Rg1 Rad8 16. Rxd8 {Navara takes the easiest approach.} Rxd8 17. Bc4 Qd6 18. Bxf7+ Kf8 19. a3 {Stopping Black's back rank threats.} Qd2+ 20. Kb1 {Black has nothing but problems.} Qxf2 21. Bxg6 Qxf3 22. Ka2 a5 23. Rg5 {Intending 24. Rf5+. Black resigned.} 1-0 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 6 (3... g6): Model Games"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Model Game #23: Grischuk, A."] [Black "Khusnutdinov, R."] [Result "1-0"] [SourceTitle "12 Theory 6 (3... g6): Model Games"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877063"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. e3 Bg7 5. h4 h6 {Black does not commit to playing ...h5 and retains the option of meeting White's push to h5 with ...g5. For this reason White should not hurry with Kingside advances.} 6. Nf3 Bg4 7. Be2 {A prudent move, intending to follow up with Ne5.} c6 8. Ne5 Bxe2 9. Qxe2 {I already prefer White's position. He is one move away from connecting his rooks, so he has a lead in development and better piece placement. Grischuk makes short work of his opponent from here, which shows that anyone reaching this or a similar position has reasons to be both happy and confident.} Nbd7 10. O-O-O {The natural choice given the h-pawn has already moved from h2.} Qa5 11. Kb1 {Do I need to repeat myself about all the best players playing Kb1? It covers the a2-pawn so that if need be the Knight on c3 can move.} Nxe5 12. Bxe5 h5 13. e4 {White takes advantage of the pin on g7. When you have a lead in development and the safer King, opening up the position tends to be beneficial.} O-O-O {Black goes wrong and presumably overlooks White's Rook lift.} 14. exd5 cxd5 15. Rh3 {The King on c8 is very vulnerable. This aspect of the opening is not often seen but it should please white players that it's not just Kingside attacks which can hurt Black.} Rd7 16. Nb5 a6 17. Rc3+ Kd8 18. Na7 {Threatening Rc8 mate. Black is compelled to lose material just to stay alive.} e6 19. Qf3 Ke7 20. Nc8+ Rxc8 21. Rxc8 Rd8 22. Bc7 1-0 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 6: 3... g6 - Overview"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "13 Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877428"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 g6 4. e3 Bg7 (4... c6 {I think White should meet this as follows:} 5. Nf3 {This can lead to lines similar to the Grischuk games. An example of how play might go is as follows.} Bg4 6. Be2 Bg7 7. Ne5 Bxe2 8. Qxe2 O-O 9. h4 $14 {White's plan is clear - to push forward on the Kingside with g4 and h5 etc.}) 5. h4 O-O (5... c5 6. Nb5 {This is an important move to remember when Black plays c5 (while forgetting the preparatory ...a6).} 6... Na6 7. c3 O-O (7... Bg4 {This is safe but should not bother White. For example:} 8. Be2 Bxe2 9. Qxe2 O-O 10. Nf3 {White has a very pleasant position with more options and better piece placement.} (10. h5 {may not be 100% sound but can definitely played by the more adventurous people out there.})) 8. h5 Nxh5 9. Rxh5 gxh5 10. Qxh5 $44 {I would want to be White here every time. The exchange sacrifice is well worth it and Black is a long way from any counterplay. The plan of increasing the Kingside attack presents itself.}) (5... h5 6. Nf3 Bg4 (6... O-O 7. Be2 Nc6 (7... c5 8. dxc5 Qa5 9. O-O {White castles Kingside in this specific position to avoid the open g7-a1 diagonal, and to have the immediate option of Nb5.} 9... Qxc5 10. Nb5 a6 11. Nc7 Ra7 12. a3 b6 13. b4 Qc6 14. Nb5 axb5 15. Bxb8 $14 {This is slightly better for White due to the disconnected and weak nature of Black's pawn structure.}) 8. O-O a6 9. Ng5 Ng4 10. Qd2 Bf5 11. Rad1 {I think White's position is more pleasant given that it's easier for him to advance in the centre - with f3 and e4 - due to the placement of his Qd2 backed up by Rd1.}) 7. Qd2 Bxf3 (7... Nc6 8. Ng5 O-O 9. f3 Bd7 10. O-O-O $14 {White's pieces are significantly better placed than Black's. Kb1 and e4 are likely to follow.}) 8. gxf3 Nc6 (8... O-O {was seen in the introductory Navara game.}) 9. O-O-O O-O 10. e4 $14 {This position is comfortably better for White: better development, piece placement and control of the centre. White may continue with moves such as Kb1, e5 and perhaps Bh6.}) (5... h6 6. Nf3 Bg4 (6... c5 7. Nb5 {This leads us into a position where White gets in Nb5, which effectively forces the reply ...Na6 when White's pieces are dominant over Black's.}) 7. Be2 c6 (7... Nc6 {This is an alternative that gives us a clear indication of what Black's plans are.} 8. Ne5 Bxe2 (8... Nxe5 9. Bxe5 Bxe2 10. Qxe2 {This transposes to the previous line.}) 9. Qxe2 Nxe5 10. Bxe5 c6 11. g4 $14 {White will continue with a Kingside expansion/assault. It's easy to see that White has the better position and chances.}) 8. Ne5 Bxe2 9. Qxe2 Nbd7 10. O-O-O h5 (10... Qa5 {was seen in the introductory Grischuk game.}) 11. f3 Nxe5 12. Bxe5 $14 {Once again White is to be preferred with better control of the centre, a lead in development and a clear way forward with e4, dominating the centre.}) 6. h5 {This is the most aggressive and best move after Black played 5... O-O. I think Black is inviting trouble. White has to be prepared to sacrifice an exchange, but it's well worth it.} Nxh5 {This is the type of position which a computer might be able to hold as Black but it requires very accurate defence which is well beyond the powers of most people.} (6... c5 7. hxg6 hxg6 (7... fxg6 8. dxc5 {This move was the choice of Aronian on 2 occassions, both leading to online victories over Nepomniatchi.} 8... b6 {The most active response, going for counterplay.} (8... Nc6 9. Nf3 Qa5 10. Qd2 Qxc5 {There are chances for both sides here. A sample line may be as follows:} 11. Be2 Bf5 12. Nd4 e5 13. Nxf5 exf4 14. Nxg7 Kxg7 15. O-O-O {This is roughly equal. On the plus side White currently has a better structure and a Bishop vs. a Knight. With pawns on both sides of the board any endgames could well favour White.}) 9. cxb6 Qxb6 10. Rb1 Nc6 11. Nf3 Qa5 12. Bb5 $14 {I think this is an improvement over 12. Nd2 as played by Aronian. White has an extra pawn and Black does not have sufficient counterplay.}) 8. Qd2 Nc6 {This is the only move Black has played in my database.} (8... cxd4 $14 {is not a problem for White. Any source of counterplay against White's impending Kingside attack will most likely take place in the centre, so breaking the tension and allowing the Queen on d2 to support Bh6 favours White.}) 9. Nge2 {Strong players, including Nigel Short, have favoured this move. At first glance it may look a little odd but it develops a piece, supports the centre and if White put the Knight on f3 here Black would have a strong reply with ...Ne4.} 9... Re8 10. dxc5 (10. O-O-O {led to a reasonably comfortable game for Short in the introductory game. White is patient enough to shore up the centre and Queenside before embarking on his plan of a Kingside attack, but Black could have improved on 10... b5 with 10... Qa5. It is for that reason that I think White should switch his attention to the centre by capturing on c5 and putting pressure on the d-file.}) 10... e5 {This is Black's only realistic move to fight.} (10... Bf5 11. O-O-O {Black will probably need to play e5 now, but the insertion of Bf5 and O-O-O favours White due to the pressure along the d-file.}) 11. Bg5 {Pinning the Knight on f6 and putting pressure on d5.} d4 {This is Black's only realistic way to fight.} (11... Be6 12. O-O-O Qe7 13. Nb5 $1 b6 14. Nec3 $1 {when} 14... bxc5 {is met by} 15. Bxf6 Bxf6 16. Nxd5 $18 {White is a clean pawn up with a better position.}) 12. Nb5 b6 {Black is a pawn down and must be as active as possible in creating counterplay.} 13. Nd6 {With chances for both sides, for example:} 13... Re6 14. Ng3 bxc5 15. Nxc8 Rxc8 16. Bc4 Re7 17. Rd1 {I somewhat prefer White. He has two Bishops and good attacking files and diagonals, but Black currently has central control.}) 7. Rxh5 gxh5 8. Qxh5 {White's plan is not subtle but it doesn't need to be. It's a direct attack on Black's King. Currently Black only has his dark-squared Bishop defending the King. If he has any realistic chance of surviving he will need to bring in reinforcements and blunt White's threats.} Nd7 {Bringing the Knight quickly to f6 makes a lot of sense to me but I can't find any games in my database where it has been played. Understandably not many black players accept the sacrifice and those that have done so have a very poor record.} (8... e6 9. Qh2 {We saw Piorun play Bd3 in the introductory game which is perfectly decent, but I think this is best.} 9... Nc6 (9... Na6 $16 {This defends the c7-pawn, but the Knight is now even further away from defensive duties. White is much better and should continue with O-O-O, Nf3 and Bd3 - all moves which continue the direct assault.}) 10. O-O-O f5 11. Nf3 $16 {Once again White will increase the pressure by playing Be2 and most likely Rh1. The plan is clear - attack!}) (8... f5 9. Qh2 {I think this is consistent and best.} Nd7 10. Nxd5 $16) 9. Qh2 {Consistent again.} c6 10. Bd3 Nf6 {This feels like Black's best shot at holding this position, but White still has a wealth of good moves such as Nf3, O-O-O and Rh1.} 11. Nf3 {One nice idea to point out here is the following:} Bg4 12. Ne5 Bh5 {Black is attempting to block White's attack with ...Bg6, but White can play as follows:} 13. Bxh7+ Kxh7 14. g4 {This ensures that the lines of attack remain very much open and I think White is objectively better and practically in a very strong position.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 6: 3... g6 #1"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "13 Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877429"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 g6 4. e3 c6 {I think White should meet this as follows:} 5. Nf3 {[%cal Bf3e5][%csl Ge5] This can lead to lines similar to model game #22. An example of how play might go is as follows:} Bg4 {[%cal Gg4d1]} 6. Be2 {[%cal Ge2g4,Bf3e5]} Bg7 7. Ne5 {[%cal Gd1g4][%csl Ge5,Rg4]} Bxe2 8. Qxe2 {White has taken control over the e5-square and is ready to play h4-h5.} O-O 9. h4 {[%cal Bh4h5,Bg2g4,Be1c1][%csl Rg8] White's plan is clear - to push forward on the Kingside with g4 and h5 etc.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 6: 3... g6 #2"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "13 Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877431"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 g6 4. e3 Bg7 5. h4 {[%cal Bh4h5]} c5 6. Nb5 {[%cal Gb5c7,Gf4c7][%csl Rc7] This is an important move to remember when Black plays c5 (while forgetting the preparatory ...a6).} Na6 7. c3 {[%cal Gc3b4][%csl Gb4]} Bg4 {This is safe but should not bother White. For example:} 8. Be2 {[%cal Gd1g4][%csl Rg4]} Bxe2 9. Qxe2 O-O 10. Nf3 {[%cal Bf3e5,Bh4h5,Ba2a4] White has a very pleasant position with more options and better piece placement.} (10. h5 {may not be 100% sound but can definitely played by the more adventurous people out there.}) * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 6: 3... g6 #3"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "13 Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877432"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 g6 4. e3 Bg7 5. h4 c5 6. Nb5 {This is an important move to remember when Black plays c5 (while forgetting the preparatory ...a6).} Na6 7. c3 O-O 8. h5 {[%csl Rg8] If we get the chance to play this move, we should play it!} Nxh5 9. Rxh5 gxh5 10. Qxh5 {[%cal Bf1d3,Bg1f3,Bf3g5,Bf3e5,Be1c1,Ba1h1][%csl Rh7,Rg7,Rg8] I would want to be White here every time. The exchange sacrifice is well worth it and Black is a long way from any counterplay. The plan of increasing the Kingside attack presents itself.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 6: 3... g6 #4"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "13 Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877433"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 g6 4. e3 Bg7 5. h4 h5 {This prevents us from playing h5, but at the same time is very weakening.} 6. Nf3 {[%cal Bf3e5,Bf1e2]} O-O 7. Be2 c5 8. dxc5 Qa5 {[%cal Ga5e1] The pin prevents us from playing an immediate Nb5.} 9. O-O {[%cal Gg7a1,Bc3b5,Gb5c7][%csl Rc7] White castles Kingside in this specific position to avoid the open g7-a1 diagonal, and to have the immediate option of Nb5.} Qxc5 10. Nb5 {[%cal Gb5c7][%csl Rc7]} a6 (10... Na6 {is possible, but can be answered by} 11. Be5 {followed by Bd4.}) 11. Nc7 {[%csl Ra8]} Ra7 12. a3 {[%cal Bb2b4,Gb4c5][%csl Rc5]} b6 13. b4 Qc6 14. Nb5 {[%cal Bf4b8,Gb5a7][%csl Rb8,Ra7]} axb5 15. Bxb8 {[%cal Bb8e5][%csl Rb5,Rb6,Rh5,Rd5,Ge5] This is slightly better for White due to the disconnected and weak nature of Black's pawn structure.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 6: 3... g6 #5"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "13 Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877434"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 g6 4. e3 Bg7 5. h4 h5 6. Nf3 O-O 7. Be2 Nc6 {This blocks in the c7-pawn, rendering play more static.} 8. O-O ({The immediate} 8. Nb5 $6 {can be answered by} 8... a6 $1 9. Nxc7 $2 Ra7 {and White's Knight is trapped on c7.}) a6 9. Ng5 {[%cal Bf2f3,Be3e4]} (9. Ne5 {is also strong but White has a different goal in mind here.}) Ng4 10. Qd2 {[%cal Ba1d1]} Bf5 11. Rad1 {[%cal Bf2f3,Be3e4,Gd1d4][%csl Gd4] I think White's position is more pleasant given that it's easier for him to advance in the centre (with f3 and e4) due to the placement of his Qd2 backed up by Rd1.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 6: 3... g6 #6"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "13 Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877435"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 g6 4. e3 Bg7 5. h4 h5 6. Nf3 Bg4 7. Qd2 {[%cal Bf3g5]} (7. Be2 {is also possible, but here again White wants to play Ng5 followed by f3.}) Nc6 8. Ng5 {[%cal Bf2f3][%csl Rg4]} O-O 9. f3 Bd7 10. O-O-O {[%cal Bc1b1,Be3e4,Gd2h6][%csl Gf4,Gd2] White's pieces are significantly better placed than Black's. Kb1 and e4 are likely to follow.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 6: 3... g6 #7"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "13 Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877437"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 g6 4. e3 Bg7 5. h4 h5 6. Nf3 Bg4 7. Qd2 Bxf3 8. gxf3 {[%cal Be3e4,Bh1g1,Gg1g7,Be1c1] The f3-pawn can support the e4-advance, and White can utilize the half-open g-file to attack Black's King.} Nc6 (8... O-O {was seen in model game #21.}) 9. O-O-O O-O 10. e4 {[%cal Bc1b1,Be4e5,Bf4h6,Bh6g7,Bh1g1][%csl Rg8] This position is comfortably better for White: better development, piece placement and control of the centre. White may continue with moves such as Kb1, e5 and perhaps Bh6.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 6: 3... g6 #8"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "13 Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877438"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 g6 4. e3 Bg7 5. h4 h6 6. Nf3 {[%cal Bf3e5]} c5 7. Nb5 {[%cal Gb5c7,Bc2c3,Ba2a4][%csl Rc7] This leads us into a position where White gets in Nb5, which effectively forces the reply ...Na6 when White's pieces are dominant over Black's.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 6: 3... g6 #9"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "13 Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877440"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 g6 4. e3 Bg7 5. h4 h6 6. Nf3 Bg4 7. Be2 Nc6 {[%cal Gc6e5] This is an alternative that gives us a clear indication of what Black's plans are.} 8. Ne5 {[%cal Gd1g4][%csl Ge5]} Bxe2 (8... Nxe5 9. Bxe5 Bxe2 10. Qxe2 {transposes after the 10th move.}) 9. Qxe2 Nxe5 10. Bxe5 {[%cal Ge5g7][%csl Ge5]} c6 11. g4 {[%cal Be1c1,Bg4g5,Bf2f4] White will continue with a Kingside expansion/assault. It's easy to see that White has the better position and chances.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 6: 3... g6 #10"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "13 Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877442"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 g6 4. e3 Bg7 5. h4 h6 6. Nf3 Bg4 7. Be2 c6 8. Ne5 {[%csl Ge5] The Knight is strongly positioned here.} Bxe2 9. Qxe2 Nbd7 10. O-O-O {[%cal Bg2g4,Bh4h5]} h5 {[%cal Gh5g4]} (10... Qa5 {was seen in model game #22.}) 11. f3 {[%cal Bg2g4,Be3e4]} Nxe5 12. Bxe5 {[%cal Be3e4][%csl Ge5] Once again White is to be preferred with better control of the centre, a lead in development and a clear way forward with e4, dominating the centre.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 6: 3... g6 #11"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "13 Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877443"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 g6 4. e3 Bg7 5. h4 O-O 6. h5 {[%cal Gh1h8,Bh5g6][%csl Rg8,Rh7] This is the most aggressive and best move after Black played 5... O-O. I think Black is inviting trouble. White has to be prepared to sacrifice an exchange, but it's well worth it.} c5 7. hxg6 {Before dealing with the c5-pawn, White first clarifies the situation on the Kingside.} fxg6 8. dxc5 {This move was the choice of Aronian on 2 occassions, both leading to online victories over Nepomniatchi.} Nc6 {[%cal Be7e5,Gc6e5][%csl Rf4]} 9. Nf3 {[%cal Gf3e5,Gf3d4][%csl Ge5,Gd4]} Qa5 {[%cal Ga5e1,Ga5c5]} 10. Qd2 {[%cal Gd2a5]} Qxc5 {There are chances for both sides here. A sample line may be as follows:} 11. Be2 Bf5 12. Nd4 {[%cal Gd4f5,Gd4c6][%csl Rf5]} e5 13. Nxf5 exf4 14. Nxg7 Kxg7 15. O-O-O {[%cal Gd1d5,Gc3d5][%csl Rd5,Ge2] This is roughly equal. On the plus side White currently has a better structure and a Bishop vs. a Knight. With pawns on both sides of the board any endgames could well favour White.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 6: 3... g6 #12"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "13 Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877444"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 g6 4. e3 Bg7 5. h4 O-O 6. h5 {This is the most aggressive and best move after Black played 5... O-O. I think Black is inviting trouble. White has to be prepared to sacrifice an exchange, but it's well worth it.} c5 7. hxg6 fxg6 8. dxc5 {This move was the choice of Aronian on 2 occassions, both leading to online victories over Nepomniatchi.} b6 {The most active response, going for counterplay.} 9. cxb6 {White's best is to accept the challenge.} Qxb6 {[%cal Gb6b2][%csl Rb2]} 10. Rb1 {[%cal Gb1b2]} Nc6 {[%cal Be7e5,Gc6e5]} 11. Nf3 {[%cal Gf3e5,Gf4e5]} Qa5 12. Bb5 {[%cal Bb5c6,Bf4e5,Ge5g7][%csl Rc6,Ge5]} ({I think this is an improvement over} 12. Nd2 {as played by Aronian. White has an extra pawn and Black does not have sufficient counterplay. White can exchange the c6-Knight and then install his remaining Bishop on e5.}) * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 6: 3... g6 #13"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "13 Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877447"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 g6 4. e3 Bg7 5. h4 O-O 6. h5 {This is the most aggressive and best move after Black played 5... O-O. I think Black is inviting trouble. White has to be prepared to sacrifice an exchange, but it's well worth it.} c5 7. hxg6 hxg6 8. Qd2 Nc6 {This is the only move Black has played in my database.} 9. Nge2 {Strong players, including Nigel Short, have favoured this move. At first glance it may look a little odd but it develops a piece, supports the centre and if White put the Knight on f3 here Black would have a strong reply with ...Ne4.} Re8 10. dxc5 (10. O-O-O {led to a reasonably comfortable game for Short in the introductory game. White is patient enough to shore up the centre and Queenside before embarking on his plan of a Kingside attack, but Black could have improved on 10...b5 with} 10... Qa5 {. It is for that reason that I think White should switch his attention to the centre by capturing on c5 and putting pressure on the d-file.}) Bf5 11. O-O-O {Black will probably need to play e5 now, but the insertion of Bf5 and O-O-O favours White due to the pressure along the d-file.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 6: 3... g6 #14"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "13 Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877448"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 g6 4. e3 Bg7 5. h4 O-O 6. h5 {This is the most aggressive and best move after Black played 5... O-O. I think Black is inviting trouble. White has to be prepared to sacrifice an exchange, but it's well worth it.} c5 7. hxg6 hxg6 8. Qd2 Nc6 {This is the only move Black has played in my database.} (8... cxd4 {is not a problem for White. Any source of counterplay against White's impending Kingside attack will most likely take place in the centre, so breaking the tension and allowing the Queen on d2 to support Bh6 favours White.}) 9. Nge2 {[%cal Ge2c3,Gf2f3] Strong players, including Nigel Short, have favoured this move. At first glance it may look a little odd but it develops a piece, supports the centre and if White put the Knight on f3 here Black would have a strong reply with ...Ne4.} Re8 {[%cal Be7e5]} 10. dxc5 {[%cal Gd1d5,Gc3d5][%csl Gc5,Rd5]} (10. O-O-O {led to a reasonably comfortable game for Short in model game #20. White is patient enough to shore up the centre and Queenside before embarking on his plan of a Kingside attack, but Black could have improved on 10... b5 with} 10... Qa5 {. It is for that reason that I think White should switch his attention to the centre by capturing on c5 and putting pressure on the d-file.}) e5 {This is Black's only realistic move to fight.} 11. Bg5 {[%cal Gc3d5,Gd2d5,Be1c1,Gg5d8][%csl Rd5] Pinning the Knight on f6 and putting pressure on d5.} Be6 12. O-O-O {[%csl Rd5] Again increasing the pressure on the d-file.} Qe7 13. Nb5 {[%cal Gb5c7,Gb5d6]} ({Here} 13. Bxf6 Qxf6 14. Nxd5 $6 Bxd5 15. Qxd5 Rad8 {gives Black some initiative for the pawn. Instead we are looking to probe the dark squares.}) b6 14. Nec3 {Now White is putting pressure on the d5-pawn, while he also has ideas of Bxf6, Nd6 and (after ...Qxf6) Nc7.} bxc5 {This is met as follows.} 15. Bxf6 Bxf6 16. Nxd5 {[%cal Gd1d5,Bb5d6][%csl Gd5,Gd6,Gd2,Gd1,Rf6,Re7] White is a clean pawn up with a better position.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 6: 3... g6 #15"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "13 Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877449"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 g6 4. e3 Bg7 5. h4 O-O 6. h5 {This is the most aggressive and best move after Black played 5... O-O. I think Black is inviting trouble. White has to be prepared to sacrifice an exchange, but it's well worth it.} c5 7. hxg6 hxg6 8. Qd2 Nc6 {This is the only move Black has played in my database.} 9. Nge2 {Strong players, including Nigel Short, have favoured this move. At first glance it may look a little odd but it develops a piece, supports the centre and if White put the Knight on f3 here Black would have a strong reply with ...Ne4.} Re8 10. dxc5 (10. O-O-O {led to a reasonably comfortable game for Short in the introductory game. White is patient enough to shore up the centre and Queenside before embarking on his plan of a Kingside attack, but Black could have improved on 10...b5 with} 10... Qa5 {. It is for that reason that I think White should switch his attention to the centre by capturing on c5 and putting pressure on the d-file.}) e5 {This is Black's only realistic move to fight.} 11. Bg5 {Pinning the Knight on f6 and putting pressure on d5.} d4 {[%csl Rc3] This is Black's only realistic way to fight.} 12. Nb5 {[%cal Gb5d4,Gb5d6]} b6 {Black is a pawn down and must be as active as possible in creating counterplay.} 13. Nd6 {[%cal Gd6e8][%csl Re8,Gd6] With chances for both sides.} Re6 14. Ng3 {[%cal Gg3e4,Gd6e4,Gg5d8][%csl Ge4,Rd8] Intending to put the Knight on e4, before or after exchanging on f6.} bxc5 15. Nxc8 Rxc8 16. Bc4 {[%cal Gc4g8][%csl Re6]} Re7 17. Rd1 {[%csl Gc4,Gg5] I somewhat prefer White. He has two Bishops and good attacking files and diagonals, but Black currently has central control.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 6: 3... g6 #16"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "13 Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4985085"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 g6 4. e3 Bg7 5. h4 O-O 6. h5 {This is the most aggressive and best move after Black played 5... O-O. I think Black is inviting trouble. White has to be prepared to sacrifice an exchange, but it's well worth it.} Nxh5 {This is the type of position which only a computer might be able to hold as Black. It requires very accurate defence, which is well beyond the powers of most people.} 7. Rxh5 gxh5 8. Qxh5 {[%cal Bf1d3,Bg1f3,Be1c1,Ba1h1,Bf3e5,Bf3g5][%csl Rg7,Rh7,Rg8] White's plan is not subtle but it doesn't need to be. It's a direct attack on Black's King. Currently Black only has his dark-squared Bishop defending the King. If he has any realistic chance of surviving he will need to bring in reinforcements and blunt White's threats.} e6 9. Qh2 {[%cal Gh2c7,Bf1d3,Bg1f3,Be1c1,Ba1h1,Gh1h7][%csl Rc7,Gf4,Gh2,Rh7,Rg7,Rg8]} ({We saw Piorun play} 9. Bd3 {in model game #18 which is perfectly decent, but I think Qh2 is best.}) ({Now Black can defend the c7-pawn with} 9. Qh2 9... Na6 {, but the Knight is now even further away from defensive duties. White is much better and should continue with O-O-O, Nf3 and Bd3 - all moves which continue the direct assault.}) * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 6: 3... g6 #17"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "13 Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877451"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 g6 4. e3 Bg7 5. h4 O-O 6. h5 {This is the most aggressive and best move after Black played 5... O-O. I think Black is inviting trouble. White has to be prepared to sacrifice an exchange, but it's well worth it.} Nxh5 {This is the type of position which a computer might be able to hold as Black but it requires very accurate defence which is well beyond the powers of most people.} 7. Rxh5 gxh5 8. Qxh5 {White's plan is not subtle but it doesn't need to be. It's a direct attack on Black's King. Currently Black only has his dark-squared Bishop defending the King. If he has any realistic chance of surviving he will need to bring in reinforcements and blunt White's threats.} e6 9. Qh2 ({We saw Piorun play} 9. Bd3 {in the introductory game which is perfectly decent, but I think this is best.}) Nc6 10. O-O-O (10. Bxc7 {is possible, but playing for an attack on Black's King counts for more in this position.}) f5 11. Nf3 {[%cal Bf1e2,Bd1h1,Gh1h7,Gf3e5,Gf3g5][%csl Rh7,Gg5,Ge5] Once again White will increase the pressure by playing Be2 and most likely Rh1. The plan is clear - attack!} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 6: 3... g6 #18"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "13 Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877452"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 g6 4. e3 Bg7 5. h4 O-O 6. h5 {This is the most aggressive and best move after Black played 5... O-O. I think Black is inviting trouble. White has to be prepared to sacrifice an exchange, but it's well worth it.} Nxh5 {This is the type of position which a computer might be able to hold as Black but it requires very accurate defence which is well beyond the powers of most people.} 7. Rxh5 gxh5 8. Qxh5 {White's plan is not subtle but it doesn't need to be. It's a direct attack on Black's King. Currently Black only has his dark-squared Bishop defending the King. If he has any realistic chance of surviving he will need to bring in reinforcements and blunt White's threats.} f5 9. Qh2 {[%cal Gh2c7][%csl Gf4,Gh2,Rc7] I think this is consistent and best.} Nd7 10. Nxd5 {[%cal Gd5c7,Gh2c7][%csl Rc7]} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 6: 3... g6 #19"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "13 Theory 6 (3... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877453"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4 g6 4. e3 Bg7 5. h4 O-O 6. h5 {This is the most aggressive and best move after Black played 5... O-O. I think Black is inviting trouble. White has to be prepared to sacrifice an exchange, but it's well worth it.} Nxh5 {This is the type of position which a computer might be able to hold as Black but it requires very accurate defence which is well beyond the powers of most people.} 7. Rxh5 gxh5 8. Qxh5 {White's plan is not subtle but it doesn't need to be. It's a direct attack on Black's King. Currently Black only has his dark-squared Bishop defending the King. If he has any realistic chance of surviving he will need to bring in reinforcements and blunt White's threats.} Nd7 {[%cal Bd7f6] Bringing the Knight quickly to f6 makes a lot of sense to me but I can't find any games in my database where it has been played. Understandably not many black players accept the sacrifice and those that have done so have a very poor record.} 9. Qh2 {[%cal Gh2c7,Bf1d3,Bg1f3,Be1c1][%csl Gh2,Rc7,Gf4] Consistent again.} c6 10. Bd3 {[%cal Gd3h7,Gh2h7][%csl Rh7] Already threatening mate.} Nf6 {This feels like Black's best shot at holding this position, but White still has a wealth of good moves such as Nf3, O-O-O and Rh1.} 11. Nf3 {One nice idea to point out here is the following line.} Bg4 12. Ne5 {[%cal Ge5g4][%csl Rg4]} Bh5 {Black is attempting to block White's attack with ...Bg6, but White can play as follows:} 13. Bxh7+ Kxh7 (13... Nxh7 {allows} 14. Qxh5 {.}) 14. g4 {[%cal Gh2h7,Be1c1,Ba1h1][%csl Rh5,Rh7] This ensures that the lines of attack remain very much open. I think White is objectively better and in a practical game Black's position is very difficult to defend.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 7 (2... g6): Model Games"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Model Game #24: Mamedov, Rauf"] [Black "Grischuk, Alexander"] [Result "1-0"] [SourceTitle "14 Theory 7 (2... g6): Model Games"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877064"] {This game left a strong impression on me when I first saw it. White wins in a seemingly simple manner against a great player.} 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 (2. Nc3 g6 3. Bf4 {is our preferred move order.}) g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 {This is another reason I believe that the Jobava London System will bring many players great results. It makes Black think from a very early stage, and here many people will go ...Bg7 without thinking. ...Bg7 is playable, but Black has to be very careful as this game shows.} (3... d5 {is the other main option, taking us into lines that we have already researched.}) 4. e4 {The best move. Some of you though may want to experiment with e3, h4 and h5!?} d6 {Black is advised to stop White from playing e5.} 5. Qd2 {A simple set up! Let me try and give you the main pointers that you need in order to master this set up. • 1) Your main plan is the brutal Qd2, O-O-O, Bh6, h4, h5 and checkmate on h7. • 2) With ...Nc6 Black is often aiming for ...e5, so we have to be a bit more subtle in our play. Just aim to stop ...e5 with moves such as O-O-O, Qe3, Nf3 and even Bg5. If Black does succeed in playing ...e5 it is often best to capture that pawn with dxe5. • 3) If Black plays slower plans like ...c6 etc., you should generally just checkmate them with Bh6 etc.} Nc6 {Point 2, Black is aiming for ...e5 so we should aim to stop that idea.} 6. O-O-O O-O 7. Nf3 {Developing and controlling e5.} Bg4 8. Qe3 {I like this clever move. The Rook on d1 is now lined up against Black's Queen on d8, making it hard for Black to play ...e5.} Nd7 {Insisting on ...e5.} 9. Bg5 {Not yet buddy!} Qe8 {Let me play ...e5, you're making me angry now...} 10. Bh6 {Ok you go ...e5 then.} Bxf3 11. gxf3 e5 {Why thank you!} 12. Bxg7 Kxg7 13. dxe5 {Not a problem! This is another important point to remember, dxe5 is often stronger than the alternative d5. It opens up lines which benefit White's pieces.} Qxe5 (13... dxe5 14. h4 {would have also been very good for White. For example,} 14... h5 15. Nd5 {and there is no good way to defend c7. White can also increase the pressure with Bh3.}) 14. Nd5 {White is practically winning, with ideas of capturing on c7 and starting an attack against Black's King with f4 and h4. Grischuk played on for a bit, but it was grim.} Nf6 15. Nxc7 Rac8 16. Nd5 {White is simply a pawn up and went on to convert. The rest of the game is irrelevant for our opening.} Nxd5 17. exd5 Qxe3+ 18. fxe3 Ne5 19. Be2 f5 20. Rd4 Rfe8 21. Kd2 Kf6 22. a4 Re7 23. a5 a6 24. Ra1 g5 25. Ra3 h5 26. Rb3 g4 27. Rb6 gxf3 28. Rxd6+ Kg7 29. Bd3 Ng4 30. Rf4 f2 31. h3 Nxe3 32. Rxf2 Rxc2+ 33. Bxc2 Nc4+ 34. Kc3 Nxd6 35. Bxf5 Re3+ 36. Kd4 Nxf5+ 37. Rxf5 Rxh3 38. d6 Rh1 39. Kc5 Rc1+ 40. Kb6 Rc6+ 41. Kxb7 Rxd6 42. Rxh5 Kf7 43. Rc5 Ke8 44. Rc6 Rd2 45. b4 Rb2 46. Rb6 Kd7 47. Kxa6 Kc7 48. Kb5 1-0 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 7 (2... g6): Model Games"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Model Game #25: Shimanov, A."] [Black "Yuan Yuanling"] [Result "1-0"] [SourceTitle "14 Theory 7 (2... g6): Model Games"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877065"] {In this game we look at what happens when Black aims to counterplay on the Queenside with ...c6. I feel this plan is too slow.} 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 ({We prefer the move order} 2. Nc3 g6 3. Bf4 {.}) g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Qd2 h5 {A strange but interesting move, taken from lines of the Dragon variation of the Sicilian. Black wants to stop White from playing Bh6 at all costs. The downside is that White now has an outpost on g5, as he doesn't have to fear ...h6, and ideas of playing g2-g4 opening up the Kingside.} 6. O-O-O c6 7. Nf3 {Simple play in the centre.} b5 {This all seems rather slow and White now aims to punish that.} 8. e5 {White is much better positioned to hit in the centre. This opens things up to White's advantage.} dxe5 (8... b4 $1 {was a much better and a more typical idea. If the c3-Knight moves Black has ...Nd5, and after} 9. exf6 bxc3 10. Qxc3 Bxf6 11. Bc4 Nd7 {Black can claim a certain amount of counterplay, but I think White is still better.}) 9. Nxe5 ({There was nothing wrong with} 9. dxe5 Qxd2+ 10. Rxd2 Nfd7 11. e6 $1 {, when Black would be really struggling. For example,} 11... fxe6 12. Bd3 Nf8 13. Nxb5 $1 {Tactics!} 13... cxb5 14. Be4 {and White is winning.}) Be6 10. Kb1 Qa5 11. a3 ({A rather blunderfull rapid game! There was a nice tactic here:} 11. d5 $1 {would have won on the spot! The idea is} 11... cxd5 12. Nxd5 Qxd2 13. Nc7+ Kd8 14. Nxe6+ fxe6 15. Rxd2+ {with a winning game.}) b4 12. axb4 Qxb4 13. Nb5 {White gets the tactic right the second time around. This gains a winning position.} Qxd2 14. Nc7+ Kd8 15. Nxe6+ fxe6 16. Bxd2 {Black's pawn structure can be described as 'Brexited' - a total bloody disaster. White went on to win.} Rg8 17. Ba5+ Kc8 18. Nxg6 Bf8 19. Nf4 Ne4 20. Be1 Nd7 21. Nxe6 Kb7 22. f3 Nd6 23. Nc5+ Kc7 24. Bg3 Nb6 25. Ba6 Bg7 26. Rhe1 Bf6 27. Re6 Raf8 28. Rde1 Rf7 29. Ne4 Bxd4 30. Rd1 Bh8 31. c4 Kd7 32. Rh6 1-0 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 7 (2... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 7: 2... g6 - Overview"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "15 Theory 7 (2... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4882521"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 g6 3. Bf4 {This works best for our opening.} (3. e4 {tranposes to the Pirc defence, if you are interested in playing that.}) Bg7 (3... d5 {transposes to Theory 6.}) (3... c5 4. dxc5 {This is an interesting way to play which merits further investigation.} (4. d5 {will be examined later.}) 4... Qa5 5. e4 Qxc5 (5... Nxe4 6. Qd4 Nxc3 (6... Nf6 7. b4 Qd8 8. Nb5 Na6 9. Qe3 Nxb4 10. Nd6#) 7. Qxh8) 6. Qd2 {White has the usual attacking ideas of O-O-O and h2-h4-h5.}) 4. e4 {And why not! It seems so logical to take over the centre. White is now planning to stop Black from playing ...e5 and mate Black on the h-file, with the standard plan Bh6, O-O-O, h4 etc.! Take a look at the 'informational' games to see what I say about how White should stop ...e5.} (4. Qd2 {is also interesting, but} d5 {may be a good response that takes us out of our repertoire.}) d6 {The first thing that most people have said to me about this position is, 'This is just a Pirc/Modern defence!?'. Well, yes and no! I will let you into a little secret that I heard from a good 'informant'. Magnus stated that this line with Bf4 is one of the reasons he doesn't go into this position as Black. He feels it is very bad for Black. Not sure if that piece of information is true or not, but I totally agree with it! This position looks very positive for White. It is not a normal Pirc or Modern as Black has messed his move order up by playing ...Nf6 and ...Bg7 too early. This is a problem for Black as now he cannot play ...e5! easily, which is a move he would love to play.} (4... O-O 5. e5 $1 ({I was going to suggest the simple move} 5. Nf3 {, but then I found the interesting novelty} 5... d5 $5 6. exd5 c6 $1 {which looks dangerous for White. 5 e5! is also just a strong move that gives White an advantage.}) 5... Ne8 {Black's one chance of breaking out here is ...d6 so it now makes sense to prepare against that move.} (5... Nh5 {In the words of Ben Finegold - 'suspicious'. What a hero that guy is.} 6. Bd2 $1 {The Bishop gets out of the way of ...c5 and ...cxd4 when the Bishop on e3 is attacked. There is now no good way for Black to avoid g4!} 6... c5 {6... Bh8 and 7... Ng7 is too ugly to be considered.} 7. g4 cxd4 8. Nce2 {The point of putting the Bishop on d2.} 8... Nc6 9. gxh5 {I simply do not believe that Black has enough compensation here. White is a piece up with no real weaknesses. Just develop and get that King safe.}) 6. Qe2 $1 {So that a Rook can come to d1.} 6... d6 7. O-O-O {White is clearly better, with more space and chances to start a typical attack with h4-h5.}) (4... d5 $5 {Is an interesting way to try and gain some active counterplay against White's strong centre.} 5. e5 {Positionally correct. The pawn on e5 is a powerhouse that blocks out Black's Bishop on g7.} 5... Ne4 6. Nxe4 {Let's not let that Knight linger for too long.} 6... dxe4 7. Bc4 $1 {This logical developing move seems best. The Bishop swings into play on an active square. I would prefer to be in White's shoes here as Black has to be quite careful playing against the two central pawns.} 7... c5 {This break will have to be played at some point, otherwise those pawns are just too strong.} 8. dxc5 $1 {Otherwise Black gets good play against the pawns with ...Nc6 and ...Bg4. This keeps some pressure against Black's position.} 8... O-O 9. Qxd8 Rxd8 10. c3 {Preparing b4 in some situations.} 10... Nc6 11. e6 $1 {The key move. This pawn will be lost anyway, so why not do some damage to Black's position in the process?} 11... Bxe6 12. Bxe6 fxe6 13. Ne2 {I am sure most players would prefer to be White here. White can aim for simplifications and then use his Queenside pawn majority to make a Queen. Easy really...}) 5. Qd2 Nc6 {This seems best. Black actively aims to play ...e5 - a move that we are well positioned to stop, or at least discourage.} (5... O-O {Castling into it! Just what any red blooded chess player would love to see!} 6. O-O-O {Other moves are possible, but this makes White's intentions clear: Bh6, h4, h5 and mate!} Nbd7 (6... c6 {This is far too slow. White should just get on with the job in hand.} 7. f3 {We can state a mini rule here... *1:* Against ...Nc6 White is better off playing Nf3 as control of e5 is the most important thing to consider. *2:* Against ...c6, f3 is best. That is because Black is planning ...b5 ...b4 and ...Nxe4, it makes sense to defend e4 and then turn all efforts against Black's King.} 7... b5 8. Kb1 {A useful move. White can now always play Nce2 and Nc1 if (and it is a big 'if') Black generates any attack.} 8... a5 9. Bh6 {Standard stuff.} 9... a4 10. h4 $1 {With h5 hxg6 Bxg7 and Qh6 to follow, I would be amazed if Black avoids being checkmated.}) 7. e5 $1 {Now that Black has blocked his pieces up this move seems very appropriate.} Nh5 8. Bh6 {This was seen in the game Rapport vs. Getz, which finished in a quick win for White.} 8... c5 9. exd6 exd6 10. Nf3 {White has great positional pressure along the d-file ensuring him a great game.}) (5... c6 {Playing in 'Pirc' fashion. Black wants to start counterplay on the Queenside with ...b5. It does all seem a bit slow to me though.} 6. Bh6 {Here we go!} 6... Bxh6 7. Qxh6 {And with Black not being able to castle White should feel confident. Kuzubov vs. Benidze, 2019, now continued as follows:} 7... e5 (7... Qa5 {This looks like a better try, at least Black has created a threat...} 8. Bd3 c5 9. dxc5 {Again, simple chess just like in most lines of the Jobava-London attack!} 9... Qxc5 10. h3 $1 {There was a threat of ...Qxf2+ and. ..Ng4+.} 10... Nc6 11. Nf3 Be6 {White is a bit better with his King about to castle. There are also ideas of Ng5 for Black to worry about.}) 8. Nf3 Qe7 9. dxe5 dxe5 10. Bc4 {Simple chess. Develop and attack.} 10... b5 11. Bb3 Be6 12. O-O {White has everything out and Black will still struggle to get his King safe. The next step would be to take control of the d-file with Rfd1, Rd2 and Rad1.}) 6. O-O-O O-O {Preventing e5. White continues to do this for the next few moves.} 7. Nf3 {Against ...Nc6 this is best as it helps control e5, which is a key square.} Bg4 {Again fighting for ...e5. Other moves allow ideas such as h4 or Be2 first and then h4/Bh6.} 8. Qe3 {This looks very clear to me. The Queen slides out of the way of the Rook on d1 and in the process stops ...e5. Black may be ok here, but as we saw in the 'informational' game he has to be very careful.} Nd7 {An understandable but passive move as we saw earlier.} (8... Nh5 $1 {The best move and a find of Nepomniachtchi, but you must ask yourself; How many players would find such a move?} 9. Bg5 $1 {Stopping the e-pawn from moving. Bh6 is still on the cards but there is no rush to play it.} 9... f6 {A clumsy pawn.} 10. Bh6 e5 {Black finally gets his move in!} 11. Bc4+ Kh8 12. Bxg7+ Kxg7 13. Ne2 $5 {Controlling d4 and f4. Black is most likely fine here, but no more than fine. White should aim to play h3 and g4, which may well lead to a Kingside attack. It also holds up Black's main pawn break ...f5.}) 9. Bg5 (9. Bh6 {is most likely good as well, but this is a cute way to stop Black's plans.}) Qe8 {Black is desperate to play ...e5.} 10. Bh6 {Only now that the Queen has misplaced itself.} Bxf3 (10... e5 {This should be met as follows:} 11. dxe5 $1 {This is important in this variation. It is tempting to push with d5, but capturing on e5 is often best.} 11... dxe5 12. Nd5 $1 {White is much better.}) 11. gxf3 {Another good move. Let's open the g-file and bring another pawn to the centre.} e5 12. Bxg7 Kxg7 13. dxe5 Qxe5 14. Nd5 {White has a great attacking position with f4 and h4 as likely follow ups.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 7 (2... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 7: 2... g6 #1"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "15 Theory 7 (2... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4882524"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 g6 3. Bf4 {This works best for our opening.} (3. e4 {tranposes to the Pirc defence, if you are interested in playing that.}) c5 4. dxc5 {[%cal Be2e4] This is an interesting way to play which merits further investigation.} (4. d5 {will be examined later.}) Qa5 5. e4 Nxe4 6. Qd4 {[%cal Gd4h8,Gd4e4,Gd4c5][%csl Re4,Rh8]} Nf6 7. b4 {Black has regained his pawn, but now finds himself in trouble on the Queenside.} Qd8 8. Nb5 {[%cal Gb5c7,Gf4c7][%csl Rc7]} Na6 9. Qe3 {[%cal Bb5d6][%csl Re8] Black cannot prevent Nd6+ and is in big trouble.} Nxb4 10. Nd6# * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 7 (2... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 7: 2... g6 #2"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "15 Theory 7 (2... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4882525"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 g6 3. Bf4 {This works best for our opening.} c5 4. dxc5 {This is an interesting way to play which merits further investigation.} Qa5 5. e4 Nxe4 6. Qd4 Nxc3 7. Qxh8 {[%cal Bc3e4,Bc2c3] Black has no dangerous discovered checks.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 7 (2... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 7: 2... g6 #3"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "15 Theory 7 (2... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4882526"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 g6 3. Bf4 {This works best for our opening.} c5 4. dxc5 {This is an interesting way to play which merits further investigation.} Qa5 5. e4 Qxc5 6. Qd2 {[%cal Be1c1,Bf4h6,Bh2h4] White has the usual attacking ideas of O-O-O and h2-h4-h5.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 7 (2... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 7: 2... g6 #4"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "15 Theory 7 (2... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4882528"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 g6 3. Bf4 {This works best for our opening.} Bg7 {3... d5 transposes to the previous theory section.} 4. e4 {[%cal Bd1d2,Bf4h6,Bh2h4] And why not! It seems so logical to take over the centre. White is now planning to stop Black from playing ...e5 and mate Black on the h-file, with the standard plan Bh6, O-O-O, h4 etc.! Take a look at the 'informational' games to see what I say about how White should stop ...e5.} (4. Qd2 {is also interesting, but} 4... d5 {may be a good response that takes us out of our repertoire.}) O-O 5. e5 {[%csl Rf6]} ({I was going to suggest the simple move} 5. Nf3 {, but then I found the interesting novelty} 5... d5 $5 6. exd5 c6 $1 {which looks dangerous for White. 5. e5! is also just a strong move that gives White an advantage.}) Nh5 {In the words of Ben Finegold - 'suspicious'. What a hero that guy is.} 6. Bd2 {[%cal Bg2g4,Bc7c5,Bc5d4][%csl Rh5,Gd2] The Bishop gets out of the way of ...c5 and ...cxd4 when the Bishop on e3 is attacked. There is now no good way for Black to avoid g4!} c5 (6... Bh8 {and 7... Ng7 is too ugly to be considered.}) 7. g4 cxd4 8. Nce2 {[%cal Bg4h5] The point of putting the Bishop on d2.} Nc6 9. gxh5 {[%cal Be2g3,Bg1f3,Be1g1] I simply do not believe that Black has enough compensation here. White is a piece up with no real weaknesses. Just develop and get that King safe.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 7 (2... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 7: 2... g6 #5"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "15 Theory 7 (2... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4882529"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 g6 3. Bf4 {This works best for our opening.} Bg7 {3... d5 transposes to the previous theory section.} 4. e4 {And why not! It seems so logical to take over the centre. White is now planning to stop Black from playing ...e5 and mate Black on the h-file, with the standard plan Bh6, O-O-O, h4 etc.! Take a look at the 'informational' games to see what I say about how White should stop ...e5.} O-O 5. e5 {I was going to suggest the simple move 5 Nf3, but then I found the interesting novelty 5... d5!? 6 exd5 c6! which looks dangerous for White. 5 e5! is also just a strong move that gives White an advantage.} Ne8 {Black's one chance of breaking out here is ...d6 so it now makes sense to prepare against that move.} 6. Qe2 {[%cal Be1c1,Gd1d8] So that a Rook can come to d1.} d6 7. O-O-O {[%cal Bd6e5,Bd4e5,Gd1d8,Bh2h4,Bh4h5][%csl Rd8] White is clearly better, with more space and chances to start a typical attack with h4-h5.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 7 (2... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 7: 2... g6 #6"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "15 Theory 7 (2... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4882530"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 g6 3. Bf4 {This works best for our opening.} Bg7 {3... d5 transposes to the previous theory section.} 4. e4 {And why not! It seems so logical to take over the centre. White is now planning to stop Black from playing ...e5 and mate Black on the h-file, with the standard plan Bh6, O-O-O, h4 etc.! Take a look at the 'informational' games to see what I say about how White should stop ...e5.} d5 {This is an interesting way to try and gain some active counterplay against White's strong centre.} 5. e5 {[%csl Ge5,Gd4,Rg7] Positionally correct. The pawn on e5 is a powerhouse that blocks out Black's Bishop on g7.} Ne4 6. Nxe4 {Let's not let that Knight linger for too long.} dxe4 7. Bc4 {[%cal Gc4f7][%csl Gc4] This logical developing move seems best. The Bishop swings into play on an active square. I would prefer to be in White's shoes here as Black has to be quite careful playing against the two central pawns.} c5 {[%cal Bc5d4,Bb8c6,Bc8g4] This break will have to be played at some point, otherwise those pawns are just too strong.} 8. dxc5 {[%csl Gc5,Ge5] Otherwise Black gets good play against the pawns with ...Nc6 and ...Bg4. This keeps some pressure against Black's position.} O-O 9. Qxd8 Rxd8 10. c3 {[%cal Bb2b4] Preparing b4 in some situations.} Nc6 {[%cal Gc6e5,Gg7e5]} 11. e6 {The key move. This pawn will be lost anyway, so why not do some damage to Black's position in the process?} Bxe6 12. Bxe6 fxe6 13. Ne2 {[%cal Bb2b4,Ba2a4,Ba1d1][%csl Re4,Re6,Re7] I am sure most players would prefer to be White here. White can aim for simplifications and then use his Queenside pawn majority to make a Queen. Easy really...} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 7 (2... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 7: 2... g6 #7"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "15 Theory 7 (2... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4882531"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 g6 3. Bf4 {This works best for our opening.} Bg7 {3... d5 transposes to the previous theory section.} 4. e4 {And why not! It seems so logical to take over the centre. White is now planning to stop Black from playing ...e5 and mate Black on the h-file, with the standard plan Bh6, O-O-O, h4 etc.! Take a look at the 'informational' games to see what I say about how White should stop ...e5.} d6 {The first thing that most people have said to me about this position is, 'This is just a Pirc/Modern defence!?'. Well, yes and no! I will let you into a little secret that I heard from a good 'informant'. Magnus stated that this line with Bf4 is one of the reasons he doesn't go into this position as Black. He feels it is very bad for Black. Not sure if that piece of information is true or not, but I totally agree with it! This position looks very positive for White. It is not a normal Pirc or Modern as Black has messed his move order up by playing ...Nf6 and ...Bg7 too early. This is a problem for Black as now he cannot play ...e5! easily, which is a move he would love to play.} 5. Qd2 {[%cal Gd2h6,Be1c1,Bh2h4]} O-O {Castling into it! Just what any red blooded chess player would love to see!} 6. O-O-O {Other moves are possible, but this makes White's intentions clear: Bh6, h4, h5 and mate!} c6 {[%cal Bb7b5] This is far too slow. White should just get on with the job in hand.} 7. f3 {[%csl Gf3,Ge4] We can state a mini rule here. .. 1) Against ...Nc6 White is better off playing Nf3 as control of e5 is the most important thing to consider. 2) Against ...c6 f3 is best. That is because Black is planning ...b5 ...b4 and ...Nxe4, it makes sense to defend e4 and then turn all efforts against Black's King.} b5 8. Kb1 {A useful move. White can now always play Nce2 and Nc1 if (and it is a big 'if') Black generates any attack.} a5 9. Bh6 {[%cal Bh2h4,Bh4h5] Standard stuff.} a4 10. h4 {[%cal Bh4h5,Bh5g6,Bh6g7,Bd2h6][%csl Rg8] With h5 hxg6 Bxg7 and Qh6 to follow, I would be amazed if Black avoids being checkmated.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 7 (2... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 7: 2... g6 #8"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "15 Theory 7 (2... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4882532"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 g6 3. Bf4 {This works best for our opening.} Bg7 (3... d5 {transposes to the previous theory section.}) 4. e4 {And why not! It seems so logical to take over the centre. White is now planning to stop Black from playing ...e5 and mate Black on the h-file, with the standard plan Bh6, O-O-O, h4 etc.! Take a look at the 'informational' games to see what I say about how White should stop ...e5.} d6 {The first thing that most people have said to me about this position is, 'This is just a Pirc/Modern defence!?'. Well, yes and no! I will let you into a little secret that I heard from a good 'informant'. Magnus stated that this line with Bf4 is one of the reasons he doesn't go into this position as Black. He feels it is very bad for Black. Not sure if that piece of information is true or not, but I totally agree with it! This position looks very positive for White. It is not a normal Pirc or Modern as Black has messed his move order up by playing ...Nf6 and ...Bg7 too early. This is a problem for Black as now he cannot play ...e5! easily, which is a move he would love to play.} 5. Qd2 O-O {Castling into it! Just what any red blooded chess player would love to see!} 6. O-O-O {Other moves are possible, but this makes White's intentions clear: Bh6, h4, h5 and mate!} Nbd7 7. e5 {[%csl Rf6] Now that Black has blocked his pieces up this move seems very appropriate.} Nh5 8. Bh6 {[%cal Gh6f8] This was seen in the game Rapport vs. Getz, which finished in a quick win for White. Note that Black can't take twice on e5 without giving up an exchange.} c5 {This forces White to clarify the situation in the centre.} 9. exd6 exd6 10. Nf3 {[%cal Gf3d4,Bg2g4] White has great positional pressure along the d-file ensuring him a great game.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 7 (2... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 7: 2... g6 #9"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "15 Theory 7 (2... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4882538"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 g6 3. Bf4 {This works best for our opening.} Bg7 {3... d5 transposes to the previous theory section.} 4. e4 {And why not! It seems so logical to take over the centre. White is now planning to stop Black from playing ...e5 and mate Black on the h-file, with the standard plan Bh6, O-O-O, h4 etc.! Take a look at the 'informational' games to see what I say about how White should stop ...e5.} d6 {The first thing that most people have said to me about this position is, 'This is just a Pirc/Modern defence!?'. Well, yes and no! I will let you into a little secret that I heard from a good 'informant'. Magnus stated that this line with Bf4 is one of the reasons he doesn't go into this position as Black. He feels it is very bad for Black. Not sure if that piece of information is true or not, but I totally agree with it! This position looks very positive for White. It is not a normal Pirc or Modern as Black has messed his move order up by playing ...Nf6 and ...Bg7 too early. This is a problem for Black as now he cannot play ...e5! easily, which is a move he would love to play.} 5. Qd2 c6 {Playing in 'Pirc' fashion. Black wants to start counterplay on the Queenside with ...b5. It does all seem a bit slow to me though.} 6. Bh6 {[%cal Bh6g7][%csl Rg7] Here we go!} Bxh6 7. Qxh6 {And with Black not being able to castle White should feel confident. Kuzubov vs. Benidze, 2019, now continued as follows:} Qa5 {[%cal Ga5e1,Bf6e4][%csl Re4] This looks like a better try, at least Black has created a threat...} 8. Bd3 {[%cal Gd3e4]} c5 {[%csl Rd4]} 9. dxc5 {Again, simple chess, just like in most lines of the Jobava-London attack!} Qxc5 10. h3 {[%cal Gh3g4][%csl Gg4] There was a threat of ...Qxf2+ and. ..Ng4+.} Nc6 11. Nf3 {[%cal Be1g1] White is a bit better with his King about to castle. There are also ideas of Ng5 for Black to worry about.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 7 (2... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 7: 2... g6 #10"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "15 Theory 7 (2... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4882534"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 g6 3. Bf4 {This works best for our opening.} Bg7 (3... d5 {transposes to the previous theory section.}) 4. e4 {And why not! It seems so logical to take over the centre. White is now planning to stop Black from playing ...e5 and mate Black on the h-file, with the standard plan Bh6, O-O-O, h4 etc.! Take a look at the 'informational' games to see what I say about how White should stop ...e5.} d6 {The first thing that most people have said to me about this position is, 'This is just a Pirc/Modern defence!?'. Well, yes and no! I will let you into a little secret that I heard from a good 'informant'. Magnus stated that this line with Bf4 is one of the reasons he doesn't go into this position as Black. He feels it is very bad for Black. Not sure if that piece of information is true or not, but I totally agree with it! This position looks very positive for White. It is not a normal Pirc or Modern as Black has messed his move order up by playing ...Nf6 and ...Bg7 too early. This is a problem for Black as now he cannot play ...e5! easily, which is a move he would love to play.} 5. Qd2 c6 {Playing in 'Pirc' fashion. Black wants to start counterplay on the Queenside with ...b5. It does all seem a bit slow to me though.} 6. Bh6 {Here we go!} Bxh6 7. Qxh6 {And with Black not being able to castle White should feel confident.} e5 {[%cal Ge5d4]} 8. Nf3 {[%cal Gf3d4]} Qe7 9. dxe5 dxe5 10. Bc4 {[%cal Gc4f7][%csl Gc4] Simple chess. Develop and attack.} b5 11. Bb3 Be6 ({Note that in case of} 11... b4 12. Na4 Nxe4 {, White can regain the pawn with} 13. Qg7 {.}) 12. O-O {[%cal Bf1d1,Bd1d2,Ba1d1][%csl Re8] White has everything out and Black will still struggle to get his King safe. The next step would be to take control of the d-file with Rfd1, Rd2 and Rad1.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 7 (2... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 7: 2... g6 #11"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "15 Theory 7 (2... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4882535"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 g6 3. Bf4 {This works best for our opening.} Bg7 {3... d5 transposes to the previous theory section.} 4. e4 {And why not! It seems so logical to take over the centre. White is now planning to stop Black from playing ...e5 and mate Black on the h-file, with the standard plan Bh6, O-O-O, h4 etc.! Take a look at the 'informational' games to see what I say about how White should stop ...e5.} d6 {The first thing that most people have said to me about this position is, 'This is just a Pirc/Modern defence!?'. Well, yes and no! I will let you into a little secret that I heard from a good 'informant'. Magnus stated that this line with Bf4 is one of the reasons he doesn't go into this position as Black. He feels it is very bad for Black. Not sure if that piece of information is true or not, but I totally agree with it! This position looks very positive for White. It is not a normal Pirc or Modern as Black has messed his move order up by playing ...Nf6 and ...Bg7 too early. This is a problem for Black as now he cannot play ...e5! easily, which is a move he would love to play.} 5. Qd2 Nc6 {[%cal Be7e5,Gc6e5,Gd6e5] This seems best. Black actively aims to play ...e5 - a move that we are well positioned to stop, or at least discourage.} 6. O-O-O {[%cal Gd1d8,Be7e5,Bd4e5][%csl Gd2,Gd1,Rd8] Preventing ...e5. White continues to do this for the next few moves.} O-O 7. Nf3 {[%cal Gf3e5][%csl Ge5] Against setups with ...Nc6 this is best as it helps control e5, which is a key square.} Bg4 {[%cal Gg4d1,Be7e5] Again fighting for ...e5. Other moves allow ideas such as h4 or Be2 first and then h4/Bh6.} 8. Qe3 {[%cal Gd1d8,Bd4e5,Be7e5][%csl Rd8,Gd1] This looks very clear to me. The Queen slides out of the way of the Rook on d1 and in the process stops ...e5. Black may be ok here, but as we saw in the 'informational' game he has to be very careful.} Nh5 {The best move and a find of Nepomniachtchi, but you must ask yourself; How many players would find such a move?} 9. Bg5 {[%cal Gg5d8] Stopping the e-pawn from moving. Bh6 is still on the cards but there is no rush to play it.} f6 {A clumsy pawn.} 10. Bh6 e5 {Black finally gets his move in!} 11. Bc4+ {Developing with check.} Kh8 12. Bxg7+ Kxg7 13. Ne2 {[%cal Bh2h3,Bg2g4] Controlling d4 and f4. Black is most likely fine here, but no more than fine. White should aim to play h3 and g4, which may well lead to a Kingside attack. It also holds up Black's main pawn break ...f5.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 7 (2... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 7: 2... g6 #12"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "15 Theory 7 (2... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4882536"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 g6 3. Bf4 {This works best for our opening.} Bg7 {3... d5 transposes to the previous theory section.} 4. e4 {And why not! It seems so logical to take over the centre. White is now planning to stop Black from playing ...e5 and mate Black on the h-file, with the standard plan Bh6, O-O-O, h4 etc.! Take a look at the 'informational' games to see what I say about how White should stop ...e5.} d6 {The first thing that most people have said to me about this position is, 'This is just a Pirc/Modern defence!?'. Well, yes and no! I will let you into a little secret that I heard from a good 'informant'. Magnus stated that this line with Bf4 is one of the reasons he doesn't go into this position as Black. He feels it is very bad for Black. Not sure if that piece of information is true or not, but I totally agree with it! This position looks very positive for White. It is not a normal Pirc or Modern as Black has messed his move order up by playing ...Nf6 and ...Bg7 too early. This is a problem for Black as now he cannot play ...e5! easily, which is a move he would love to play.} 5. Qd2 Nc6 {This seems best. Black actively aims to play ...e5 - a move that we are well positioned to stop, or at least discourage.} 6. O-O-O O-O {Preventing e5. White continues to do this for the next few moves.} 7. Nf3 {Against ...Nc6 this is best as it helps control e5, which is a key square.} Bg4 {Again fighting for ...e5. Other moves allow ideas such as h4 or Be2 first and then h4/Bh6.} 8. Qe3 {This looks very clear to me. The Queen slides out of the way of the Rook on d1 and in the process stops ...e5. Black may be ok here, but as we saw in the 'informational' game he has to be very careful.} Nd7 {[%cal Be7e5,Gd7e5,Gc6e5] An understandable but passive move as we saw earlier.} 9. Bg5 {[%cal Gg5d8][%csl Re7,Rd8]} (9. Bh6 {is most likely good as well, but this is a cute way to stop Black's plans.}) Qe8 {[%cal Be7e5] Black is desperate to play ...e5.} 10. Bh6 {Only now that the Queen has misplaced itself.} e5 {This should be met as follows:} 11. dxe5 {This is important in this variation. It is tempting to push with d5, but capturing on e5 is often best.} dxe5 12. Nd5 {[%cal Gd5c7,Bh2h4,Bh4h5][%csl Gd5,Rc7] White is much better.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 7 (2... g6)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 7: 2... g6 #13"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "15 Theory 7 (2... g6)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4882537"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 g6 3. Bf4 {This works best for our opening.} Bg7 {3... d5 transposes to the previous theory section.} 4. e4 {And why not! It seems so logical to take over the centre. White is now planning to stop Black from playing ...e5 and mate Black on the h-file, with the standard plan Bh6, O-O-O, h4 etc.! Take a look at the 'informational' games to see what I say about how White should stop ...e5.} d6 {The first thing that most people have said to me about this position is, 'This is just a Pirc/Modern defence!?'. Well, yes and no! I will let you into a little secret that I heard from a good 'informant'. Magnus stated that this line with Bf4 is one of the reasons he doesn't go into this position as Black. He feels it is very bad for Black. Not sure if that piece of information is true or not, but I totally agree with it! This position looks very positive for White. It is not a normal Pirc or Modern as Black has messed his move order up by playing ...Nf6 and ...Bg7 too early. This is a problem for Black as now he cannot play ...e5! easily, which is a move he would love to play.} 5. Qd2 Nc6 {This seems best. Black actively aims to play ...e5 - a move that we are well positioned to stop, or at least discourage.} 6. O-O-O O-O {Preventing e5. White continues to do this for the next few moves.} 7. Nf3 {Against ...Nc6 this is best as it helps control e5, which is a key square.} Bg4 {Again fighting for ...e5. Other moves allow ideas such as h4 or Be2 first and then h4/Bh6.} 8. Qe3 {This looks very clear to me. The Queen slides out of the way of the Rook on d1 and in the process stops ...e5. Black may be ok here, but as we saw in the 'informational' game he has to be very careful.} Nd7 {An understandable but passive move as we saw earlier.} 9. Bg5 {9 Bh6 is most likely good as well, but this is a cute way to stop Black's plans.} Qe8 {Black is desperate to play ...e5.} 10. Bh6 {Only now that the Queen has misplaced itself.} Bxf3 11. gxf3 {[%cal Bh1g1,Gg1g8][%csl Gf3,Ge4] Another good move. Let's open the g-file and bring another pawn to the centre.} e5 12. Bxg7 Kxg7 13. dxe5 Qxe5 14. Nd5 {[%cal Gd5c7,Bf3f4,Bh2h4,Bh4h5][%csl Gd5,Rc7,Rg7] White has a great attacking position with f4 and h4 as likely follow ups.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 8 (2... Nc6 Nimzowitsch): Model Games"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Model Game #26: Jobava, Baadur"] [Black "Oleksienko, Mikhailo"] [Result "1-0"] [SourceTitle "16 Theory 8 (2... Nc6 Nimzowitsch): Model Games"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877067"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nc6 {A rather rare move that one may face. Saying that, this move should also come as a pleasant surprise to the player of the white pieces due to White's next move. It should be noted that some players will try to copy your moves, but we see now another advantage why 2 Nc3 is my preferred move, compared to 2 Bf4. After 2 Bf4 the reply 2... Bf5 is a decent move, yet against 2 Nc3 the move 2... Nc6 doesn't fare as well.} 3. e4 {Transposing to a line of the Nimzowitsch Defence 1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 which has been known to be better for White for some time.} dxe4 {The most logical move. Other options leave White with a safe and secure advantage. Saying that, so does 3... dxe4... The other options are looked at in the theory section.} 4. d5 Ne5 5. Qd4 Ng6 6. Be3 (6. h4 $5 {is one move I would find hard to avoid.}) (6. Qxe4 {is what I suggest in the theory section, as it seems like a simple way to a good chance of gaining an edge. Saying that, the move picked by Jobava - 6. Be3 - keeps more tension in the position and is a good alternative option for White.} 6... Nf6 (6... a6 $6 {is rather over cautious. White is now safely better after} 7. h4 $5 {who would have thought that I would suggest such a move... It makes perfect sense to dislodge the g6-Knight.} 7... Nf6 8. Qa4+ Bd7 9. Qb3 e6 10. h5 Ne5 11. Bf4 Bd6 12. h6 $1 {With an advantage for White, for example} 12... g6 13. O-O-O {.}) 7. Qa4+ Bd7 8. Bb5 {See the theory section.}) e5 {Black must gain some space.} (6... Nf6 7. Nxe4 {can be fun. For example,} 7... e5 8. Nxf6+ $1 {is tactically fun for White.} 8... Qxf6 9. Bb5+ c6 10. dxc6 $1 {, with the idea} 10... bxc6 (10... exd4 $2 11. cxb7+ Kd8 12. bxa8=Q {is just winning for White.}) 11. Qe4 $1 Bd7 12. O-O-O $16 {White has some useful pressure against Black's position and is ahead in development.}) 7. dxe6 Bxe6 (7... Qxd4 {allows the intermezzo} 8. exf7+ {.}) 8. Nge2 ({A new idea at the time from Jobava. Black now has to tread with care. Instead,} 8. Qxe4 {causes Black only minor issues.}) Nf6 ({Sensible, but so is} 8... Qxd4 9. Nxd4 {, when} 9... Bb4 {is a good try from Black, with the idea} 10. Nxe6 Bxc3+ {causing some pawn problems.} 11. bxc3 fxe6 12. Bc4 {with a strange middlegame/endgame. White has the two Bishops but I am not so sure this position is too bad for Black. White can castle and then place a Rook on e1. Then, if White does manage to pick up the Black pawn on e4, he would have great chances to be better. If you like the look of this variation then Jobava's 8. Nge2 may be the move for you.}) 9. O-O-O Qxd4 {It is high time to remove the Queens, especially as Qa4+ was becoming an idea.} 10. Nxd4 {This seems like an important position to assess to determine if 8 Nge2 is a good idea for White. My general feeling is that the position should be equal but it is much easier for White to play, which is a major factor. In the game Jobava makes things look simple.} Bg4 {A risky move that complicates matters. But according to my computer this seems ok!} (10... O-O-O $1 {looks safer:} 11. Nxe6 Rxd1+ 12. Kxd1 fxe6 13. Bc4 {Black is a pawn up but under some pressure from White's Bishops. This should be roughly equal after} 13... Kd7 $1 {Black needs to keep his extra pawn otherwise he will suffer in the Endgame.} 14. Bg5 {I think it's time to bail out. White can capture on f6 and then e4.}) 11. Bb5+ c6 12. Nxc6 ({Here we go!} 12. Be2 O-O-O {is nothing for White.}) a6 ({The best defence.} 12... Bxd1 {would be better for White after} 13. Nxa7+ Ke7 14. Rxd1 {. Black's King is just too unsafe, for example,} 14... Rd8 15. Re1 Ke6 16. Bb6 {with a big attack. White is planning Bc4+ and Nxe4.}) 13. Ba4 Bxd1 ({Grabbing material but handing White the initiative. Instead} 13... Nd7 {was another option, but things look very scary for Black after} 14. Nd5 {with some nice checkmate threats! The computer keeps his cool here though with} Bd6 {, when White seems to have nothing immediate, but can keep the pressure on with} 15. Nd4 b5 (15... Bxd1 16. Nf5 $1 {is better for White}) 16. f3 $1 exf3 17. gxf3 Bh3 18. Bb3 O-O {when Black has survived with an equal game, but there were a lot of bullets to dodge in that sequence!}) 14. Rxd1 Be7 {Black is actually ok here according to the computer.} 15. Nxe7+ (15. Nb8+ $5 {was one weird try, with a mess after} 15... Kf8 16. Nd7+ Nxd7 17. Rxd7 {and even though Black is an exchange up it is a bit tricky to unravel. Saying that, Black is doing ok.}) Kxe7 {A hard position to judge! According to the computer Black is ok, but things are not simple!} 16. Bc5+ {Come forwards my friend...} Ke6 17. Ne2 ({Or} 17. f3 $5 {, opening up more lines!} 17... Rad8 18. Bb3+ Ke5 19. Re1 {0.00 according to the computer - of course it is...}) Rhd8 18. Nd4+ Ke5 19. Bb6 {Aiming for Bc7+.} Rdc8 20. Ne2 {Such a fun game! Can Black survive?} Nf8 21. Bd4+ Kf5 22. Ng3+ Kg6 23. f4 {White keeps on coming!} exf3 ({It is dangerous to open up lines for White to attack. Another idea would have been} 23... h5 {, aiming to run to safety.} 24. f5+ Kh6 {White has good compensation but that is all.}) 24. c3 {Bc2+ is a useful check.} fxg2 ({Too greedy! Black was doing ok if he had instead played} 24... Ne6 $1 25. Bc2+ Kg5 {, but what human would do this?} 26. Be3+ Kh4 {It looks so scary but is 0.00 apparently...}) 25. Bc2+ Kg5 ({Black had to try} 25... Kh6 $1 {but after} 26. Nf5+ Kg5 27. Be3+ Kg4 28. Rd4+ Ne4 29. Bxe4 {things are very bad for Black.}) 26. Be3+ Kg4 27. Rd4+ {Come to Daddy!} Kh3 28. Bf5+ Kxh2 29. Rh4+ ({The finish would be} 29. Rh4+ 29... Kxg3 30. Rh3# {.}) 1-0 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 8 (2... Nc6 Nimzowitsch)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 8: 1...d5,"] [Black "2... Nc6 - Overview"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "17 Theory 8 (2... Nc6 Nimzowitsch)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4882539"] {We now look at a rather rare line that Black can play if he is a fan of the Nimzowitsch system, which is 1... Nc6 as a reply to 1. e4. Some of the lines here transpose to that.} 1. d4 (1. e4 Nc6 2. d4 d5 3. Nc3 {is the more common move order to reach our main position of this chapter.}) d5 2. Nc3 Nc6 {It should be noted that some players will try to copy your moves, but we now see another advantage why 2 Nc3 is my preferred move compared to 2 Bf4. After 2 Bf4 the reply 2... Bf5 is a decent move, yet against 2 Nc3 Nc6 doesn't fare as well.} 3. e4 {Transposing to a line of the Nimzowitsch Defence 1 e4 Nc6 2 d4 d5 3 Nc3 which has been known to be better for White for some time.} dxe4 {The most logical move. Other options leave White with a safe and secure advantage. Saying that, so does 3... dxe4...} (3... Nf6 {This leads to a bad French Defence for Black. The issue is that Black already has a Knight on c6 so the typical break ...c5 is no longer available.} 4. e5 $1 {Simple and good.} 4... Nd7 (4... Ne4 5. Nxe4 dxe4 6. Ne2 $16 {This is much better for White. The pawn on e4 will probably drop with Ng3 at some point. Black would love to play ...c5 here but can't because of the misplaced c6-Knight.}) 5. Nxd5 {There are other good options, but this forcing move gives Black a number of chances to go wrong.} 5... Ndb8 {Otherwise Black is simply a pawn down.} 6. Nc3 Qxd4 7. Be3 $5 {A gambit line which is very dangerous for Black. White has many ideas with Nb5 hanging over Black.} 7... Qxe5 (7... Qxd1+ {This may be the lesser evil, but Black is still struggling here.} 8. Rxd1 $14 Nxe5 $2 {This is a big mistake, which may trick a fair few people.} (8... e6 {Entombing the Bishop on c8.} 9. f4 {White has a space and positional edge. He can continue with standard development and even consider playing Nb5.}) 9. Nd5 $1 $18 {And White is winning!} Kd8 10. Nb6+ {This forces resignation, for example.}) 8. Bc4 $1 {This is a new idea. The point is that Nf3 can wait and we want to meet ...Qd6 with Qe2. No Queen exchanges please!} 8... e6 9. Nf3 Qd6 10. Qe2 {Now that the Bishop is on c4 this looks very good for White. A Rook will come to d1, a Knight to b5 and Black is massively behind in development.}) (3... e6 {This is a bad French that can be reached after the moves. 1 e4 e6 2 d4 d5 3 Nc3 Nc6? The Knight on c6 is a real hindrance for Black as Black needs to play ...c5 in the French. Standard developing moves will now work well. Play could continue as follows:} 4. Nf3 $14 Bb4 5. e5 Nge7 6. Bd3 {White is hoping for O-O when I will let you work out the rest.}) 4. d5 Ne5 {I expect most people will jump forwards here.} (4... Nb8 {This is pretty uninspiring. I would try to punish such a move as follows:} 5. f3 $5 {Nxe4 is of course ok, but Black actually has pretty good equalising chances after 5... c6! 5 f3!? seems totally logical, lets punish our opponent for moving his pieces backwards. How dare he!} 5... exf3 {There are other moves, but this is so unlikely to appear on the board that it feels silly to waste too much time on it.} 6. Qxf3 $1 {So when Black plays ...c6 or ...e6 we are not in danger of exchanging Queens.} g6 7. Bf4 {With great development and a nice space adavantage. White will play O-O-O, Bc4 and then start pushing with g4 and h4. Such a fun position to play.}) 5. Qd4 Ng6 6. Qxe4 {We saw 6 Be3 in the 'informational' game, but this move is a safe way to keep some pressure on Black.} Nf6 (6... a6 $6 {This is rather over cautious.} 7. h4 $5 {White is safely better after this move. Who would have thought that I would suggest such a move... It makes perfect sense to dislodge the Knight on g6.} 7... Nf6 8. Qa4+ Bd7 9. Qb3 e6 10. h5 Ne5 11. Bf4 Bd6 12. h6 $1 {With an advantage for White, for example:} 12... g6 13. O-O-O {Black is cramped and will feel pressure along the d-file.}) 7. Qa4+ Bd7 8. Bb5 {Black has chances of equality here, but he must still fight for that due to his undeveloped Bishop on f8.} a6 9. Bxd7+ Qxd7 10. Qxd7+ Kxd7 11. Nf3 {White has a space advantage and with ideas like O-O, Bf4 and Ng5 I prefer his chances.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 8 (2... Nc6 Nimzowitsch)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 8: 1...d5, 2... Nc6 #1"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "17 Theory 8 (2... Nc6 Nimzowitsch)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4882541"] {We now look at a rather rare line that Black can play if he is a fan of the Nimzowitsch system, which is 1... Nc6 as a reply to 1. e4. Some of the lines here transpose to that.} 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nc6 {It should be noted that some players will try to copy your moves, but we now see another advantage why 2 Nc3 is my preferred move compared to 2 Bf4. After 2 Bf4 the reply 2... Bf5 is a decent move, yet against 2 Nc3 Nc6 doesn't fare as well.} 3. e4 {[%cal Ge4d5][%csl Rd5] Transposing to a line of the Nimzowitsch Defence 1 e4 Nc6 2 d4 d5 3 Nc3 which has been known to be better for White for some time.} Nf6 {[%csl Rc7,Rc6] This leads to a bad French Defence for Black. The issue is that Black already has a Knight on c6 so the typical break ...c5 is no longer available.} 4. e5 {[%csl Rf6] Simple and good.} Ne4 5. Nxe4 dxe4 6. Ne2 {[%cal Be2g3,Bg3e4,Bc2c3][%csl Rc6,Rc7] This is much better for White. The pawn on e4 will probably drop with Ng3 at some point. Black would love to play ...c5 here but can't because of the misplaced c6-Knight.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 8 (2... Nc6 Nimzowitsch)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 8: 1...d5, 2... Nc6 #2"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "17 Theory 8 (2... Nc6 Nimzowitsch)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4882542"] {We now look at a rather rare line that Black can play if he is a fan of the Nimzowitsch system, which is 1... Nc6 as a reply to 1. e4. Some of the lines here transpose to that.} 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nc6 {It should be noted that some players will try to copy your moves, but we now see another advantage why 2 Nc3 is my preferred move compared to 2 Bf4. After 2 Bf4 the reply 2... Bf5 is a decent move, yet against 2 Nc3 Nc6 doesn't fare as well.} 3. e4 {Transposing to a line of the Nimzowitsch Defence 1 e4 Nc6 2 d4 d5 3 Nc3 which has been known to be better for White for some time.} Nf6 {This leads to a bad French Defence for Black. The issue is that Black already has a Knight on c6 so the typical break ...c5 is no longer available.} 4. e5 {Simple and good.} Nd7 5. Nxd5 {There are other good options, but this forcing move gives Black a number of chances to go wrong.} Ndb8 {[%cal Gd8d4,Gc6d4][%csl Rd4,Rd5] Otherwise Black is simply a pawn down.} 6. Nc3 Qxd4 7. Be3 {[%csl Rd4] A gambit line which is very dangerous for Black. White has many ideas with Nb5 hanging over Black.} Qxd1+ {This may be the lesser evil, but Black is still struggling here.} 8. Rxd1 e6 {Entombing the Bishop on c8.} 9. f4 {[%cal Bc3b5,Bg1f3,Gd1d8][%csl Rc7] White has space and a positional edge. He can continue with standard development and even consider playing Nb5.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 8 (2... Nc6 Nimzowitsch)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 8: 1...d5, 2... Nc6 #3"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "17 Theory 8 (2... Nc6 Nimzowitsch)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4882543"] {We now look at a rather rare line that Black can play if he is a fan of the Nimzowitsch system, which is 1... Nc6 as a reply to 1. e4. Some of the lines here transpose to that.} 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nc6 {It should be noted that some players will try to copy your moves, but we now see another advantage why 2 Nc3 is my preferred move compared to 2 Bf4. After 2 Bf4 the reply 2... Bf5 is a decent move, yet against 2 Nc3 Nc6 doesn't fare as well.} 3. e4 {Transposing to a line of the Nimzowitsch Defence 1 e4 Nc6 2 d4 d5 3 Nc3 which has been known to be better for White for some time.} Nf6 {This leads to a bad French Defence for Black. The issue is that Black already has a Knight on c6 so the typical break ...c5 is no longer available.} 4. e5 {Simple and good.} Nd7 5. Nxd5 {There are other good options, but this forcing move gives Black a number of chances to go wrong.} Ndb8 {Otherwise Black is simply a pawn down.} 6. Nc3 Qxd4 7. Be3 {A gambit line which is very dangerous for Black. White has many ideas with Nb5 hanging over Black.} Qxd1+ {This may be the lesser evil, but Black is still struggling here.} 8. Rxd1 Nxe5 {This is a big mistake, which may trick a fair few people.} 9. Nd5 {[%cal Bd5c7][%csl Rc7] And White is winning!} Kd8 ({Note that Black cannot defend c7 with} 9... Na6 {because we can simply chop that Knight off the board:} 10. Bxa6 bxa6 11. Nxc7+ $18 {.}) 10. Nb6+ {[%cal Gd1d8,Bb6a8][%csl Ra8,Rd8] This forces resignation, for example.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 8 (2... Nc6 Nimzowitsch)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 8: 1...d5, 2... Nc6 #4"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "17 Theory 8 (2... Nc6 Nimzowitsch)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4882544"] {We now look at a rather rare line that Black can play if he is a fan of the Nimzowitsch system, which is 1... Nc6 as a reply to 1. e4. Some of the lines here transpose to that.} 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nc6 {It should be noted that some players will try to copy your moves, but we now see another advantage why 2 Nc3 is my preferred move compared to 2 Bf4. After 2 Bf4 the reply 2... Bf5 is a decent move, yet against 2 Nc3 Nc6 doesn't fare as well.} 3. e4 {Transposing to a line of the Nimzowitsch Defence 1 e4 Nc6 2 d4 d5 3 Nc3 which has been known to be better for White for some time.} Nf6 {This leads to a bad French Defence for Black. The issue is that Black already has a Knight on c6 so the typical break ...c5 is no longer available.} 4. e5 {Simple and good.} Nd7 5. Nxd5 {There are other good options, but this forcing move gives Black a number of chances to go wrong.} Ndb8 {Otherwise Black is simply a pawn down.} 6. Nc3 Qxd4 7. Be3 {A gambit line which is very dangerous for Black. White has many ideas with Nb5 hanging over Black.} Qxe5 8. Bc4 {[%cal Be5d6,Bd1e2] This is a new idea. The point is that Nf3 can wait and we want to meet ...Qd6 with Qe2. No Queen exchanges please!} e6 9. Nf3 {[%cal Gf3e5][%csl Re5]} Qd6 10. Qe2 {[%cal Ba1d1,Bc3b5,Be1g1][%csl Rd6,Rc7] Now that the Bishop is on c4 this looks very good for White. A Rook will come to d1, a Knight to b5 and Black is massively behind in development.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 8 (2... Nc6 Nimzowitsch)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 8: 1...d5, 2... Nc6 #5"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "17 Theory 8 (2... Nc6 Nimzowitsch)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4882545"] {We now look at a rather rare line that Black can play if he is a fan of the Nimzowitsch system, which is 1... Nc6 as a reply to 1. e4. Some of the lines here transpose to that.} 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nc6 {It should be noted that some players will try to copy your moves, but we now see another advantage why 2 Nc3 is my preferred move compared to 2 Bf4. After 2 Bf4 the reply 2... Bf5 is a decent move, yet against 2 Nc3 Nc6 doesn't fare as well.} 3. e4 {Transposing to a line of the Nimzowitsch Defence 1 e4 Nc6 2 d4 d5 3 Nc3 which has been known to be better for White for some time.} e6 {This is a bad French that can be reached after the moves. 1 e4 e6 2 d4 d5 3 Nc3 Nc6? The Knight on c6 is a real hindrance for Black, as Black needs to play ...c5 in the French. Standard developing moves will now work well. Play could continue as follows:} 4. Nf3 {[%csl Gc3,Gf3,Ge4,Gd4]} Bb4 5. e5 {[%cal Bf1d3,Be1g1]} Nge7 6. Bd3 {[%cal Gd3h7,Be1g1][%csl Rh7]} ({White is hoping for} 6. Bd3 6... O-O {when I will let you work out the rest.}) * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 8 (2... Nc6 Nimzowitsch)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 8: 1...d5, 2... Nc6 #6"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "17 Theory 8 (2... Nc6 Nimzowitsch)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4882546"] {We now look at a rather rare line that Black can play if he is a fan of the Nimzowitsch system, which is 1... Nc6 as a reply to 1. e4. Some of the lines here transpose to that.} 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nc6 {It should be noted that some players will try to copy your moves, but we now see another advantage why 2 Nc3 is my preferred move compared to 2 Bf4. After 2 Bf4 the reply 2... Bf5 is a decent move, yet against 2 Nc3 Nc6 doesn't fare as well.} 3. e4 {Transposing to a line of the Nimzowitsch Defence 1 e4 Nc6 2 d4 d5 3 Nc3 which has been known to be better for White for some time.} dxe4 {The most logical move. Other options leave White with a safe and secure advantage. Saying that, so does 3... dxe4...} 4. d5 {[%csl Rc6]} Nb8 {This is pretty uninspiring. I would try to punish such a move as follows:} 5. f3 {[%cal Bd1f3,Bc1f4,Be4f3,Be1c1]} (5. Nxe4 {is of course ok, but Black actually has pretty good equalising chances after} 5... c6 $1 {5. f3!? seems totally logical, lets punish our opponent for moving his pieces backwards. How dare he!}) exf3 {There are other moves, but this is so unlikely to appear on the board that it feels silly to waste too much time on it.} 6. Qxf3 {So when Black plays ...c6 or ...e6 we are not in danger of exchanging Queens.} g6 7. Bf4 {[%cal Bf1c4,Be1c1,Bg2g4,Bh2h4][%csl Gd5] With great development and a nice space adavantage. White will play O-O-O, Bc4 and then start pushing with g4 and h4. Such a fun position to play.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 8 (2... Nc6 Nimzowitsch)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 8: 1...d5, 2... Nc6 #7"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "17 Theory 8 (2... Nc6 Nimzowitsch)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4882547"] {We now look at a rather rare line that Black can play if he is a fan of the Nimzowitsch system, which is 1... Nc6 as a reply to 1. e4. Some of the lines here transpose to that.} 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nc6 {It should be noted that some players will try to copy your moves, but we now see another advantage why 2 Nc3 is my preferred move compared to 2 Bf4. After 2 Bf4 the reply 2... Bf5 is a decent move, yet against 2 Nc3 Nc6 doesn't fare as well.} 3. e4 {Transposing to a line of the Nimzowitsch Defence 1 e4 Nc6 2 d4 d5 3 Nc3 which has been known to be better for White for some time.} dxe4 {The most logical move. Other options leave White with a safe and secure advantage. Saying that, so does 3... dxe4...} 4. d5 Ne5 {I expect most people will jump forwards here.} 5. Qd4 {[%cal Bd4e4][%csl Re4,Re5]} Ng6 6. Qxe4 ({We saw} 6. Be3 {in model game #25, but this move is a safe way to keep some pressure on Black.}) a6 {This is rather over cautious.} 7. h4 {[%cal Bh4h5][%csl Rg6] White is safely better after this move. Who would have thought that I would suggest such a move... It makes perfect sense to dislodge the Knight on g6.} Nf6 {[%cal Gf6e4][%csl Re4]} 8. Qa4+ Bd7 9. Qb3 {[%cal Bh4h5]} e6 10. h5 Ne5 11. Bf4 {[%csl Re5]} Bd6 12. h6 {With an advantage for White.} g6 13. O-O-O {[%cal Gd1d8] Black is cramped and will feel pressure along the d-file.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 8 (2... Nc6 Nimzowitsch)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 8: 1...d5, 2... Nc6 #8"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "17 Theory 8 (2... Nc6 Nimzowitsch)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4882548"] {We now look at a rather rare line that Black can play if he is a fan of the Nimzowitsch system, which is 1... Nc6 as a reply to 1. e4. Some of the lines here transpose to that.} 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nc6 {It should be noted that some players will try to copy your moves, but we now see another advantage why 2 Nc3 is my preferred move compared to 2 Bf4. After 2 Bf4 the reply 2... Bf5 is a decent move, yet against 2 Nc3 Nc6 doesn't fare as well.} 3. e4 {Transposing to a line of the Nimzowitsch Defence 1 e4 Nc6 2 d4 d5 3 Nc3 which has been known to be better for White for some time.} dxe4 {The most logical move. Other options leave White with a safe and secure advantage. Saying that, so does 3... dxe4...} 4. d5 Ne5 {I expect most people will jump forwards here.} 5. Qd4 Ng6 6. Qxe4 {We saw 6 Be3 in the 'informational' game, but this move is a safe way to keep some pressure on Black.} Nf6 {[%csl Re4]} 7. Qa4+ Bd7 8. Bb5 {[%cal Ga4e8] Black has chances of equality here, but he must still fight for that due to his undeveloped Bishop on f8.} a6 9. Bxd7+ Qxd7 10. Qxd7+ Kxd7 11. Nf3 {[%cal Be1g1,Bf3g5,Gg5f7][%csl Rf7] White has a space advantage and with ideas like O-O and Ng5 I prefer his chances.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 9 (2... c5): Model Games"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Model Game #27: Niemann, Hans"] [Black "Peredun, A."] [Result "1/2-1/2"] [SourceTitle "18 Theory 9 (2... c5): Model Games"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877176"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 c5 {A logical enough move, but one that is not so popular at the higher levels. I believe the reason for this is that it allows White the option of sacrificing into an Albin Countergambit, but with an extra tempo - a strategy that players of the black pieces will be afraid of meeting. For this course I am going to suggest two set-ups for White. In this game we look at the more refrained set up, where White doesn't sacrifice a pawn but keeps some pressure on Black's set-up.} 3. e4 {This is the move that has put Black off playing 2... c5. We should make those fears come real! Other moves are no threat to Black and allows him easy equality.} dxe4 4. Bb5+ (4. d5 {, 'The Turbo Albin Counter Gambit', is looked at in the next introductory game and in the theory section, but first this safe approach.}) {With 4 Bb5+ White keeps some pressure on Black yet doesn't go 'all in', as White will win his pawn back by capturing on c5. I decided to give you guys two options here as it is really a matter of style with what option you decide upon. This check leads to pretty equal positions but Black has to find the more accurate defensive moves.} Bd7 {Other options are looked at in the theory section.} 5. dxc5 {recapturing the pawn and increasing the pressure along the d-file.} Nf6 6. Be3 e6 7. Nge2 {This is a very simple line for White, but again I must stress that White really doesn't have any advantage in such lines. Black has the central pawn mass and will wriggle out of any minor issues that he has on the d-file with accurate play.} Qc8 {Attacking c5 and making ...Bxb5 an important idea, as now there is no Queen to capture on d8.} 8. Qd4 {The position is equal. White should aim to play along the d-file and support his pawn on c5 with an eventual b4.} a6 {Yet again very sensible. Black asks the Bishop where it wants to move to.} 9. Ba4 (9. Bxd7+ {helps Black develop with} Nbxd7 {, when White should think about doing some bailing out with} 10. Nxe4 Nxe4 11. Qxe4 Bxc5 {. Things are equal and dare I say it a bit boring...}) Nc6 (9... Bxa4 10. Qxa4+ $1 Nbd7 11. O-O-O {creates some pressure against Black's position, even though Black is equal here after} 11... Bxc5 12. Bxc5 b5 $1 (12... Qxc5 13. Nxe4 {is something that Black should avoid.}) 13. Nxe4 $1 {Otherwise White would be in danger of being worse.} 13... Nxe4 14. Qxe4 Nxc5 {with equality.}) 10. Bxc6 (10. Qd2 {was another idea when funnily enough the computer gives} 10... Nb8 11. Qd4 {as the best line!}) Bxc6 11. Rd1 (11. Ng3 {was more to the point:} 11... Be7 12. O-O-O O-O {and now White's best chance of an edge lies in} 13. Bf4 $5 {aiming to come into d6. This looks like a better way to go compared to the game continuation.}) Be7 12. O-O O-O 13. b4 Rd8 {The opening stage is over. Black is perfectly comfortable here.} 14. Qc4 e5 15. a4 Qg4 16. b5 (16. Rxd8+ Rxd8 17. b5 {was a better way to proceed, when White's pawns look a bit scary. Get one pair of Rooks off as then it is harder for Black to stop those pawns.}) axb5 17. axb5 Bd7 18. c6 Be6 (18... bxc6 {was better:} 19. bxc6 Rdc8 $1) 19. Rxd8+ Rxd8 20. Qa4 {White is back in the driving position with a very strong pawn on c6.} bxc6 21. b6 {A nice sacrifice and a very scary pawn!} Bd5 22. Rb1 Bd6 23. b7 Bb8 24. Qa6 (24. Ng3 {, followed up with h3 and Ngxe3, looked better.}) Qe6 25. h3 Nd7 26. Qa5 Rf8 27. Ba7 f5 28. Bxb8 Nxb8 29. Rd1 Bc4 30. Qc5 (30. Rd8 {was very strong!}) Ba6 {And the game eventually ended in a draw. The following moves are not going to help us learn about the Jobava-London System in any deeper sense!} 31. Qb4 Qf7 32. Rb1 Qc7 33. Ng3 Rf7 34. Qb3 g6 35. Ngxe4 fxe4 36. Nxe4 c5 37. Qe6 Qe7 38. Qxe7 Rxe7 39. Nxc5 Bc4 40. Ra1 Kf7 41. Ra8 Re8 42. Rxb8 Rxb8 43. Nd7 Rxb7 44. Nxe5+ Ke6 45. Nxc4 Rb1+ 46. Kh2 g5 47. Kg3 h5 48. Ne3 Ke5 49. Nc4+ Kf5 50. Kf3 Rb4 51. Ne3+ Ke5 52. Ke2 Rb8 53. Kf3 Rf8+ 54. Ke2 Ke4 55. Nc4 Ra8 56. Ne3 Ra1 57. Kd2 Rb1 58. Ke2 Rg1 59. Kd2 Ra1 60. Ke2 Rc1 61. Kd2 Rg1 62. Ke2 h4 63. Ng4 Ra1 1/2-1/2 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 9 (2... c5): Model Games"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Model Game #28: Berkes, Ferenc"] [Black "Prohaszka, Peter"] [Result "1-0"] [SourceTitle "18 Theory 9 (2... c5): Model Games"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4877177"] 1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 (2. Nc3 {is the move order that we will concentrating on. The position becomes the same though.} c5 3. e4 dxe4 4. d5 (4. Bb5+ {is a way to avoid the madness.}) 4... Nf6 5. Bf4 {transposes to the game.}) c5 3. e4 {2... c5 is a logical enough move, but one that is not so popular at the higher levels, because it allows White the option of sacrificing into an Albin Countergambit with an extra tempo. I should note that my research has indicated that even with an extra tempo, The Albin Counter Gambit is not such a good opening when analyzing against a computer! On the plus side you will always be attacking...} dxe4 4. d5 Nf6 5. Nc3 {This is an important position that we cover in some detail in the theory section.} a6 6. Qe2 {This is what most top players play, but I give my reasons for not picking this as my main move in the theory section. Saying that, I would still be very tempted to play this move in a practical game. The positions that we reach may not be 100% correct, but as we see in this game things are very double edged and anything can happen. Do remember to not get too carried away with what the computer always gives. Practical chess is different!} g6 {The best move. Black should aim to castle as quickly as possible. Against other moves White will play O-O-O or just capture on e4.} (6... Bf5 $6 {, trying to hold on to the pawn, is just a mistake. White will have chances to play f3 and g4, for example:} 7. f3 exf3 8. Nxf3 g6 9. h3 $1 {With g4 and the advantage to come.}) 7. O-O-O (7. Nxe4 {is possible, but often transposes or leads to a very similar position.}) Bg7 8. Nxe4 Nxe4 9. Qxe4 O-O {A key position that I spent ages looking at! Unfortunately I ended up coming to the conclusion that with precise play Black is doing fine, if not a bit better than White. Saying that, life should be a gamble now and again right!?} 10. Qe3 {This is suggested in most sources as White's best move. It does seem logical to follow up with Bh6 weakening Black's Kingside.} Qa5 ({This is ok, but not as strong as 10... Nf6 in my opinion.}) (10... Bf5 {seems to make the Bishop a target more than anything.} 11. Bh6 {and White just gets on with things.}) (10... Nd7 $1 {is a new and good idea. This is what I struggled to find anything against, for example} 11. Bh6 Bxh6 $1 12. Qxh6 Nf6 {When Black seems to be quicker in attacking compared to White:} 13. h4 Qa5 $1 14. a3 b5 $1 15. h5 b4 16. hxg6 Bg4 $3 {This is an amazing move which is also very annoying! Maybe there is something here, but I couldn't find it for White.}) 11. Kb1 Bf5 ({Just a bit slow. The Bishop may look active here, but there are no real threats.} 11... Nd7 $5 {was better.}) 12. Bh6 {Both sides are hammering at each other on opposite sides of the board. Who will land their blow first!?} Rd8 {Another slightly dubious move. This is just too slow and now White takes over.} ({It does seem that Black's best option in most cases is the risky move} 12... Bxh6 $5 {Which allows the White Queen in but also gains some time for the attack.} 13. Qxh6 Nd7 14. g4 {Very interesting!} (14. f3 {was also possible, but this is crazy fun.}) 14... Bxg4 (14... Bxc2+ $5 {is crazy:} 15. Kxc2 Qa4+ 16. Kc1 Qxa2 17. Bd3 $1 {This Bishop can be used to defend and attack.} 17... c4 $1 {Messy!}) 15. f3 Bf5 16. Bh3 $1 {The point! This is a tactical idea that I have never seen before.} 16... Bxh3 17. Nxh3 {White has good attacking chances. The Knight should actually move to f4, to be combined with h4-h5.}) 13. Bxg7 Kxg7 14. Be2 ({A bit slow as well. A more fun move would have been} 14. g4 $5 {, with the idea} 14... Bxg4 15. Be2 Bxe2 16. Nxe2 {and the h-pawn will come! This looks very nice for White.}) Qa4 15. Qc1 Rd6 (15... Nd7 {made more sense.}) 16. f3 h5 17. b3 ({Far too passive. It seems that White has forgotten about his attack. It was still there after} 17. h4 $1 {with g4! and h5! to follow. Black's King will struggle to survive, for example} 17... Nd7 18. g4 $1 hxg4 19. h5 Nf6 20. b3 Qa5 21. hxg6 {And the Queen on c1 is ready to enter.}) Qd7 18. h4 (18. Qd2 $1 {was safer:} 18... e6 19. Qc3+ Kg8 20. Qxc5 exd5 21. Bd3 {.}) Rxd5 19. g4 {Going all in!} Rxd1 20. Bxd1 hxg4 21. h5 {With pressure. Pressure that Black doesn 't handle in the game.} Qc6 ({The best defence seems to be} 21... g3 $1 22. hxg6 fxg6 23. Qh6+ Kf7 {which is defending for Black.} 24. Be2) 22. hxg6 Qxg6 {Trying to defend one's King with the Queen has its own risks...} 23. fxg4 Be4 24. Bf3 Bc6 ({This doesn't help Black's development, but} 24... Bxf3 25. Nxf3 {leaves White with the deadly threat of Nh4-f5.}) 25. Rh5 {26 Rg5 is the threat. White is now winning, Black never did manage to develop his Queenside.} Qf6 26. Rf5 Qe6 27. Nh3 {White's pieces are flooding into the game.} Bxf3 28. Ng5 Qxf5 (28... Qg6 29. Rxf7+ Kg8 30. Rxf3 $18) 29. gxf5 Bc6 30. Qb2+ f6 31. Ne6+ {The rest is easy.} Kf7 32. Qc3 Bd7 33. Qg3 {An exciting game! And you will always get an exciting game with this gambit.} 1-0 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 9: 1... d5, 2..."] [Black "c5 - Overview 4. Bb5+"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "19 Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4989141"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 c5 {A logical enough move, but one that is not so popular at the higher levels. I believe the reason for this is that it allows White the option of sacrificing a pawn and this way go into an Albin Countergambit, but with an extra tempo. This is a strategy that players of the black pieces will be afraid of meeting. For this course I am going to suggest two set ups for White. I should note that my research has indicated that even with an extra tempo, The Albin Counter Gambit is not such a good opening when analyzing against a computer! On the plus side you will always be attacking...} 3. e4 {This is the move that has put Black off playing 2... c5. We should make those fears come real! Other moves are no threat to Black and allows him easy equality.} dxe4 4. Bb5+ {This is a safe option. With 4 Bb5+ White keeps some pressure on Black yet doesn't go 'all in', as White will win his pawn back by capturing on c5. This check leads to pretty equal positions but Black has to find the more accurate defensive moves. White's plan is to capture on c5 in nearly all positions.} Bd7 {A sensible move that I imagine most players would play.} (4... Nc6 $5 {This is an interesting choice, as the natural 5 d5 leads to nothing after 5... a6. For that reason I would suggest that White plays as follows:} 5. Nge2 $1 {Developing and holding the centre together.} 5... a6 $1 {Keeping it simple. Other options were worse.} (5... cxd4 $6 {This is rather natural but not as good as 5... a6. White can now gain some pressure.} 6. Nxd4 Bd7 7. Bxc6 {Simple chess works well here!} 7... bxc6 (7... Bxc6 {This is worse.} 8. Nxc6 Qxd1+ 9. Kxd1 bxc6 10. Nxe4 {White has a safe and stable advantage due to his better pawn structure.}) 8. Nxe4 Nf6 9. Nxf6+ gxf6 {This is quite an interesting position which feels like it should be more fun for White.} 10. Qh5 $1 {The Queen is well placed here. The position is equal but with a lot of play for both sides. As White I would be castling and then aiming for pressure down the e-file. Another idea would be to maneuver the Knight to c5 via b3. c5 is a nice outpost that can be supported with Be3.}) 6. Bxc6+ bxc6 7. Be3 {White has good compensation for the pawn. Black has numerous pawn weaknesses and is not as well developed as White. White should naturally castle and then either aim to win the pawn on e4 back, or try the more adventurous f3 idea with Rxf3 to follow. It would be nice to see some practical examples of this!}) (4... Nd7 {This may well be playable but it does look rather strange to block the Bishop on c8 in.} 5. dxc5 {Sensible and good here.} 5... Ngf6 6. Qd4 {A common idea in these positions. The Queen is a good piece and White prepares to castle Queenside in some cases. White has the advantage, for example,} 6... e5 $5 {This is a rather desperate move, but with Bf4 and c6 coming Black had to do something.} (6... e6 $2 {This is a normal move, but it allows the following:} 7. Bf4 {With c6 or O-O-O to follow Black's position is on the verge of falling apart.} 7... Be7 $2 {This falls into a trick.} 8. c6 $1 bxc6 9. Bxc6 {White is winning material and hopefully the game!}) 7. Qxe5+ Be7 8. Be3 {Bringing the bits out. White doesn't need to do anything heroic.} 8... O-O 9. Bxd7 {Simplifying into a good position.} 9... Nxd7 10. Qg3 Nxc5 {Black has won a pawn back, but at what cost?} 11. Rd1 Qa5 12. Nge2 {White has great piece development. He will castle and play Nd5 and Bd4 with an attack against Black's King.}) 5. dxc5 {Regaining the pawn and increasing the pressure along the d-file.} Nf6 (5... e6 {This is another option but things will likely transpose to the main line as follows:} 6. Be3 Nf6 {.}) (5... Bxb5 $6 {There is no reason for Black to give up castling rights.} 6. Qxd8+ Kxd8 7. Nxb5 {With Be3-f4 and O-O-O+ to follow Black has some issues along the d-file.}) 6. Be3 e6 7. Nge2 {A very simple line for White, but again I must stress that White really doesn't have any advantage in such lines. Black has the central pawn mass and, with accurate play, will wriggle out of any minor issues that he has on the d-file.} Qc8 {Attacking c5 and making ...Bxb5 a bigger idea, as now there is no Queen to capture on d8.} 8. Qd4 {The position is equal. White should aim to play along the d-file and support his pawn on c5 with an eventual b4. Take a look at the informational game to gain some more experience with this line.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 9: 1... d5,"] [Black "2... c5 #1 - 3... cxd4"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "19 Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883069"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 c5 {A logical enough move, but one that is not so popular at the higher levels. I believe the reason for this is that it allows White the option of sacrificing a pawn and this way go into an Albin Countergambit, but with an extra tempo. This is a strategy that players of the black pieces will be afraid of meeting. For this course I am going to suggest two set ups for White. I should note that my research has indicated that even with an extra tempo, The Albin Counter Gambit is not such a good opening when analyzing against a computer! On the plus side you will always be attacking...} 3. e4 {This is the move that has put Black off playing 2... c5. We should make those fears come real! Other moves are no threat to Black and allows him easy equality.} cxd4 {This allows White to gain too much pressure against d5.} 4. Qxd4 {[%cal Gc3d5,Gd4d5,Ge4d5][%csl Rd5]} dxe4 {This gives White a good initiative after the Queen exchange.} 5. Qxd8+ Kxd8 6. Bf4 {[%cal Be1c1,Bc3b5,Bc3d5][%csl Rd8,Rc7] With O-O-O+ to follow. White can often win the pawn back on e4, but first he should think about plans with Nb5 and Nd5. This position is uncomfortable for Black. A sample line is as follows:} Nf6 {Holding on to Black's one trump, the extra pawn on e4.} 7. O-O-O+ Bd7 8. f3 {[%cal Bf3e4,Bg1f3] A logical follow up, which is actually quite a common theme in a number of these gambit lines. White quickly brings his Knight on g1 into the game.} exf3 9. Nxf3 Ke8 {The only move.} 10. Nb5 {[%cal Gb5c7][%csl Rc7]} Na6 {This runs into problems.} 11. Ne5 {[%cal Bf1e2,Be2f3,Bf4g5,Bg5f6,Ge5d7,Gd1d7][%csl Rd7] The pressure is becoming too much.} Bc6 12. Nxc6 bxc6 {Now White has a clever and devastating move:} 13. g3 {[%cal Bf1g2,Bf1b5][%csl Rc6] This has the following idea:} cxb5 14. Bxb5+ Nd7 15. Bxd7+ Kd8 16. Bb5+ Kc8 17. Bxa6# {A pretty checkmate!} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 9: 1... d5,"] [Black "2... c5 #2 - 3... cxd4"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "19 Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883070"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 c5 {A logical enough move, but one that is not so popular at the higher levels. I believe the reason for this is that it allows White the option of sacrificing a pawn and this way go into an Albin Countergambit, but with an extra tempo. This is a strategy that players of the black pieces will be afraid of meeting. For this course I am going to suggest two set ups for White. I should note that my research has indicated that even with an extra tempo, The Albin Counter Gambit is not such a good opening when analyzing against a computer! On the plus side you will always be attacking...} 3. e4 {This is the move that has put Black off playing 2... c5. We should make those fears come real! Other moves are no threat to Black and allows him easy equality.} cxd4 {This allows White to gain too much pressure against d5.} 4. Qxd4 dxe4 {This gives White a good initiative after the Queen exchange.} 5. Qxd8+ Kxd8 6. Bf4 {With O-O-O+ to follow. White can often win the pawn back on e4, but first he should think about plans with Nb5 and Nd5. This position is uncomfortable for Black. A sample line is as follows:} Nf6 {Holding on to Black's one trump, the extra pawn on e4.} 7. O-O-O+ Bd7 8. f3 {A logical follow up, which is actually quite a common theme in a number of these gambit lines. White quickly brings his Knight on g1 into the game.} exf3 9. Nxf3 Ke8 {The only move.} 10. Nb5 Bxb5 11. Bxb5+ Nc6 12. Ne5 {[%cal Ge5c6,Gb5c6,Bh1e1][%csl Rc6] White has a great attack and is doing well.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 9: 1... d5,"] [Black "2... c5 #3 - 3... cxd4"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "19 Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883071"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 c5 {A logical enough move, but one that is not so popular at the higher levels. I believe the reason for this is that it allows White the option of sacrificing a pawn and this way go into an Albin Countergambit, but with an extra tempo. This is a strategy that players of the black pieces will be afraid of meeting. For this course I am going to suggest two set ups for White. I should note that my research has indicated that even with an extra tempo, The Albin Counter Gambit is not such a good opening when analyzing against a computer! On the plus side you will always be attacking...} 3. e4 {This is the move that has put Black off playing 2... c5. We should make those fears come real! Other moves are no threat to Black and allows him easy equality.} cxd4 {This allows White to gain too much pressure against d5.} 4. Qxd4 Nc6 {Trying to make a sacrifice of the opening. Not a very successful one though...} 5. Qxd5 Bd7 {Black has ideas of ...Nf6 and some play. I doubt it is enough though.} 6. a3 {[%cal Ga3b4][%csl Gb4] A safe move to stop anything nasty coming into b4.} Nf6 7. Qd3 {[%cal Bg1f3,Bf1e2,Be1g1]} e5 8. Nf3 {[%cal Bf1e2,Be1g1] White will castle soon with an extra pawn. This can't be bad!} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 9: 1... d5,"] [Black "2... c5 #4 - 3... e6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "19 Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883072"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 c5 {A logical enough move, but one that is not so popular at the higher levels. I believe the reason for this is that it allows White the option of sacrificing a pawn and this way go into an Albin Countergambit, but with an extra tempo. This is a strategy that players of the black pieces will be afraid of meeting. For this course I am going to suggest two set ups for White. I should note that my research has indicated that even with an extra tempo, The Albin Counter Gambit is not such a good opening when analyzing against a computer! On the plus side you will always be attacking...} 3. e4 {This is the move that has put Black off playing 2... c5. We should make those fears come real! Other moves are no threat to Black and allows him easy equality.} e6 {This is far too timid.} 4. exd5 exd5 5. dxc5 {[%cal Gc3d5,Gd1d5,Bc1e3,Bg1f3,Bf1b5][%csl Rd5] White has immediate pressure against the isolated pawn on d5 with an advantage.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 9: 1... d5,"] [Black "2... c5 #5 - 4. Bb5+"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "19 Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883073"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 c5 {A logical enough move, but one that is not so popular at the higher levels. I believe the reason for this is that it allows White the option of sacrificing a pawn and this way go into an Albin Countergambit, but with an extra tempo. This is a strategy that players of the black pieces will be afraid of meeting. For this course I am going to suggest two set ups for White. I should note that my research has indicated that even with an extra tempo, The Albin Counter Gambit is not such a good opening when analyzing against a computer! On the plus side you will always be attacking...} 3. e4 {This is the move that has put Black off playing 2... c5. We should make those fears come real! Other moves are no threat to Black and allows him easy equality.} dxe4 {Certainly the best move. Other options are weaker. In this chapter I am going to give you two options as to how to play on the 4th move. One is rather more reserved and doesn't sacrifice anything, so is suited to players who prefer minimum risk. The other option is to enter into a famous gambit line that Black plays (The Albin Countergambit) but a tempo up. This is a very fun way to play and would be my personal preference.} 4. Bb5+ {This is a safe option. With 4 Bb5+ White keeps some pressure on Black yet doesn't go 'all in', as White will win his pawn back by capturing on c5. This check leads to pretty equal positions but Black has to find the more accurate defensive moves. White's plan is to capture on c5 in nearly all positions.} Nc6 ({This is an interesting choice, as the natural} Nc6 5. d5 {leads to nothing after} 5... a6 {.}) {For that reason I would suggest that White plays as follows:} 5. Nge2 {[%cal Ge2d4] Developing and holding the centre together.} cxd4 ({This is rather natural but not as good as} 5... a6 {. White can now gain some pressure.}) 6. Nxd4 {[%cal Gb5c6,Gd4c6,Gc3e4][%csl Rc6]} Bd7 7. Bxc6 {Simple chess works well here!} Bxc6 {This is worse than 7... bxc6.} 8. Nxc6 Qxd1+ 9. Kxd1 bxc6 10. Nxe4 {[%cal Bc1e3,Ge4c5,Ge3c5,Bd1e2][%csl Gc5,Rc6] White has a safe and stable advantage due to his better pawn structure.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 9: 1... d5,"] [Black "2... c5 #6 - 4. Bb5+"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "19 Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883074"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 c5 {A logical enough move, but one that is not so popular at the higher levels. I believe the reason for this is that it allows White the option of sacrificing a pawn and this way go into an Albin Countergambit, but with an extra tempo. This is a strategy that players of the black pieces will be afraid of meeting. For this course I am going to suggest two set ups for White. I should note that my research has indicated that even with an extra tempo, The Albin Counter Gambit is not such a good opening when analyzing against a computer! On the plus side you will always be attacking...} 3. e4 {This is the move that has put Black off playing 2... c5. We should make those fears come real! Other moves are no threat to Black and allows him easy equality.} dxe4 {Certainly the best move. Other options are weaker. In this chapter I am going to give you two options as to how to play on the 4th move. One is rather more reserved and doesn't sacrifice anything, so is suited to players who prefer minimum risk. The other option is to enter into a famous gambit line that Black plays (The Albin Countergambit) but a tempo up. This is a very fun way to play and would be my personal preference. A safe option is} 4. Bb5+ {With 4 Bb5+ White keeps some pressure on Black yet doesn't go 'all in', as White will win his pawn back by capturing on c5. This check leads to pretty equal positions but Black has to find the more accurate defensive moves. White's plan is to capture on c5 in nearly all positions.} Nc6 {This is an interesting choice, as the natural 5 d5 leads to nothing after 5... a6. For that reason I would suggest that White plays as follows:} 5. Nge2 {Developing and holding the centre together.} cxd4 ({This is rather natural but not as good as} 5... a6 {. White can now gain some pressure.}) 6. Nxd4 Bd7 7. Bxc6 {Simple chess works well here!} bxc6 8. Nxe4 Nf6 9. Nxf6+ gxf6 {This is quite an interesting position which feels like it should be more fun for White.} 10. Qh5 {[%cal Bc1e3,Bd4b3,Bb3c5,Ge3c5,Gh5c5,Gh5h7][%csl Gc5,Rc6,Gh5,Rh7] The Queen is well placed here. The position is equal but with a lot of play for both sides. As White I would be castling and then aiming for pressure down the e-file. Another idea would be to maneuver the Knight to c5 via b3. c5 is a nice outpost that can be supported with Be3.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 9: 1... d5,"] [Black "2... c5 #7 - 4. Bb5+"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "19 Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883075"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 c5 {A logical enough move, but one that is not so popular at the higher levels. I believe the reason for this is that it allows White the option of sacrificing a pawn and this way go into an Albin Countergambit, but with an extra tempo. This is a strategy that players of the black pieces will be afraid of meeting. For this course I am going to suggest two set ups for White. I should note that my research has indicated that even with an extra tempo, The Albin Counter Gambit is not such a good opening when analyzing against a computer! On the plus side you will always be attacking...} 3. e4 {This is the move that has put Black off playing 2... c5. We should make those fears come real! Other moves are no threat to Black and allows him easy equality.} dxe4 {Certainly the best move. Other options are weaker. In this chapter I am going to give you two options as to how to play on the 4th move. One is rather more reserved and doesn't sacrifice anything, so is suited to players who prefer minimum risk. The other option is to enter into a famous gambit line that Black plays (The Albin Countergambit) but a tempo up. This is a very fun way to play and would be my personal preference. A safe option is} 4. Bb5+ {With 4 Bb5+ White keeps some pressure on Black yet doesn't go 'all in', as White will win his pawn back by capturing on c5. This check leads to pretty equal positions but Black has to find the more accurate defensive moves. White's plan is to capture on c5 in nearly all positions.} Nc6 {This is an interesting choice, as the natural 5 d5 leads to nothing after 5... a6. For that reason I would suggest that White plays as follows:} 5. Nge2 {Developing and holding the centre together.} a6 {Keeping it simple. Other options were worse.} 6. Bxc6+ bxc6 7. Be3 {[%cal Gc3e4,Bf2f3,Bf3e4,Be1g1][%csl Rc6,Rc5,Ra6,Re4] White has good compensation for the pawn. Black has numerous pawn weaknesses and is not as well developed as White. White should naturally castle and then either aim to win the pawn on e4 back, or try the more adventurous f3 idea with Rxf3 to follow. It would be nice to see some practical examples of this!} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 9: 1... d5,"] [Black "2... c5 #8 - 4. Bb5+"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "19 Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883076"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 c5 {A logical enough move, but one that is not so popular at the higher levels. I believe the reason for this is that it allows White the option of sacrificing a pawn and this way go into an Albin Countergambit, but with an extra tempo. This is a strategy that players of the black pieces will be afraid of meeting. For this course I am going to suggest two set ups for White. I should note that my research has indicated that even with an extra tempo, The Albin Counter Gambit is not such a good opening when analyzing against a computer! On the plus side you will always be attacking...} 3. e4 {This is the move that has put Black off playing 2... c5. We should make those fears come real! Other moves are no threat to Black and allows him easy equality.} dxe4 {Certainly the best move. Other options are weaker. In this chapter I am going to give you two options as to how to play on the 4th move. One is rather more reserved and doesn't sacrifice anything, so is suited to players who prefer minimum risk. The other option is to enter into a famous gambit line that Black plays (The Albin Countergambit) but a tempo up. This is a very fun way to play and would be my personal preference. A safe option is} 4. Bb5+ {With 4 Bb5+ White keeps some pressure on Black yet doesn't go 'all in', as White will win his pawn back by capturing on c5. This check leads to pretty equal positions but Black has to find the more accurate defensive moves. White's plan is to capture on c5 in nearly all positions.} Nd7 {This may well be playable but it does look rather strange to block the Bishop on c8 in.} 5. dxc5 {[%cal Gb5e8][%csl Gc5,Re8,Rd7] Sensible and good here.} Ngf6 6. Qd4 {[%cal Gd4e4,Gd4c5,Bc1f4,Be1c1][%csl Gd4] A common idea in these positions. The Queen is a good piece and White prepares to castle Queenside in some cases. White has the advantage.} e6 {This is a normal move, but it allows the following:} 7. Bf4 {[%cal Bc5c6,Gc6a8][%csl Ra8] With c6 or O-O-O to follow Black's position is on the verge of falling apart.} Be7 {This falls into a trick.} 8. c6 bxc6 9. Bxc6 {[%cal Bc6a8,Gf4b8][%csl Ra8] White is winning material and hopefully the game!} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 9: 1... d5,"] [Black "2... c5 #9 - 4. Bb5+"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "19 Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883077"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 c5 {A logical enough move, but one that is not so popular at the higher levels. I believe the reason for this is that it allows White the option of sacrificing a pawn and this way go into an Albin Countergambit, but with an extra tempo. This is a strategy that players of the black pieces will be afraid of meeting. For this course I am going to suggest two set ups for White. I should note that my research has indicated that even with an extra tempo, The Albin Counter Gambit is not such a good opening when analyzing against a computer! On the plus side you will always be attacking...} 3. e4 {This is the move that has put Black off playing 2... c5. We should make those fears come real! Other moves are no threat to Black and allows him easy equality.} dxe4 {Certainly the best move. Other options are weaker. In this chapter I am going to give you two options as to how to play on the 4th move. One is rather more reserved and doesn't sacrifice anything, so is suited to players who prefer minimum risk. The other option is to enter into a famous gambit line that Black plays (The Albin Countergambit) but a tempo up. This is a very fun way to play and would be my personal preference. A safe option is} 4. Bb5+ {With 4 Bb5+ White keeps some pressure on Black yet doesn't go 'all in', as White will win his pawn back by capturing on c5. This check leads to pretty equal positions but Black has to find the more accurate defensive moves. White's plan is to capture on c5 in nearly all positions.} Nd7 {This may well be playable but it does look rather strange to block the Bishop on c8 in.} 5. dxc5 {Sensible and good here.} Ngf6 6. Qd4 {A common idea in these positions. The Queen is a good piece and White prepares to castle Queenside in some cases. White has the advantage, for example,} e5 {This is a rather desperate move, but with Bf4 and c6 coming Black had to do something.} 7. Qxe5+ {[%cal Gb5e8][%csl Rd7,Re8]} Be7 8. Be3 {[%cal Ge3c5][%csl Gc5] Bringing the bits out. White doesn't need to do anything heroic.} O-O {[%csl Re5]} 9. Bxd7 {Simplifying into a good position.} Nxd7 10. Qg3 Nxc5 {Black has won a pawn back, but at what cost?} 11. Rd1 Qa5 12. Nge2 {[%cal Be1g1,Bc3d5,Be3d4,Gd4g7,Gg3g7][%csl Rg7] White has great piece development. He will castle and play Nd5 and Bd4 with an attack against Black's King.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 9: 1... d5,"] [Black "2... c5 #10 - 4. Bb5+"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "19 Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4982557"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 c5 {A logical enough move, but one that is not so popular at the higher levels. I believe the reason for this is that it allows White the option of sacrificing a pawn and this way go into an Albin Countergambit, but with an extra tempo. This is a strategy that players of the black pieces will be afraid of meeting. For this course I am going to suggest two set ups for White. I should note that my research has indicated that even with an extra tempo, The Albin Counter Gambit is not such a good opening when analyzing against a computer! On the plus side you will always be attacking...} 3. e4 {This is the move that has put Black off playing 2... c5. We should make those fears come real! Other moves are no threat to Black and allows him easy equality.} dxe4 {Certainly the best move. Other options are weaker. In this chapter I am going to give you two options as to how to play on the 4th move. One is rather more reserved and doesn't sacrifice anything, so is suited to players who prefer minimum risk. The other option is to enter into a famous gambit line that Black plays (The Albin Countergambit) but a tempo up. This is a very fun way to play and would be my personal preference. A safe option is} 4. Bb5+ {With 4 Bb5+ White keeps some pressure on Black yet doesn't go 'all in', as White will win his pawn back by capturing on c5. This check leads to pretty equal positions but Black has to find the more accurate defensive moves. White's plan is to capture on c5 in nearly all positions.} Bd7 {A sensible move that I imagine most players would play.} 5. dxc5 {[%csl Gc5] Regaining the pawn and increasing the pressure along the d-file.} e6 {This is another option but things will likely transpose to the main line as follows:} 6. Be3 {[%cal Ge3c5][%csl Gc5]} Nf6 7. Nge2 {We have transposed to line #12.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 9: 1... d5,"] [Black "2... c5 #11 - 4. Bb5+"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "19 Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883079"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 c5 {A logical enough move, but one that is not so popular at the higher levels. I believe the reason for this is that it allows White the option of sacrificing a pawn and this way go into an Albin Countergambit, but with an extra tempo. This is a strategy that players of the black pieces will be afraid of meeting. For this course I am going to suggest two set ups for White. I should note that my research has indicated that even with an extra tempo, The Albin Counter Gambit is not such a good opening when analyzing against a computer! On the plus side you will always be attacking...} 3. e4 {This is the move that has put Black off playing 2... c5. We should make those fears come real! Other moves are no threat to Black and allows him easy equality.} dxe4 {Certainly the best move. Other options are weaker. In this chapter I am going to give you two options as to how to play on the 4th move. One is rather more reserved and doesn't sacrifice anything, so is suited to players who prefer minimum risk. The other option is to enter into a famous gambit line that Black plays (The Albin Countergambit) but a tempo up. This is a very fun way to play and would be my personal preference. A safe option is} 4. Bb5+ {With 4 Bb5+ White keeps some pressure on Black yet doesn't go 'all in', as White will win his pawn back by capturing on c5. This check leads to pretty equal positions but Black has to find the more accurate defensive moves. White's plan is to capture on c5 in nearly all positions.} Bd7 {A sensible move that I imagine most players would play.} 5. dxc5 {Regaining the pawn and increasing the pressure along the d-file.} Bxb5 {There is no reason for Black to give up castling rights.} 6. Qxd8+ Kxd8 7. Nxb5 {[%cal Bc1e3,Be3f4,Be1c1,Gd1d8][%csl Rd8] With Be3-f4 and O-O-O+ to follow Black has some issues along the d-file.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 9: 1... d5,"] [Black "2... c5 #12 - 4. Bb5+"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "19 Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883080"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 c5 {A logical enough move, but one that is not so popular at the higher levels. I believe the reason for this is that it allows White the option of sacrificing a pawn and this way go into an Albin Countergambit, but with an extra tempo. This is a strategy that players of the black pieces will be afraid of meeting. For this course I am going to suggest two set ups for White. I should note that my research has indicated that even with an extra tempo, The Albin Counter Gambit is not such a good opening when analyzing against a computer! On the plus side you will always be attacking...} 3. e4 {This is the move that has put Black off playing 2... c5. We should make those fears come real! Other moves are no threat to Black and allows him easy equality.} dxe4 {Certainly the best move. Other options are weaker. In this chapter I am going to give you two options as to how to play on the 4th move. One is rather more reserved and doesn't sacrifice anything, so is suited to players who prefer minimum risk. The other option is to enter into a famous gambit line that Black plays (The Albin Countergambit) but a tempo up. This is a very fun way to play and would be my personal preference. A safe option is} 4. Bb5+ {With 4 Bb5+ White keeps some pressure on Black yet doesn't go 'all in', as White will win his pawn back by capturing on c5. This check leads to pretty equal positions but Black has to find the more accurate defensive moves. White's plan is to capture on c5 in nearly all positions.} Bd7 {A sensible move that I imagine most players would play.} 5. dxc5 {Regaining the pawn and increasing the pressure along the d-file.} Nf6 6. Be3 {[%cal Ge3c5][%csl Gc5]} e6 7. Nge2 {A very simple line for White, but again I must stress that White really doesn't have any advantage in such lines. Black has the central pawn mass and, with accurate play, will wriggle out of any minor issues that he has on the d-file.} Qc8 {[%cal Gc8c5,Gf8c5][%csl Rc5] Attacking c5 and making ...Bxb5 a bigger idea, as now there is no Queen to capture on d8.} 8. Qd4 {[%cal Ge3c5,Be1c1,Be2g3,Be1g1][%csl Gc5,Gd4] The position is equal. White should aim to play along the d-file and support his pawn on c5 with an eventual b4. Take a look at model game #26 to gain some more experience with this line.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 9: 1... d5, 2..."] [Black "c5 - Overview 4. d5"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "19 Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883068"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 c5 {A logical enough move, but one that is not so popular at the higher levels. I believe the reason for this is that it allows White the option of sacrificing a pawn and this way go into an Albin Countergambit, but with an extra tempo. This is a strategy that players of the black pieces will be afraid of meeting. For this course I am going to suggest two set ups for White. I should note that my research has indicated that even with an extra tempo, The Albin Counter Gambit is not such a good opening when analyzing against a computer! On the plus side you will always be attacking...} 3. e4 {This is the move that has put Black off playing 2... c5. We should make those fears come real! Other moves are no threat to Black and allows him easy equality.} dxe4 {Certainly the best move. Other options are weaker. In this chapter I am going to give you two options as to how to play on the 4th move. One is rather more reserved and doesn't sacrifice anything, so is suited to players who prefer minimum risk. The other option is to enter into a famous gambit line that Black plays (The Albin Countergambit) but a tempo up. This is a very fun way to play and would be my personal preference.} (3... cxd4 $6 {This allows White to gain too much pressure against d5.} 4. Qxd4 Nc6 {Trying to make a sacrifice of the opening. Not a very successful one though...} (4... dxe4 {This gives White a good initiative after the Queen exchange.} 5. Qxd8+ Kxd8 6. Bf4 {With O-O-O+ to follow. White can often win the pawn back on e4, but first he should think about plans with Nb5 and Nd5. This position is uncomfortable for Black. A sample line is as follows:} 6... Nf6 {Holding on to Black's one trump, the extra pawn on e4.} 7. O-O-O+ Bd7 8. f3 $1 {A logical follow up, which is actually quite a common theme in a number of these gambit lines. White quickly brings his Knight on g1 into the game.} 8... exf3 9. Nxf3 Ke8 {The only move.} 10. Nb5 Bxb5 (10... Na6 {This runs into problems.} 11. Ne5 {The pressure is becoming too much.} 11... Bc6 12. Nxc6 bxc6 {Now White has a clever and devastating move:} 13. g3 $1 {This has the following idea:} 13... cxb5 14. Bxb5+ Nd7 15. Bxd7+ Kd8 16. Bb5+ Kc8 17. Bxa6# {A pretty checkmate!}) 11. Bxb5+ Nc6 12. Ne5 {White has a great attack and is doing well.}) 5. Qxd5 Bd7 {Black has ideas of ...Nf6 and some play. I doubt it is enough though.} 6. a3 {A safe move to stop anything nasty coming into b4.} 6... Nf6 7. Qd3 e5 8. Nf3 {White will castle soon with an extra pawn. This can't be bad!}) (3... e6 $6 {This is far too timid.} 4. exd5 exd5 5. dxc5 {White has immediate pressure against the isolated pawn on d5 with an advantage.}) 4. d5 {This is a reversed Albin Countergambit with an extra tempo. According to my work this does require a leap of faith. White gets good practical chances but Black is fine and even better with perfect play.} Nf6 {We have reached the Albin Counter Gambit a tempo up for White. White now has a number of options. For the sake of this course we will concentrate on the straightforward approach of playing Bf4, a typical idea in the Albin. I must say that after the research that I have done here, I don't have a lot of faith in the Albin, even with an extra tempo! So, the main line I am giving ends in a draw by perpetual check after following some long computer lines. Practically though the Albin does give White a fun and exciting game with great practical chances. If you want something more stable then 4 Bb5+ is the way to play.} 5. Bf4 ({Other options that I spent some time investigating included} 5. f3 {,}) (5. Nge2 $5) ({and} 5. Bg5 {. However, 5 Bf4 is very logical. The Bishop on f4 finds a good diagonal where we can meet ....e6 with d6 or ...g6 with Qd2 and Bh6. And there cannot be anything wrong with developing a piece! This position is often more commonly arrived at via the move order 1 d4 d5 2 Bf4 c5 3 e4 dxe4 4 d5 Nf6 5 Nc3 which some of you could find useful if you also play the straight London System, as this is a dangerous plan against 2... c5 there as well.}) a6 {This is the move that most top players pick. Black rules out the idea of any White piece coming to b5, a sensible approach. This combined with ...g6 is the best approach for Black, according to my research.} (5... e6 {This move aims to break the tension immediately, but it does allow the following response.} 6. Bb5+ $1 {This is a very annoying check for Black to cope with.} 6... Bd7 (6... Nbd7 $6 {Here the Knight just gets in the way of Black's pieces.} 7. dxe6 fxe6 8. Qe2 {White will follow up with O-O-O and a great game. Here is a sample line.} 8... a6 9. Bc4 Nb6 10. Rd1 Qe7 11. Be5 $1 {White is in no rush to capture the pawn, but instead aims for Nh3 and Ng5 in some cases. This is a great position for White.}) 7. dxe6 fxe6 (7... Bxb5 $2 {This loses a pawn because White has an intermezzo.} 8. exf7+ Ke7 {Black can't recapture the pawn because his Queen would be hanging.} 9. Qxd8+ Kxd8 10. Nxb5 $19 {White has an extra pawn and, with O-O-O to follow, a winning initiative.}) 8. Qe2 {White is doing well and will more likely than not win a pawn back at some point.} 8... Nc6 9. Bxc6 {Exchanging the Knight before Black is able to play ...Nd4.} 9... Bxc6 10. Nh3 {With Ng5 on its way. White will soon regain the pawn.}) (5... g6 {This allows the following move.} 6. Nb5 {This is annoying for Black as we saw in the introductory game. But again, according to computer analysis Black is doing ok.} 6... Na6 7. d6 $1 {This pawn forces an opening in the position.} 7... Qa5+ $5 {This is an interesting new idea.} (7... Bg4 8. f3 {This pawn sacrifice gives White plenty of play.} exf3 9. Nxf3 Bg7 10. Bc4 {Natural quick development.} 10... O-O 11. O-O {White is very active for his pawn. He can concentrate his forces down the e- and d-files.}) (7... exd6 {This was seen earlier.} 8. Nxd6+ Bxd6 9. Qxd6 $1 {This is actually the best way to play. White has plenty of compensation for the pawn.} 9... Qxd6 {The dangerous Queen should be removed!} 10. Bxd6 {White has an edge with Black's King stuck in the centre. One idea is the simple Bxa6 and Bxc5, but also natural moves like O-O-O and Bb5+ will prove to be very difficult for Black.}) 8. c3 Be6 $5 {Black wants ...Rd8 in order to target the d6-pawn!} 9. Nh3 $1 {White must act quickly.} 9... Rd8 10. b4 $5 {Leading to more chaos!} 10... cxb4 11. cxb4 Nxb4 {11... Qxb4+ loses to 12 Bd2.} 12. Nc7+ {The point. White will get castled!} 12... Kd7 13. Bb5+ Kc8 14. O-O {With an exciting position and mutual chances for both sides. On the positive it is White who is attacking! White can now coordinate his forces against Black's King with Rc1, a4 and Qd4 etc.}) 6. f3 ({In my opinion this is the best move against 5... a6. I spent ages (days!) trying to make GM Luc Winants idea of 6. Qe2 to work, but without joy.} 6. Qe2 {is the most popular move at top level, but I believe it to be inferior to 6 f3. For those chess scholars out there, the line that I could not find an answer to was the following.} 6... g6 $1 {and now two lines which both look worse for White.} 7. Nxe4 Nxe4 8. Qxe4 Bg7 9. O-O-O O-O 10. Qe3 {(given a '!' in many sources)} 10... Nd7 $1 {a new move which is very strong!} 11. Bh6 Bxh6 $1 12. Qxh6 Nf6 {and Black is better. One of the key lines being} 13. h4 Qa5 14. a3 $5 b5 $1 15. h5 b4 16. hxg6 Bg4 $3 {which the computer confirms as being good for Black. This is all unplayed as yet, and maybe a good weapon for any players playing this line as Black!}) ({After} 6. Qe2 g6 7. O-O-O {, White's position also didn't impress me after} 7... Bg7 8. d6 $5 e6 $1 {which again is given as a nice advantage to Black by the computer.}) {6 f3!? looks logical to me as Black has wasted some time playing 5... a6. So lets concentrate on bringing our pieces into the game as quickly as possible.} exf3 7. Nxf3 {A rare position, but one that I believe offers White plenty of good attacking chances.} g6 {The most logical way to develop.} 8. Qd2 Bg7 9. O-O-O O-O {So how to continue now? The computer does give a line with 10 Be2 as being best, so we will stick with that for now. A decent waiting move that develops the last piece. However, this is a position that requires some investigation as other tempting moves include Bh6, h4 and even d6.} 10. Be2 b5 {This is a hard move to resist!} 11. Ne5 {An important idea. White decides to play in the center, making it hard for Black to play ...Nbd7 due to Nc6.} b4 {The most aggressive, where now the computer indicates the position is equal after the following moves.} 12. Na4 Bd7 {A hard move to find! Only computer preparation would find such an idea.} 13. Nxc5 {We now enter a tactical line, with some very violent moves being played from both sides!} Qa5 {Starting an attack against a2.} 14. Ncxd7 Nbxd7 (14... Qxa2 {This is met as follows:} 15. Nxf6+ exf6 16. Qxb4 {And now Black cannot regain his piece.} 16... fxe5 17. Bc4 $1 Qa1+ 18. Kd2 {Black's Queen is trapped.}) 15. Nc6 {This leads to a complete mess.} Qxa2 16. Qxb4 {White is material up but Black does have some initative. This is given as 0.00 and remains a very interesting position. If this is too much for you then do go and have a look at the safer 4 Bb5+. I will show you the two critcial lines now.} Ne4 {This looks best. Black forces a draw this way.} (16... Nxd5 {This leads to a sequence of tactical moves.} 17. Rxd5 Qa1+ 18. Kd2 Qxh1 19. Rxd7 Qxg2 20. Qb7 Qf2 21. Nxe7+ Kh8 22. Qf3 {With a very unclear position.}) 17. Qxe4 {And White should take the Knight, other options just look too scary.} Qxb2+ 18. Kd2 Qc3+ 19. Kc1 {Here Black has numerous ways to force a draw. So you may be wondering, why is Simon suggesting this line? I do feel like I need to explain in more detail. • 1) The Albin Counter gambit is slightly dodgy, even with an extra tempo when playing and analyzing with a computer. • 2) This line seems to be one of the best 'according to the computer', with fighting chess and an exciting draw. • 3) Black will very unlikely find the moves that I have shown here, unless he is very well prepared. • 4) When playing Gambit lines like the Albin you have to enter into them with hope and a brave heart. Yes, if Black plays properly he may get a fine position, but he has to dodge a lot of bullets. And if you do not like this, then there is always the option of playing 4 Bb5+.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 9: 1... d5,"] [Black "2... c5 #13 - 4. d5"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "19 Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883081"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 c5 {A logical enough move, but one that is not so popular at the higher levels. I believe the reason for this is that it allows White the option of sacrificing a pawn and this way go into an Albin Countergambit, but with an extra tempo. This is a strategy that players of the black pieces will be afraid of meeting. For this course I am going to suggest two set ups for White. I should note that my research has indicated that even with an extra tempo, The Albin Counter Gambit is not such a good opening when analyzing against a computer! On the plus side you will always be attacking...} 3. e4 {This is the move that has put Black off playing 2... c5. We should make those fears come real! Other moves are no threat to Black and allows him easy equality.} dxe4 {Certainly the best move. Other options are weaker. In this chapter I am going to give you two options as to how to play on the 4th move. One is rather more reserved and doesn't sacrifice anything, so is suited to players who prefer minimum risk. The other option is to enter into a famous gambit line that Black plays (The Albin Countergambit) but a tempo up. This is a very fun way to play and would be my personal preference.} 4. d5 {This is a reversed Albin Countergambit with an extra tempo. According to my work this does require a leap of faith. White gets good practical chances but Black is fine and even better with perfect play.} Nf6 {We have reached the Albin Counter Gambit a tempo up for White. White now has a number of options. For the sake of this course we will concentrate on the straightforward approach of playing Bf4, a typical idea in the Albin. I must say that after the research that I have done here, I don't have a lot of faith in the Albin, even with an extra tempo! So, the main line I am giving ends in a draw by perpetual check after following some long computer lines. Practically though the Albin does give White a fun and exciting game with great practical chances. If you want something more stable then 4 Bb5+ is the way to play.} 5. Bf4 {[%cal Bd1d2,Be1c1] The Bishop on f4 finds a good diagonal where we can meet ....e6 with d6 or ...g6 with Qd2 and Bh6. And there cannot be anything wrong with developing a piece! This position is often more commonly arrived at via the move order 1 d4 d5 2 Bf4 c5 3 e4 dxe4 4 d5 Nf6 5 Nc3 which some of you could find useful if you also play the straight London System, as this is a dangerous plan against 2... c5 there as well.} e6 {This move aims to break the tension immediately, but it does allow the following response.} 6. Bb5+ {This is a very annoying check for Black to cope with.} Nbd7 {Here the Knight just gets in the way of Black's pieces.} 7. dxe6 fxe6 8. Qe2 {[%cal Be1c1,Gd1d8,Ge2e4,Gc3e4][%csl Re6,Re4,Rd8] White will follow up with O-O-O and a great game. Here is a sample line.} a6 9. Bc4 {[%cal Gc4e6][%csl Re6]} Nb6 10. Rd1 {[%cal Gd1d8][%csl Rd8]} Qe7 11. Be5 {[%cal Bg1h3,Bh3g5] White is in no rush to capture the pawn, but instead aims for Nh3 and Ng5 in some cases. This is a great position for White.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 9: 1... d5,"] [Black "2... c5 #14 - 4. d5"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "19 Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883082"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 c5 {A logical enough move, but one that is not so popular at the higher levels. I believe the reason for this is that it allows White the option of sacrificing a pawn and this way go into an Albin Countergambit, but with an extra tempo. This is a strategy that players of the black pieces will be afraid of meeting. For this course I am going to suggest two set ups for White. I should note that my research has indicated that even with an extra tempo, The Albin Counter Gambit is not such a good opening when analyzing against a computer! On the plus side you will always be attacking...} 3. e4 {This is the move that has put Black off playing 2... c5. We should make those fears come real! Other moves are no threat to Black and allows him easy equality.} dxe4 {Certainly the best move. Other options are weaker. In this chapter I am going to give you two options as to how to play on the 4th move. One is rather more reserved and doesn't sacrifice anything, so is suited to players who prefer minimum risk. The other option is to enter into a famous gambit line that Black plays (The Albin Countergambit) but a tempo up. This is a very fun way to play and would be my personal preference.} 4. d5 {This is a reversed Albin Countergambit with an extra tempo. According to my work this does require a leap of faith. White gets good practical chances but Black is fine and even better with perfect play.} Nf6 {We have reached the Albin Counter Gambit a tempo up for White. White now has a number of options. For the sake of this course we will concentrate on the straightforward approach of playing Bf4, a typical idea in the Albin. I must say that after the research that I have done here, I don't have a lot of faith in the Albin, even with an extra tempo! So, the main line I am giving ends in a draw by perpetual check after following some long computer lines. Practically though the Albin does give White a fun and exciting game with great practical chances. If you want something more stable then 4 Bb5+ is the way to play.} 5. Bf4 {Other options that I spent some time investigating included 5 f3, 5 Nge2!? and 5 Bg5. However, 5 Bf4 is very logical. The Bishop on f4 finds a good diagonal where we can meet ....e6 with d6 or ...g6 with Qd2 and Bh6. And there cannot be anything wrong with developing a piece! This position is often more commonly arrived at via the move order 1 d4 d5 2 Bf4 c5 3 e4 dxe4 4 d5 Nf6 5 Nc3 which some of you could find useful if you also play the straight London System, as this is a dangerous plan against 2... c5 there as well.} e6 {This move aims to break the tension immediately, but it does allow the following response.} 6. Bb5+ {This is a very annoying check for Black to cope with.} Bd7 7. dxe6 {[%cal Be6f7][%csl Rf7,Rd7]} Bxb5 {This loses a pawn because White has an intermezzo.} 8. exf7+ {[%cal Gd1d8][%csl Rd8]} Ke7 {Black can't recapture the pawn because his Queen would be hanging.} 9. Qxd8+ Kxd8 10. Nxb5 {[%cal Be1c1,Bb5d6,Gd1d8][%csl Gf7] White has an extra pawn and, with O-O-O to follow, a winning initiative.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 9: 1... d5,"] [Black "2... c5 #15 - 4. d5"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "19 Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883083"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 c5 {A logical enough move, but one that is not so popular at the higher levels. I believe the reason for this is that it allows White the option of sacrificing a pawn and this way go into an Albin Countergambit, but with an extra tempo. This is a strategy that players of the black pieces will be afraid of meeting. For this course I am going to suggest two set ups for White. I should note that my research has indicated that even with an extra tempo, The Albin Counter Gambit is not such a good opening when analyzing against a computer! On the plus side you will always be attacking...} 3. e4 {This is the move that has put Black off playing 2... c5. We should make those fears come real! Other moves are no threat to Black and allows him easy equality.} dxe4 {Certainly the best move. Other options are weaker. In this chapter I am going to give you two options as to how to play on the 4th move. One is rather more reserved and doesn't sacrifice anything, so is suited to players who prefer minimum risk. The other option is to enter into a famous gambit line that Black plays (The Albin Countergambit) but a tempo up. This is a very fun way to play and would be my personal preference.} 4. d5 {This is a reversed Albin Countergambit with an extra tempo. According to my work this does require a leap of faith. White gets good practical chances but Black is fine and even better with perfect play.} Nf6 {We have reached the Albin Counter Gambit a tempo up for White. White now has a number of options. For the sake of this course we will concentrate on the straightforward approach of playing Bf4, a typical idea in the Albin. I must say that after the research that I have done here, I don't have a lot of faith in the Albin, even with an extra tempo! So, the main line I am giving ends in a draw by perpetual check after following some long computer lines. Practically though the Albin does give White a fun and exciting game with great practical chances. If you want something more stable then 4 Bb5+ is the way to play.} 5. Bf4 {Other options that I spent some time investigating included 5 f3, 5 Nge2!? and 5 Bg5. However, 5 Bf4 is very logical. The Bishop on f4 finds a good diagonal where we can meet ....e6 with d6 or ...g6 with Qd2 and Bh6. And there cannot be anything wrong with developing a piece! This position is often more commonly arrived at via the move order 1 d4 d5 2 Bf4 c5 3 e4 dxe4 4 d5 Nf6 5 Nc3 which some of you could find useful if you also play the straight London System, as this is a dangerous plan against 2... c5 there as well.} e6 {This move aims to break the tension immediately, but it does allow the following response.} 6. Bb5+ {This is a very annoying check for Black to cope with.} Bd7 7. dxe6 fxe6 8. Qe2 {[%cal Gc3e4,Ge2e4,Bg1h3,Bh3g5,Gg5e4,Gg5e6][%csl Re4] White is doing well and will more likely than not win a pawn back at some point.} Nc6 {[%cal Bc6d4]} 9. Bxc6 {Exchanging the Knight before Black is able to play ...Nd4.} Bxc6 10. Nh3 {[%cal Bh3g5,Gg5e6,Gg5e4] With Ng5 on its way. White will soon regain the pawn.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 9: 1... d5,"] [Black "2... c5 #16 - 4. d5"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "19 Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883084"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 c5 {A logical enough move, but one that is not so popular at the higher levels. I believe the reason for this is that it allows White the option of sacrificing a pawn and this way go into an Albin Countergambit, but with an extra tempo. This is a strategy that players of the black pieces will be afraid of meeting. For this course I am going to suggest two set ups for White. I should note that my research has indicated that even with an extra tempo, The Albin Counter Gambit is not such a good opening when analyzing against a computer! On the plus side you will always be attacking...} 3. e4 {This is the move that has put Black off playing 2... c5. We should make those fears come real! Other moves are no threat to Black and allows him easy equality.} dxe4 {Certainly the best move. Other options are weaker. In this chapter I am going to give you two options as to how to play on the 4th move. One is rather more reserved and doesn't sacrifice anything, so is suited to players who prefer minimum risk. The other option is to enter into a famous gambit line that Black plays (The Albin Countergambit) but a tempo up. This is a very fun way to play and would be my personal preference.} 4. d5 {This is a reversed Albin Countergambit with an extra tempo. According to my work this does require a leap of faith. White gets good practical chances but Black is fine and even better with perfect play.} Nf6 {We have reached the Albin Counter Gambit a tempo up for White. White now has a number of options. For the sake of this course we will concentrate on the straightforward approach of playing Bf4, a typical idea in the Albin. I must say that after the research that I have done here, I don't have a lot of faith in the Albin, even with an extra tempo! So, the main line I am giving ends in a draw by perpetual check after following some long computer lines. Practically though the Albin does give White a fun and exciting game with great practical chances. If you want something more stable then 4 Bb5+ is the way to play.} 5. Bf4 {Other options that I spent some time investigating included 5 f3, 5 Nge2!? and 5 Bg5. However, 5 Bf4 is very logical. The Bishop on f4 finds a good diagonal where we can meet ....e6 with d6 or ...g6 with Qd2 and Bh6. And there cannot be anything wrong with developing a piece! This position is often more commonly arrived at via the move order 1 d4 d5 2 Bf4 c5 3 e4 dxe4 4 d5 Nf6 5 Nc3 which some of you could find useful if you also play the straight London System, as this is a dangerous plan against 2... c5 there as well.} g6 {This allows the following move.} 6. Nb5 {[%cal Gb5c7,Gf4c7][%csl Rc7] This is annoying for Black as we saw in the common ideas section. But again, according to computer analysis Black is doing ok.} Na6 7. d6 {This pawn forces an opening in the position.} Bg4 {[%cal Gg4d1][%csl Rd1]} 8. f3 {[%cal Be4f3,Bg1f3] This pawn sacrifice gives White plenty of play.} exf3 9. Nxf3 Bg7 10. Bc4 {Natural quick development.} O-O 11. O-O {[%cal Gd1d6,Ge1e7,Bc2c3][%csl Gd6,Re7] White is very active for his pawn. He can concentrate his forces down the e- and d-files.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 9: 1... d5,"] [Black "2... c5 #17 - 4. d5"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "19 Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883085"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 c5 {A logical enough move, but one that is not so popular at the higher levels. I believe the reason for this is that it allows White the option of sacrificing a pawn and this way go into an Albin Countergambit, but with an extra tempo. This is a strategy that players of the black pieces will be afraid of meeting. For this course I am going to suggest two set ups for White. I should note that my research has indicated that even with an extra tempo, The Albin Counter Gambit is not such a good opening when analyzing against a computer! On the plus side you will always be attacking...} 3. e4 {This is the move that has put Black off playing 2... c5. We should make those fears come real! Other moves are no threat to Black and allows him easy equality.} dxe4 {Certainly the best move. Other options are weaker. In this chapter I am going to give you two options as to how to play on the 4th move. One is rather more reserved and doesn't sacrifice anything, so is suited to players who prefer minimum risk. The other option is to enter into a famous gambit line that Black plays (The Albin Countergambit) but a tempo up. This is a very fun way to play and would be my personal preference.} 4. d5 {This is a reversed Albin Countergambit with an extra tempo. According to my work this does require a leap of faith. White gets good practical chances but Black is fine and even better with perfect play.} Nf6 {We have reached the Albin Counter Gambit a tempo up for White. White now has a number of options. For the sake of this course we will concentrate on the straightforward approach of playing Bf4, a typical idea in the Albin. I must say that after the research that I have done here, I don't have a lot of faith in the Albin, even with an extra tempo! So, the main line I am giving ends in a draw by perpetual check after following some long computer lines. Practically though the Albin does give White a fun and exciting game with great practical chances. If you want something more stable then 4 Bb5+ is the way to play.} 5. Bf4 {Other options that I spent some time investigating included 5 f3, 5 Nge2!? and 5 Bg5. However, 5 Bf4 is very logical. The Bishop on f4 finds a good diagonal where we can meet ....e6 with d6 or ...g6 with Qd2 and Bh6. And there cannot be anything wrong with developing a piece! This position is often more commonly arrived at via the move order 1 d4 d5 2 Bf4 c5 3 e4 dxe4 4 d5 Nf6 5 Nc3 which some of you could find useful if you also play the straight London System, as this is a dangerous plan against 2... c5 there as well.} g6 {This allows the following move.} 6. Nb5 {This is annoying for Black as we saw in the introductory game. But again, according to computer analysis Black is doing ok.} Na6 7. d6 {This pawn forces an opening in the position.} exd6 {This was seen earlier.} 8. Nxd6+ {[%csl Re8]} Bxd6 9. Qxd6 {This is actually the best way to play. White has plenty of compensation for the pawn.} Qxd6 {The dangerous Queen should be removed!} 10. Bxd6 {[%cal Be1c1,Bf1a6,Gd6c5,Bf1b5][%csl Rc5] White has an edge with Black's King stuck in the centre. One idea is the simple Bxa6 and Bxc5, but also natural moves like O-O-O and Bb5+ will prove to be very difficult for Black.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 9: 1... d5,"] [Black "2... c5 #18 - 4. d5"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "19 Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883086"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 c5 {A logical enough move, but one that is not so popular at the higher levels. I believe the reason for this is that it allows White the option of sacrificing a pawn and this way go into an Albin Countergambit, but with an extra tempo. This is a strategy that players of the black pieces will be afraid of meeting. For this course I am going to suggest two set ups for White. I should note that my research has indicated that even with an extra tempo, The Albin Counter Gambit is not such a good opening when analyzing against a computer! On the plus side you will always be attacking...} 3. e4 {This is the move that has put Black off playing 2... c5. We should make those fears come real! Other moves are no threat to Black and allows him easy equality.} dxe4 {Certainly the best move. Other options are weaker. In this chapter I am going to give you two options as to how to play on the 4th move. One is rather more reserved and doesn't sacrifice anything, so is suited to players who prefer minimum risk. The other option is to enter into a famous gambit line that Black plays (The Albin Countergambit) but a tempo up. This is a very fun way to play and would be my personal preference.} 4. d5 {This is a reversed Albin Countergambit with an extra tempo. According to my work this does require a leap of faith. White gets good practical chances but Black is fine and even better with perfect play.} Nf6 {We have reached the Albin Counter Gambit a tempo up for White. White now has a number of options. For the sake of this course we will concentrate on the straightforward approach of playing Bf4, a typical idea in the Albin. I must say that after the research that I have done here, I don't have a lot of faith in the Albin, even with an extra tempo! So, the main line I am giving ends in a draw by perpetual check after following some long computer lines. Practically though the Albin does give White a fun and exciting game with great practical chances. If you want something more stable then 4 Bb5+ is the way to play.} 5. Bf4 {Other options that I spent some time investigating included 5 f3, 5 Nge2!? and 5 Bg5. However, 5 Bf4 is very logical. The Bishop on f4 finds a good diagonal where we can meet ....e6 with d6 or ...g6 with Qd2 and Bh6. And there cannot be anything wrong with developing a piece! This position is often more commonly arrived at via the move order 1 d4 d5 2 Bf4 c5 3 e4 dxe4 4 d5 Nf6 5 Nc3 which some of you could find useful if you also play the straight London System, as this is a dangerous plan against 2... c5 there as well.} g6 {This allows the following move.} 6. Nb5 {This is annoying for Black as we saw in the introductory game. But again, according to computer analysis Black is doing ok.} Na6 7. d6 {This pawn forces an opening in the position.} Qa5+ {This is an interesting new idea.} 8. c3 Be6 {[%cal Ba8d8,Gd8d6][%csl Rd6] Black wants to play ...Rd8 in order to target the d6-pawn!} 9. Nh3 {White must act quickly. At the same time Black's Rook will allow some tactics when on d8, which explains our strange Knight move.} Rd8 10. b4 {[%csl Ra5] Leading to more chaos!} cxb4 11. cxb4 Nxb4 {[%cal Ga5e1][%csl Re1]} (11... Qxb4+ {loses to} 12. Bd2 {. After} 12... Qc5 13. Rc1 Qh5 14. Qa4 $1 {White is threatening the deadly double check Nc7+. only} 14... Bd7 {prevents this, but that in turn allows} 15. Qxa6 $1 {because of the threat of Nc7 mate - this wasn't possible without the rook on d8!}) 12. Nc7+ {[%cal Bf1b5,Be1g1] The point. White can play Bb5+ with gain of tempo and will get castled!} Kd7 13. Bb5+ Kc8 14. O-O {[%cal Ba2a4,Ba1c1,Bd1d4][%csl Rc8] With an exciting position and mutual chances for both sides. On the positive it is White who is attacking! White can now coordinate his forces against Black's King with Rc1, a4 and Qd4 etc.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 9: 1... d5,"] [Black "2... c5 #19 - 4. d5"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "19 Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883087"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 c5 {A logical enough move, but one that is not so popular at the higher levels. I believe the reason for this is that it allows White the option of sacrificing a pawn and this way go into an Albin Countergambit, but with an extra tempo. This is a strategy that players of the black pieces will be afraid of meeting. For this course I am going to suggest two set ups for White. I should note that my research has indicated that even with an extra tempo, The Albin Counter Gambit is not such a good opening when analyzing against a computer! On the plus side you will always be attacking...} 3. e4 {This is the move that has put Black off playing 2... c5. We should make those fears come real! Other moves are no threat to Black and allows him easy equality.} dxe4 {Certainly the best move. Other options are weaker. In this chapter I am going to give you two options as to how to play on the 4th move. One is rather more reserved and doesn't sacrifice anything, so is suited to players who prefer minimum risk. The other option is to enter into a famous gambit line that Black plays (The Albin Countergambit) but a tempo up. This is a very fun way to play and would be my personal preference.} 4. d5 {This is a reversed Albin Countergambit with an extra tempo. According to my work this does require a leap of faith. White gets good practical chances but Black is fine and even better with perfect play.} Nf6 {We have reached the Albin Counter Gambit a tempo up for White. White now has a number of options. For the sake of this course we will concentrate on the straightforward approach of playing Bf4, a typical idea in the Albin. I must say that after the research that I have done here, I don't have a lot of faith in the Albin, even with an extra tempo! So, the main line I am giving ends in a draw by perpetual check after following some long computer lines. Practically though the Albin does give White a fun and exciting game with great practical chances. If you want something more stable then 4 Bb5+ is the way to play.} 5. Bf4 {Other options that I spent some time investigating included 5 f3, 5 Nge2!? and 5 Bg5. However, 5 Bf4 is very logical. The Bishop on f4 finds a good diagonal where we can meet ....e6 with d6 or ...g6 with Qd2 and Bh6. And there cannot be anything wrong with developing a piece! This position is often more commonly arrived at via the move order 1 d4 d5 2 Bf4 c5 3 e4 dxe4 4 d5 Nf6 5 Nc3 which some of you could find useful if you also play the straight London System, as this is a dangerous plan against 2... c5 there as well.} a6 {This is the move that most top players pick. Black rules out the idea of any White piece coming to b5, a sensible approach. This combined with ...g6 is the best approach for Black, according to my research.} 6. f3 {[%cal Be4f3,Bg1f3] In my opinion this is the best move against 5... a6. I spent ages (days!) trying to make GM Luc Winants idea of 6. Qe2 to work, but without joy - see Theory 9: 4. d5 overview for details. 6 f3!? looks logical to me as Black has wasted some time playing 5... a6. So lets concentrate on bringing our pieces into the game as quickly as possible.} exf3 7. Nxf3 {A rare position, but one that I believe offers White plenty of good attacking chances.} g6 {The most logical way to develop.} 8. Qd2 {[%cal Be1c1]} Bg7 9. O-O-O O-O {So how to continue now? The computer does give a line with 10 Be2 as being best, so we will stick with that for now. A decent waiting move that develops the last piece. However, this is a position that requires some investigation as other tempting moves include Bh6, h4 and even d6.} 10. Be2 b5 {This is a hard move to resist!} 11. Ne5 {[%cal Ge5c6][%csl Ge5] An important idea. White decides to play in the center, making it hard for Black to play ...Nbd7 due to Nc6.} b4 {The most aggressive, where now the computer indicates the position is equal after the following moves.} 12. Na4 {[%cal Ga4c5][%csl Rc5]} Bd7 {A hard move to find! Only computer preparation would find such an idea.} 13. Nxc5 {We now enter a tactical line, with some very violent moves being played from both sides!} Qa5 {[%csl Ra2,Rd7] Starting an attack against a2.} 14. Ncxd7 Qxa2 {This is met as follows:} 15. Nxf6+ exf6 16. Qxb4 {[%cal Ba2a1,Bc1d2] And now Black cannot regain his piece.} fxe5 17. Bc4 {[%csl Ra2]} Qa1+ 18. Kd2 {[%cal Bd1a1,Gc4a2,Gb4a3,Gb4b2,Gb4a4,Gb4a5][%csl Ra1] Black's Queen is trapped.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 9: 1... d5,"] [Black "2... c5 #20 - 4. d5"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "19 Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883088"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 c5 {A logical enough move, but one that is not so popular at the higher levels. I believe the reason for this is that it allows White the option of sacrificing a pawn and this way go into an Albin Countergambit, but with an extra tempo. This is a strategy that players of the black pieces will be afraid of meeting. For this course I am going to suggest two set ups for White. I should note that my research has indicated that even with an extra tempo, The Albin Counter Gambit is not such a good opening when analyzing against a computer! On the plus side you will always be attacking...} 3. e4 {This is the move that has put Black off playing 2... c5. We should make those fears come real! Other moves are no threat to Black and allows him easy equality.} dxe4 {Certainly the best move. Other options are weaker. In this chapter I am going to give you two options as to how to play on the 4th move. One is rather more reserved and doesn't sacrifice anything, so is suited to players who prefer minimum risk. The other option is to enter into a famous gambit line that Black plays (The Albin Countergambit) but a tempo up. This is a very fun way to play and would be my personal preference.} 4. d5 {This is a reversed Albin Countergambit with an extra tempo. According to my work this does require a leap of faith. White gets good practical chances but Black is fine and even better with perfect play.} Nf6 {We have reached the Albin Counter Gambit a tempo up for White. White now has a number of options. For the sake of this course we will concentrate on the straightforward approach of playing Bf4, a typical idea in the Albin. I must say that after the research that I have done here, I don't have a lot of faith in the Albin, even with an extra tempo! So, the main line I am giving ends in a draw by perpetual check after following some long computer lines. Practically though the Albin does give White a fun and exciting game with great practical chances. If you want something more stable then 4 Bb5+ is the way to play.} 5. Bf4 {Other options that I spent some time investigating included 5 f3, 5 Nge2!? and 5 Bg5. However, 5 Bf4 is very logical. The Bishop on f4 finds a good diagonal where we can meet ....e6 with d6 or ...g6 with Qd2 and Bh6. And there cannot be anything wrong with developing a piece! This position is often more commonly arrived at via the move order 1 d4 d5 2 Bf4 c5 3 e4 dxe4 4 d5 Nf6 5 Nc3 which some of you could find useful if you also play the straight London System, as this is a dangerous plan against 2... c5 there as well.} a6 {This is the move that most top players pick. Black rules out the idea of any White piece coming to b5, a sensible approach. This combined with ...g6 is the best approach for Black, according to my research.} 6. f3 {In my opinion this is the best move against 5... a6. I spent ages (days!) trying to make GM Luc Winants idea of 6 Qe2 to work, but without joy. 6 Qe2 is the most popular move at top level, but I believe it to be inferior to 6 f3.} ({For those chess scholars out there, the line that I could not find an answer to was the following.} 6. Qe2 g6 $1 {and now two lines which both look worse for White.} 7. Nxe4 Nxe4 8. Qxe4 Bg7 9. O-O-O O-O 10. Qe3 {(given a '!' in many sources)} 10... Nd7 $1 {a new move which is very strong!} 11. Bh6 Bxh6 $1 12. Qxh6 Nf6 {and Black is better. One of the key lines being} 13. h4 Qa5 14. a3 $5 b5 $1 15. h5 b4 16. hxg6 Bg4 $3 {which the computer confirms as being good for Black. This is all unplayed as yet, and maybe a good weapon for any players playing this line as Black}) ({After} 6. Qe2 g6 $1 {, the move} 7. O-O-O {also didn't impress me after} 7... Bg7 8. d6 $5 e6 $1 {which again is given as a nice advantage to Black by the computer.}) {6 f3!? looks logical to me as Black has wasted some time playing 5... a6. So lets concentrate on bringing our pieces into the game as quickly as possible.} exf3 7. Nxf3 {A rare position, but one that I believe offers White plenty of good attacking chances.} g6 {The most logical way to develop.} 8. Qd2 Bg7 9. O-O-O O-O {So how to continue now? The computer does give a line with 10 Be2 as being best, so we will stick with that for now. A decent waiting move that develops the last piece. However, this is a position that requires some investigation as other tempting moves include Bh6, h4 and even d6.} 10. Be2 b5 {This is a hard move to resist!} 11. Ne5 {An important idea. White decides to play in the center, making it hard for Black to play ...Nbd7 due to Nc6.} b4 {The most aggressive, where now the computer indicates the position is equal after the following moves.} 12. Na4 Bd7 {A hard move to find! Only computer preparation would find such an idea.} 13. Nxc5 {We now enter a tactical line, with some very violent moves being played from both sides!} Qa5 {Starting an attack against a2.} 14. Ncxd7 Nbxd7 15. Nc6 {[%csl Ra5,Re7,Gc6] This leads to a complete mess.} Qxa2 {[%cal Ba2a1][%csl Rc1]} 16. Qxb4 {[%cal Ba2a1,Bc1d2] White is material up but Black does have some initative. This is given as 0.00 and remains a very interesting position. If this is too much for you then do go and have a look at the safer 4 Bb5+. I will show you the two critcial lines now.} Nxd5 {[%cal Bd1d5,Ba2a1,Ga1h1][%csl Rh1] This leads to a sequence of tactical moves.} 17. Rxd5 Qa1+ 18. Kd2 Qxh1 19. Rxd7 Qxg2 20. Qb7 {[%cal Gb7g2,Bc6e7][%csl Rg2]} Qf2 {[%cal Gf2f4][%csl Rf4]} 21. Nxe7+ Kh8 22. Qf3 {With a very unclear position.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 9: 1... d5,"] [Black "2... c5 #21 - 4. d5"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "19 Theory 9 (2... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883089"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 c5 {A logical enough move, but one that is not so popular at the higher levels. I believe the reason for this is that it allows White the option of sacrificing a pawn and this way go into an Albin Countergambit, but with an extra tempo. This is a strategy that players of the black pieces will be afraid of meeting. For this course I am going to suggest two set ups for White. I should note that my research has indicated that even with an extra tempo, The Albin Counter Gambit is not such a good opening when analyzing against a computer! On the plus side you will always be attacking...} 3. e4 {This is the move that has put Black off playing 2... c5. We should make those fears come real! Other moves are no threat to Black and allows him easy equality.} dxe4 {Certainly the best move. Other options are weaker. In this chapter I am going to give you two options as to how to play on the 4th move. One is rather more reserved and doesn't sacrifice anything, so is suited to players who prefer minimum risk. The other option is to enter into a famous gambit line that Black plays (The Albin Countergambit) but a tempo up. This is a very fun way to play and would be my personal preference.} 4. d5 {This is a reversed Albin Countergambit with an extra tempo. According to my work this does require a leap of faith. White gets good practical chances but Black is fine and even better with perfect play.} Nf6 {We have reached the Albin Counter Gambit a tempo up for White. White now has a number of options. For the sake of this course we will concentrate on the straightforward approach of playing Bf4, a typical idea in the Albin. I must say that after the research that I have done here, I don't have a lot of faith in the Albin, even with an extra tempo! So, the main line I am giving ends in a draw by perpetual check after following some long computer lines. Practically though the Albin does give White a fun and exciting game with great practical chances. If you want something more stable then 4 Bb5+ is the way to play.} 5. Bf4 {Other options that I spent some time investigating included 5 f3, 5 Nge2!? and 5 Bg5. However, 5 Bf4 is very logical. The Bishop on f4 finds a good diagonal where we can meet ....e6 with d6 or ...g6 with Qd2 and Bh6. And there cannot be anything wrong with developing a piece! This position is often more commonly arrived at via the move order 1 d4 d5 2 Bf4 c5 3 e4 dxe4 4 d5 Nf6 5 Nc3 which some of you could find useful if you also play the straight London System, as this is a dangerous plan against 2... c5 there as well.} a6 {This is the move that most top players pick. Black rules out the idea of any White piece coming to b5, a sensible approach. This combined with ...g6 is the best approach for Black, according to my research.} 6. f3 {In my opinion this is the best move against 5... a6. I spent ages (days!) trying to make GM Luc Winants idea of 6 Qe2 to work, but without joy. 6 Qe2 is the most popular move at top level, but I believe it to be inferior to 6 f3. For those chess scholars out there, the line that I could not find an answer to was the following. 6... g6! and now two lines which both look worse for White. 7 Nxe4 Nxe4 8 Qxe4 Bg7 9 O-O-O O-O 10 Qe3 (given a '!' in many sources) 10... Nd7! a new move which is very strong! 11 Bh6 Bxh6! 12 Qxh6 Nf6 and Black is better. One of the key lines being 13 h4 Qa5 14 a3!? b5! 15 h5 b4 16 hxg6 Bg4!! which the computer confirms as being good for Black. This is all unplayed as yet, and maybe a good weapon for any players playing this line as Black! 7 O-O-O also didn't impress me after Bg7 8 d6!? e6! which again is given as a nice advantage to Black by the computer. 6 f3!? looks logical to me as Black has wasted some time playing 5... a6. So lets concentrate on bringing our pieces into the game as quickly as possible.} exf3 7. Nxf3 {A rare position, but one that I believe offers White plenty of good attacking chances.} g6 {The most logical way to develop.} 8. Qd2 Bg7 9. O-O-O O-O {So how to continue now? The computer does give a line with 10 Be2 as being best, so we will stick with that for now. A decent waiting move that develops the last piece. However, this is a position that requires some investigation as other tempting moves include Bh6, h4 and even d6.} 10. Be2 b5 {This is a hard move to resist!} 11. Ne5 {An important idea. White decides to play in the center, making it hard for Black to play ...Nbd7 due to Nc6.} b4 {The most aggressive, where now the computer indicates the position is equal after the following moves.} 12. Na4 Bd7 {A hard move to find! Only computer preparation would find such an idea.} 13. Nxc5 {We now enter a tactical line, with some very violent moves being played from both sides!} Qa5 {Starting an attack against a2.} 14. Ncxd7 Nbxd7 15. Nc6 {This leads to a complete mess.} Qxa2 16. Qxb4 {White is material up but Black does have some initative. This is given as 0.00 and remains a very interesting position. If this is too much for you then do go and have a look at the safer 4 Bb5+. I will show you the two critcial lines now.} Ne4 {[%cal Ge4d2,Ba2a1][%csl Rd2] This looks best. Black forces a draw this way.} 17. Qxe4 {White should take the Knight, other options just look too scary.} Qxb2+ 18. Kd2 Qc3+ 19. Kc1 {Here Black has numerous ways to force a draw. So you may be wondering, why is Simon suggesting this line? I do feel like I need to explain in more detail. • 1) The Albin Counter gambit is slightly dodgy, even with an extra tempo when playing and analyzing with a computer. • 2) This line seems to be one of the best 'according to the computer', with fighting chess and an exciting draw. • 3) Black will very unlikely find the moves that I have shown here, unless he is very well prepared. • 4) When playing Gambit lines like the Albin you have to enter into them with hope and a brave heart. Yes, if Black plays properly he may get a fine position, but he has to dodge a lot of bullets. And if you do not like this, then there is always the option of playing 4 Bb5+.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 10 (2... Bf5): Model Games"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Model Game #29: Feicht, Arno"] [Black "Boidman, Yuri"] [Result "0-1"] [SourceTitle "20 Theory 10 (2... Bf5): Model Games"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4893531"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Bf5 3. f3 Bg6 4. e4 {It is entirely possible to play 4. Bf4 which should readily lead to positions we have seen in other chapters. However, I thought it would be interesting to explore e4 in this position as it makes use of 3. f3.} dxe4 5. fxe4 e5 ({This is the key move to challenge White's centre. Other moves do not pressure White's set-up, for example:} 5... Nf6 6. Bd3 e6 7. Nf3 $14) 6. Nf3 exd4 7. Qxd4 Qxd4 8. Nxd4 Nf6 (8... c6 {is more prudent and will be looked at in the theory section.}) 9. e5 Ng4 10. Nd5 Bc5 {Black needed to play a move like 10... Kd7. If this is the case then Black's opening is undesirable.} 11. c3 (11. Nxc7+ {was stronger but would have required much calculation.}) Nc6 12. Nxc6 bxc6 13. Nxc7+ Ke7 14. Nxa8 Rxa8 15. Be2 Nxe5 16. Bf4 f6 17. Rd1 Re8 18. Kf1 ({It was better to play} 18. Bxe5 {, removing Black's outposted Knight. After} 18... fxe5 19. Bg4 $18 {, threatening to invade on d7, would leave White a clean exchange up.}) Bf7 19. b3 Bd5 20. c4 Be6 21. Bf3 (21. Bxe5 {was much stronger.}) Nxf3 22. gxf3 Bh3+ {Suddenly White is under pressure.} 23. Ke2 g5 24. Bc7 Kf7+ 25. Kd2 Bb4+ 26. Kc1 Ba3+ 27. Kd2 Bb4+ 28. Kc1 Re2 29. Bd6 c5 30. Rd5 Bg2 31. Rhd1 Ba3+ 32. Kb1 Bxf3 33. R5d2 Re6 34. Rf1 Be4+ 35. Ka1 Bb4 {...Bc3+ is a devastating threat. A disappointing turnaround for White, especially after gaining such a good position out of the opening.} 0-1 [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 10 (2... Bf5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 10: 2... Bf5, 2..."] [Black "Bg4 and 2... e5 - Overview"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "21 Theory 10 (2... Bf5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4893578"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Bf5 {This is much more effective and popular against 2 Bf4. Against 2 Nc3 it is still a popular choice. Here we should continue with the standard plan against ...Bf5 which is f3 followed by g4.} (2... e5 $6 {This may be tried by some players but is just unsound.} 3. dxe5 d4 4. Nb5 (4. Ne4 {is not so good}) 4... Nc6 (4... c5 5. e3 a6 6. Na3 b5 7. Nf3 Nc6 8. Be2 $16) 5. Nf3 Bc5 6. c3 $16) (2... Bg4 {This just asks for the following moves.} 3. f3 Bh5 4. Nh3 $5 {White has various strong moves here, but now Black can hardly prevent Nf4. White takes the bishop pair and follows up with e4 with a great position.} 4... f6 {This leaves White with the following blow:} 5. Nxd5 $1 Qxd5 6. Nf4 {It turns out Black's Queen has no good squares on the 5th rank. White will regain the piece and follow up with e4 with a fantastic position.}) 3. f3 Bg6 {Stepping out of the way of e4 and g4.} (3... Nf6 {This is similar to other lines that we have looked at.} 4. g4 $1 {A standard idea when the Bishop moves to f5.} 4... Bg6 5. h4 h6 6. Bf4 {We have seen this type of position before.}) (3... e6 4. e4 (4. Bf4 Nf6 {will likely transpose to other lines we have looked at, but why not take the chance to play e4!?}) 4... Bg6 (4... dxe4 $6 {This is inferior as it gives White the f3-square for his Knight.} 5. fxe4 Bg6 6. Nf3 {White already has a very nice position with a big centre, two developed Knights and the open f-file. White should just continue developing in normal style.} 6... Nf6 7. Bd3 Be7 8. O-O O-O 9. e5 $5 {In order to free the e4-square for White's Knight.} Nd5 10. Bxg6 hxg6 11. Ne4 {White has the advantage.}) 5. h4 $5 {Give a dog a bone... There are other sensible moves but why the hell not!?} 5... h5 {The move h4-h5 was a real threat, so something has to be done about it.} 6. Bg5 $5 Be7 7. Nh3 {I prefer White with his better development and space advantage. The position is a bit similar to a French Defence. White should finish his development and then decide upon either capturing on d5 or pushing with e5.}) 4. e4 (4. Bf4 {This is very reasonable and intends to steer the game towards positions we are familiar with. I wanted to give players the option to play 4. e4 as I believe it is a good move for White provided you are prepared.} 4... e6 {I do not see many other options.} 5. e3 {And we are back into positions that we have seen earlier on.}) dxe4 5. fxe4 e5 {This is the only move that White should focus on. Other moves do not sufficiently challenge White's centre.} (5... Nf6 6. Bd3 Nc6 (6... c5 7. d5 e6 8. Nf3 exd5 9. exd5 $14 {The d-pawn is poisoned due to an eventual discovered attack with Bb5+. White has a strong position with central control and a lead in development.}) 7. Nf3 e6 8. a3 $14 {White prevents Bb4. The central pawns give White an edge. Note the d-pawn is poisoned:} 8... Nxd4 9. Nxd4 Qxd4 10. Bb5+ {Winning the Queen on d4.}) 6. Nf3 exd4 {This is basically the only decent move, as the e5-pawn was threatened.} 7. Qxd4 Qxd4 (7... Nc6 8. Qc4 Nf6 9. Bg5 $14 {White will most likely play Rd1 with the additional prospect of Nd5. He has a clear edge due to his more actively placed pieces and imminent prospects in the centre.}) 8. Nxd4 c6 {This is prudent, preventing a white Knight advancing to b5.} (8... Nf6 {We saw this in the introductory game.} 9. e5 $14 {With a better position for White.}) (8... Bb4 9. Bd2 Nd7 10. Ndb5 O-O-O 11. Nxa7+ Kb8 12. Nab5 Ngf6 13. O-O-O Bxc3 14. Bxc3 {Black has compensation for the lost pawn, which may be temporary. But even if or when Black wins the pawn on e4, having two Bishops in an open position leaves White well placed.}) 9. h4 h5 10. Bf4 Bb4 11. Nf5 {Sooner or later Black will most likely part with a Bishop, leaving White the bishop pair in an open position.} Nf6 12. Nxg7+ Kf8 13. Nf5 Bxc3+ (13... Nxe4 $6 14. O-O-O $14) 14. bxc3 Nxe4 15. Nd6 Nxd6 16. Bxd6+ Kg7 17. O-O-O {White's Bishop pair in an open position easily compensate for the broken Queenside structure.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 10 (2... Bf5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 10: 2... e5 #1"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "21 Theory 10 (2... Bf5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883110"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 e5 {This may be tried by some players but is just unsound.} 3. dxe5 d4 4. Nb5 {[%cal Gb5d4,Gd1d4][%csl Rd4]} (4. Ne4 {is not so good; the Knight only looks good on e4 while it is hitting thin air.}) c5 5. e3 {[%cal Ge3d4,Gb5d4,Gd1d4][%csl Rd4] Immediately attacking Black's d4-pawn.} a6 6. Na3 b5 {The a3-Knight will be temporarily out of play, but Black still needs to deal with his d4-pawn and has weakened his Queenside in the process.} 7. Nf3 Nc6 8. Be2 {[%cal Be1g1,Ba3b1,Ba2a4,Ga4b5][%csl Rb5] Here a strong plan for White is to play Nb1 and a4, further probing Black's Queenside.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 10 (2... Bf5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 10: 2... e5 #2"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "21 Theory 10 (2... Bf5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883111"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 e5 {This may be tried by some players but is just unsound.} 3. dxe5 d4 4. Nb5 Nc6 5. Nf3 {[%cal Gb5d4,Gf3d4][%csl Rd4]} Bc5 6. c3 {[%cal Gc3d4,Gb5d4,Gf3d4][%csl Rd4] The d4-pawn is removed after which White simply has an extra pawn.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 10 (2... Bf5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 10: 2... Bg4 #3"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "21 Theory 10 (2... Bf5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883112"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Bg4 {This just asks for the following moves.} 3. f3 {[%csl Rg4]} Bh5 4. Nh3 {[%cal Bh3f4,Gf4h5][%csl Rh5] White has various strong moves here, but now Black can hardly prevent Nf4. White takes the bishop pair and follows up with e4 with a great position.} f6 {This leaves White with the following blow:} 5. Nxd5 Qxd5 6. Nf4 {[%csl Rd5,Rh5,Gf4] It turns out Black's Queen has no good squares on the 5th rank: ...Qf5 and ...Qb5 are answered by e4, while ...Qa5+ leads to Bd2. White will regain the piece and follow up with e4 with a fantastic position.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 10 (2... Bf5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 10: 2..."] [Black "Bf5 #4 - 3... Nf6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "21 Theory 10 (2... Bf5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883113"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Bf5 {This is much more effective and popular against 2 Bf4. Against 2 Nc3 it is still a popular choice. Here we should continue with the standard plan against ...Bf5 which is f3 followed by g4.} 3. f3 {[%cal Bg2g4,Be2e4]} Nf6 {[%cal Gf6e4][%csl Ge4] This is similar to lines that we have looked at in theory 2.} 4. g4 {[%csl Rf5] A standard idea when the Bishop moves to f5.} Bg6 5. h4 {[%cal Bh4h5][%csl Rg6]} h6 6. Bf4 {[%cal Be2e3,Bf1d3,Gd3g6][%csl Rg6]} ({Now} 6. Bf4 6... e6 {would be direct transposition to Theory 2, line #7.}) * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 10 (2... Bf5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 10: 2..."] [Black "Bf5 #5 - 3... e6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "21 Theory 10 (2... Bf5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883115"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Bf5 {This is much more effective and popular against 2 Bf4. Against 2 Nc3 it is still a popular choice. Here we should continue with the standard plan against ...Bf5 which is f3 followed by g4.} 3. f3 e6 {This allows White to take the centre with e4.} 4. e4 {[%csl Gd4,Ge4]} (4. Bf4 Nf6 {will likely transpose to other lines we have looked at, but why not take the chance to play e4!?}) dxe4 {This is inferior as it gives White the f3-square for his Knight.} 5. fxe4 {[%cal Bg1f3][%csl Ge4,Gd4]} Bg6 6. Nf3 {White already has a very nice position with a big centre, two developed Knights and the open f-file. White should just continue developing in normal style.} Nf6 {[%csl Re4]} 7. Bd3 {[%cal Gd3e4][%csl Ge4]} Be7 8. O-O O-O 9. e5 {[%cal Gc3e4][%csl Ge4,Rf6] In order to free the e4-square for White's Knight.} Nd5 10. Bxg6 hxg6 11. Ne4 {[%cal Bc2c3,Bf3g5,Bd1f3,Bf3h3][%csl Rh7,Rg8] White has the advantage. He can try to put a Knight on g5 and play for mate on h7 or pressure against f7 and e6.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 10 (2... Bf5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 10: 2..."] [Black "Bf5 #6 - 3... e6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "21 Theory 10 (2... Bf5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883116"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Bf5 {This is much more effective and popular against 2 Bf4. Against 2 Nc3 it is still a popular choice. Here we should continue with the standard plan against ...Bf5 which is f3 followed by g4.} 3. f3 e6 4. e4 Bg6 5. h4 {[%cal Bh4h5][%csl Rg6] Give a dog a bone... There are other sensible moves but why the hell not!?} h5 {The move h4-h5 was a real threat, so something has to be done about it.} 6. Bg5 {[%cal Gg5d8][%csl Rd8]} Be7 7. Nh3 {[%cal Bf1d3,Bd1d2,Be1c1,Bh3f4,Gf4g6][%csl Rg6] I prefer White with his better development and space advantage. The position is a bit similar to a French Defence. White should finish his development and then decide upon either capturing on d5 or pushing with e5.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 10 (2... Bf5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 10: 2... Bf5 #7"] [Black "- 3... Bg6, 5... Nf6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "21 Theory 10 (2... Bf5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4893588"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Bf5 {This is much more effective and popular against 2 Bf4. Against 2 Nc3 it is still a popular choice. Here we should continue with the standard plan against ...Bf5 which is f3 followed by g4.} 3. f3 Bg6 {Stepping out of the way of e4 and g4.} 4. e4 (4. Bf4 {is very reasonable and intends to steer the game towards positions we are familiar with. I wanted to give players the option to play 4. e4 as I believe it is a good move for White provided you are prepared.} 4... e6 {I do not see many other options.} 5. e3 {and we are back into positions that we have seen in Theory 2.}) dxe4 5. fxe4 Nf6 {[%cal Gf6e4,Gg6e4][%csl Re4]} 6. Bd3 {[%cal Gd3e4][%csl Ge4]} c5 {[%csl Rd4]} ({Note} 6... Qxd4 $6 7. Bb5+ {and Black loses his Queen.}) 7. d5 e6 8. Nf3 {[%cal Be1g1]} exd5 9. exd5 {[%cal Be1g1,Bc1f4,Bd1d2][%csl Gd5] The d-pawn is poisoned due to an eventual discovered attack with Bb5+. White has a strong position with central control and a lead in development.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 10 (2... Bf5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 10: 2... Bf5 #8"] [Black "- 3... Bg6, 5... Nf6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "21 Theory 10 (2... Bf5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4893589"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Bf5 {This is much more effective and popular against 2 Bf4. Against 2 Nc3 it is still a popular choice. Here we should continue with the standard plan against ...Bf5 which is f3 followed by g4.} 3. f3 Bg6 {Stepping out of the way of e4 and g4.} 4. e4 dxe4 5. fxe4 Nf6 6. Bd3 Nc6 {[%cal Gc6d4,Gd8d4][%csl Rd4]} 7. Nf3 {[%cal Gf3d4]} e6 8. a3 {[%cal Ga3b4][%csl Gb4,Gd4,Ge4] White prevents Bb4. The central pawns give White an edge. Note that the d-pawn is poisoned.} Nxd4 9. Nxd4 Qxd4 10. Bb5+ {[%cal Bd1d4][%csl Rd4,Re8] Winning the Queen on d4.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 10 (2... Bf5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 10: 2... Bf5"] [Black "#9 - 3... Bg6, 5... e5"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "21 Theory 10 (2... Bf5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4893590"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Bf5 {This is much more effective and popular against 2 Bf4. Against 2 Nc3 it is still a popular choice. Here we should continue with the standard plan against ...Bf5 which is f3 followed by g4.} 3. f3 Bg6 {Stepping out of the way of e4 and g4.} 4. e4 dxe4 5. fxe4 e5 {[%csl Rd4] This is the only move that White should focus on. Other moves do not sufficiently challenge White's centre.} 6. Nf3 {[%cal Gf3d4,Gf3e5][%csl Re5,Gd4]} exd4 {This is basically the only decent move, as the e5-pawn was threatened.} 7. Qxd4 Nc6 {[%csl Rd4]} 8. Qc4 {[%cal Bc1g5,Ba1d1] White has a bit more space, so it makes sense to avoid exchanging Queens if Black can just recapture with his Rook.} Nf6 9. Bg5 {[%cal Ba1d1,Bc3d5,Gd1d8,Gg5d8][%csl Gd5,Rd8,Rf6] White will most likely play Rd1 with the additional prospect of Nd5. He has a clear edge due to his more actively placed pieces and imminent prospects in the centre.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 10 (2... Bf5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 10: 2... Bf5"] [Black "#10 - 3... Bg6, 5... e5"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "21 Theory 10 (2... Bf5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4893591"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Bf5 {This is much more effective and popular against 2 Bf4. Against 2 Nc3 it is still a popular choice. Here we should continue with the standard plan against ...Bf5 which is f3 followed by g4.} 3. f3 Bg6 {Stepping out of the way of e4 and g4.} 4. e4 dxe4 5. fxe4 e5 {This is the only move that White should focus on. Other moves do not sufficiently challenge White's centre.} 6. Nf3 exd4 {This is basically the only decent move, as the e5-pawn was threatened.} 7. Qxd4 Qxd4 8. Nxd4 Nf6 {We saw this in model game #29.} 9. e5 {[%cal Bc3d5,Be5e6][%csl Rf6] With a better position for White.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 10 (2... Bf5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 10: 2... Bf5"] [Black "#11 - 3... Bg6, 5... e5"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "21 Theory 10 (2... Bf5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4893592"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Bf5 {This is much more effective and popular against 2 Bf4. Against 2 Nc3 it is still a popular choice. Here we should continue with the standard plan against ...Bf5 which is f3 followed by g4.} 3. f3 Bg6 {Stepping out of the way of e4 and g4.} 4. e4 dxe4 5. fxe4 e5 {This is the only move that White should focus on. Other moves do not sufficiently challenge White's centre.} 6. Nf3 exd4 {This is basically the only decent move, as the e5-pawn was threatened.} 7. Qxd4 Qxd4 8. Nxd4 Bb4 {[%cal Gb4e1,Gg6e4][%csl Re4]} 9. Bd2 ({Now the e4-pawn is poisoned:} 9. Bd2 9... Bxc3 10. Bxc3 Bxe4 $2 11. Nb5 $18 {with the double threat of Nxc7+ and Bxg7.}) Nd7 10. Ndb5 {[%cal Gb5c7,Gb5a7][%csl Rc7]} O-O-O 11. Nxa7+ Kb8 12. Nab5 Ngf6 13. O-O-O Bxc3 14. Bxc3 {[%csl Gc3,Gf1] Black has compensation for the lost pawn, which may be temporary. But even if or when Black wins the pawn on e4, having two Bishops in an open position leaves White well placed.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 10 (2... Bf5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 10: 2... Bf5"] [Black "#12 - 3... Bg6, 5... e5"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "21 Theory 10 (2... Bf5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4893593"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Bf5 {This is much more effective and popular against 2 Bf4. Against 2 Nc3 it is still a popular choice. Here we should continue with the standard plan against ...Bf5 which is f3 followed by g4.} 3. f3 Bg6 {Stepping out of the way of e4 and g4.} 4. e4 dxe4 5. fxe4 e5 {This is the only move that White should focus on. Other moves do not sufficiently challenge White's centre.} 6. Nf3 exd4 {This is basically the only decent move, as the e5-pawn was threatened.} 7. Qxd4 Qxd4 8. Nxd4 c6 {[%cal Gc6b5,Gc6d5][%csl Gb5,Gd5] This is prudent, preventing a white Knight advancing to b5.} 9. h4 {[%cal Bh4h5] Come on Harry!} h5 10. Bf4 {[%cal Ba1d1,Bd4f5] With Rd1 and Nf5 to follow, White can try to exploit the weakened dark squares (d6, g5, g7 after Black has developed his f8-bishop).} Bb4 11. Nf5 {[%cal Gf5g7,Gf5d6][%csl Rg7,Gd6] Sooner or later Black will most likely part with a Bishop, leaving White the bishop pair in an open position.} Nf6 12. Nxg7+ Kf8 13. Nf5 Nxe4 14. O-O-O {A surprising move, made possible by the fact that White is threatening mate in one with Rd8!} ({Further,} 14. O-O-O 14... Bxf5 {can be answered by} 15. Nxe4 Bxe4 16. Rd8+ Kg7 17. Be5+ f6 18. Bxf6+ Kxf6 19. Rxh8 $16 {, which is almost impossible for Black to salvage with his a8-Rook and b8-Knight locked up.}) * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 10 (2... Bf5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 10: 2... Bf5"] [Black "#13 - 3... Bg6, 5... e5"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "21 Theory 10 (2... Bf5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4893594"] 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Bf5 {This is much more effective and popular against 2 Bf4. Against 2 Nc3 it is still a popular choice. Here we should continue with the standard plan against ...Bf5 which is f3 followed by g4.} 3. f3 Bg6 {Stepping out of the way of e4 and g4.} 4. e4 dxe4 5. fxe4 e5 {This is the only move that White should focus on. Other moves do not sufficiently challenge White's centre.} 6. Nf3 exd4 {This is basically the only decent move, as the e5-pawn was threatened.} 7. Qxd4 Qxd4 8. Nxd4 c6 {This is prudent, preventing a white Knight advancing to b5.} 9. h4 h5 10. Bf4 Bb4 11. Nf5 {Sooner or later Black will most likely part with a Bishop, leaving White the bishop pair in an open position.} Nf6 12. Nxg7+ Kf8 13. Nf5 Bxc3+ 14. bxc3 Nxe4 15. Nd6 {[%cal Gd6b7,Gd6e4][%csl Gd6,Rb7,Re4]} Nxd6 16. Bxd6+ Kg7 17. O-O-O {[%csl Gd6,Gf1,Rc3,Rc2,Ra2] White's Bishop pair in an open position easily compensate for the broken Queenside structure.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 11: 3... Bb4 - Overview"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "22 Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883118"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 e6 3. Bf4 Bb4 {My experience tells me that a lot of players are concerned about how to meet this move and other lines with ...Bb4. This is understandable. Black pins the c3-Knight and has various options, including taking on c3 and ...Nd5 or ...Ne4. White should respect this line, but I also feel that by being prepared and understanding the position it should not be feared.} 4. e3 {This is the choice of Jobava.} Nd5 {This move can look dangerous for White and avoids transpositions into lines already covered by not playing 4... d5.} 5. Nge2 {This is a necessary reply. I am going to focus on what looks to be Black's best option which is when he captures the Bishop on f4.} Nxf4 (5... Nxc3 {Many white players don't like their structure being broken, but it actually helps White here as he is allowed to reinforce his centre, while Black gives up his dark squared bishop to achieve this which is a concession.} 6. Nxc3 Bxc3+ 7. bxc3 d5 8. Qg4 $14 {White is already on the move and Black has no piece developed.}) 6. exf4 O-O {Black can play other moves and set-ups e.g. 6... b6 and 6... d5, but I want to focus on White's plans and positions.} 7. a3 Be7 8. g3 {This is a conservative approach whereas Jobava himself played d5 in this position. However, I see nothing wrong with keeping tensions down here.} d5 9. Bg2 {The prospects are roughly even. White will castle short, develop his Queen, centralise his Rooks preparing for the key battleground which in this position is in the centre.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 11: 3... Bb4 #1"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "22 Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883119"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 e6 3. Bf4 {[%cal Be2e3]} Bb4 {My experience tells me that a lot of players are concerned about how to meet this move and other lines with ...Bb4. This is understandable. Black pins the c3-Knight and has various options, including taking on c3 and ...Nd5 or ...Ne4. White should respect this line, but I also feel that by being prepared and understanding the position it should not be feared.} 4. e3 {This is the choice of Jobava.} Nd5 {[%cal Gd5c3,Gd5f4][%csl Rc3,Rf4] This move can look dangerous for White and avoids transpositions into lines already covered by not playing 4... d5.} 5. Nge2 {[%cal Ge2c3,Ge2f4] This is a necessary reply.} Nxc3 {Many white players don't like their structure being broken, but it actually helps White here as he is allowed to reinforce his centre, while Black gives up his dark squared bishop to achieve this which is a concession.} 6. Nxc3 Bxc3+ 7. bxc3 d5 8. Qg4 {[%cal Gg4g7,Bg4g3,Bf1d3,Ba1b1,Be1g1][%csl Rg7] White is already on the move and Black has no piece developed.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 11: 3... Bb4 #2"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "22 Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883120"] 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 e6 3. Bf4 Bb4 {My experience tells me that a lot of players are concerned about how to meet this move and other lines with ...Bb4. This is understandable. Black pins the c3-Knight and has various options, including taking on c3 and ...Nd5 or ...Ne4. White should respect this line, but I also feel that by being prepared and understanding the position it should not be feared.} 4. e3 {This is the choice of Jobava.} Nd5 {This move can look dangerous for White and avoids transpositions into lines already covered by not playing 4... d5.} 5. Nge2 {This is a necessary reply. I am going to focus on what looks to be Black's best option which is when he captures the Bishop on f4.} Nxf4 6. exf4 O-O {Black can play other moves and set-ups e.g. 6... b6 and 6... d5, but I want to focus on White's plans and positions.} 7. a3 {[%csl Rb4]} Be7 8. g3 {[%cal Bf1g2,Gd4e5,Gf4e5][%csl Ge5]} ({This is a conservative approach whereas Jobava himself played} 8. d5 {in this position. However, I see nothing wrong with keeping tensions down here.}) d5 9. Bg2 {[%cal Be1g1,Bd1d3,Ba1d1,Bh1e1,Gd4e5,Gf4e5][%csl Rc8,Ge5] The prospects are roughly even. White will castle short, develop his Queen, centralise his Rooks preparing for the key battleground which in this position is in the centre.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "3. e4!? - French tranpositions"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "22 Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/5110125"] 1. d4 e6 2. Nc3 {Bf4 is always worth considering against the early ...e6 systems. This avoids any issues with ...Bb4.} Nf6 3. e4 {Transposing into a French Defence. Of course our main move is Bf4, but I wanted to suggest some interesting French Defence side lines. Chess is a mind game and in this case if Black is not ready for a French Defence, it would benefit you to have that as an option. I am not going to show too much theory, but as an expert in the French I thought I would suggest two side lines that are very annoying for Black and require a minimum amount of work to learn.} Bb4 {This is simply a mistake.} 4. e5 {Black is getting pushed around.} Ne4 (4... Nd5 5. Qg4 {is a better way to play for Black, but White is doing well as he can always play Bd2, stopping any threats on the e1-a5 diagonal.}) 5. Qg4 {[%cal Gg4e4,Gg4g7][%csl Rg7,Re4] With a winning advantage!} Nxc3 6. Qxg7 {[%cal Bc2c3][%csl Rh8,Rc3,Rb4] Black has no good checks with his Knight. Everything is met with c3.} Rf8 7. a3 {[%cal Ba3b4,Bc1h6,Gh6f8][%csl Rc3,Rb4,Rf8] White will win his piece back and retain the threat of Bh6.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "3. e4!? - French tranpositions"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "22 Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/5110126"] 1. d4 e6 2. Nc3 {Bf4 is always worth considering against the early ...e6 systems. This avoids any issues with ...Bb4.} Nf6 3. e4 {Transposing into a French Defence. Of course our main move is Bf4, but I wanted to suggest some interesting French Defence side lines. Chess is a mind game and in this case if Black is not ready for a French Defence, it would benefit you to have that as an option. I am not going to show too much theory, but as an expert in the French I thought I would suggest two side lines that are very annoying for Black and require a minimum amount of work to learn.} d5 {Black should certainly play a French. Otherwise he is just worse.} ({After} 3... c5 {the move} 4. dxc5 {leads into the positions that we research in the 1... c5 theory section.} ({I would also be tempted to play} 4. d5 {here, which is just a bit better for White.})) 4. e5 {[%csl Rf6] The simplest move to play. Of course, there are other options that you may want to explore yourself.} Nfd7 5. Nce2 {[%cal Bc2c3,Bf2f4][%csl Gd4,Ge5] This is a rare sideline, but a move that has been favoured by Anand among others. White wants to keep a strong centre by meeting the move ...c5 with c3. This line lets you avoid having to learn lots of theory, yet at the same time it is easy to play and positionally sound.} c5 6. c3 {The idea behind Nce2. If Black now plays passively, White will always have an advantage due to his strong centre.} Nc6 7. f4 {[%cal Bg1f3][%csl Gc3,Gd4,Ge5,Gf4] Yes please! This is a pretty awesome pawn formation. I know from playing on the Black side of this that things can become very tricky. If Black doesn't break somehow (which is tough!) then White has a great game due to the space advantage.} Qb6 {[%csl Rd4] Hitting d4 in typical fashion. This is best. If Black doesn't play actively then White will do the following things: • 1) Aim to play a3 and b4, Gaining more space on the Queenside; • 2) Play h4!, gaining space and stopping any idea of ...g5 that Black might be thinking on the Kingside; • 3) Finish development with Nf3, Ng3, Bd3 and O-O; • 4) Start an attack with the space advantage. f4-f5 is normally one option.} 8. Nf3 Be7 9. a3 {[%cal Bb2b4] White might as well aim to take more space with b4!} O-O 10. h4 {[%cal Bf3g5][%csl Rh7] Anand's idea. Ng5 is now sometimes a possibility.} f6 {Black must break up the centre with this move. Otherwise Black will just be suffocated.} 11. Rh3 {[%cal Gh3c3,Bh3g3,Gg3g7] A weird but useful move! The Rook helps defend the centre and sometimes it can also pop to g3, applying pressure to Black's Kingside.} Na5 {Shirov aims to find some squares on the Queenside for his Knight.} 12. b4 {[%csl Ra5,Rc5] Gaining more space. And why not!} cxb4 13. axb4 Nc4 14. h5 (14. Ng3 {was played by Anand against Shirov, but this gave Shirov the option of sacrificing with} 14... fxe5 15. fxe5 Ncxe5 16. dxe5 Nxe5 {, which is not what we want.}) {14. h5 gains more space, and now Black's sacrifice doesn't work as well. Let's see why.} fxe5 15. fxe5 Ndxe5 {Something to watch out for, but here it just doesn't work.} 16. dxe5 Nxe5 17. Nxe5 Qf2+ 18. Kd2 {[%cal Bd2c2,Bh3f3] White is much better. Black just doesn't have enough play for all the material that he has sacrificed.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "3. e4!? - French tranpositions"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "22 Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/5110127"] 1. d4 e6 2. Nc3 {Bf4 is always worth considering against the early ...e6 systems. This avoids any issues with ...Bb4.} Bb4 {In this part I am going to give some 'French Defence' alternatives to the main Bf4 move.} 3. e4 (3. Bf4 {is our main move, when Black should continue with} 3... Nf6 {.}) d5 {We have transposed to the mainline Winawer. A fascinating opening with many possibilities! I am going to suggest a simple line that I have always had problems with when playing Black.} 4. a3 {[%csl Rb4] Forcing Black to part with his dark-squared Bishop.} Bxc3+ 5. bxc3 dxe4 6. Qg4 {[%cal Gg4e4,Gg4g7][%csl Rg7,Re4,Gc1,Ge1] White is banking on two facts: his King will be safer later on, and he has a dark-squared Bishop that can apply pressure to Black's position.} Nf6 {[%csl Rg4] The main line. Black develops yet gives up Kingside castling rights.} 7. Qxg7 Rg8 8. Qh6 {[%cal Bg1e2,Be2g3,Ba3a4,Bf1e2,Ba4a5] Time to take stock. I have never enjoyed this position as Black, hence why I am suggesting it to you as White! White aims to play Ne2, Ng3, Be2, a4 and sometimes Ba3. Combined with castling, I have always felt that Black is in some danger. That is because Black's only option is to castle Queenside when he will be hit with a4-a5!} Nbd7 {This is what I used to play, but it all felt rather uncomfortable after the following moves.} 9. Ne2 b6 {This is given in many opening books.} 10. Ng3 {[%cal Bf1e2,Ba3a4,Ba4a5]} Bb7 11. Be2 Qe7 12. a4 {[%cal Ba4a5,Bc1a3] And with a5 and Ba3 coming, White has a much easier game. It may be that Black is ok here, but he must be very careful.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "3. e4!? - French tranpositions"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "22 Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/5110128"] 1. d4 e6 2. Nc3 {Bf4 is always worth considering against the early ...e6 systems. This avoids any issues with ...Bb4.} Bb4 {In this part I am going to give some 'French Defence' alternatives to the main Bf4 move.} 3. e4 (3. Bf4 {is our main move, when Black should continue with} 3... Nf6 {.}) d5 {We have transposed to the mainline Winawer. A fascinating opening with many possibilities! I am going to suggest a simple line that I have always had problems with when playing Black.} 4. a3 {Forcing Black to part with his dark-squared Bishop.} Bxc3+ 5. bxc3 dxe4 6. Qg4 {White is banking on two facts: his King will be safer later on, and he has a dark-squared Bishop that can apply pressure to Black's position.} Nf6 {The main line. Black develops yet gives up Kingside castling rights.} 7. Qxg7 Rg8 8. Qh6 {Time to take stock. I have never enjoyed this position as Black, hence why I am suggesting it to you as White! White aims to play Ne2, Ng3, Be2, a4 and sometimes Ba3. Combined with castling, I have always felt that Black is in some danger. That is because Black's only option is to castle Queenside when he will be hit with a4-a5!} c5 {[%cal Gd8d4,Gc5d4][%csl Rd4] It feels best for Black to play actively and attack the centre.} 9. Ne2 {[%cal Ge2d4]} Nbd7 10. Ng3 {[%cal Gg3e4,Gg8g3][%csl Gg3] The standard idea. The Knight blocks the g-file and attacks e4.} Qa5 {[%csl Rc3]} 11. Bd2 {[%cal Bf1e2,Be1g1,Ba3a4] I like White's position (as does my computer). White is two moves from castling and can then start Queenside action. I would aim for a4, Rb1 and maybe even c4, opening the Bishop on d2.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 12: 1... e6,"] [Black "2... Bb4 - Overview"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "22 Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883125"] 1. d4 e6 2. Nc3 Bb4 {This move should not be of major concern to White, as it often transposes to positions we have already seen. However, this line should be taken note of, because there can be some differences on the road to these more familiar positions.} 3. Bf4 ({I am suggesting this in order to keep our lines consistent and avoid transposing into the French defence with} 3. e4 d5 {.}) c5 {This is a good example of where 2... Bb4 has independent significance. This position can only arise when the Bishop moves to b4 on move 2.} (3... Nf6 4. e3 {transposes to Theory 12.}) 4. e3 Qa5 {This attempt to undermine c3 is somewhat artificial. White can gain a good position with careful play.} (4... d5 5. Nge2 cxd4 6. exd4 Nf6 7. a3 Bd6 {This is the most active square to retreat to and prevents Nb5.} (7... Be7 8. Nb5 $14) 8. Qd2 O-O 9. O-O-O {There are chances for both sides here. The opposite side castling should lead to attacks on different sides of the board. White should focus on direct moves when possible. Here is a sample line:} 9... Nc6 10. Kb1 a6 11. g4 $5 Nxg4 12. Rg1 Nxf2 $6 13. Bxd6 Qxd6 14. Qh6 g6 15. Nf4 $18 {White's threat of Nh5 is too strong.}) 5. Nge2 cxd4 6. exd4 Nf6 7. a3 {White has got this move in time which means that the best option for Black's bishops is to retreat. This suggests Black's early sorties have not been justified.} Be7 8. Qd3 O-O 9. O-O-O {With a similar type of position we have seen. White should have no fear of a sacrificial attack on the Queenside. Reinforcements are some way away and the following is a quick example of White using his lead in development to strike in the centre.} Nc6 (9... d5 10. g4 $5 {I like White's chances with the Kingside attack.} 10... Nxg4 11. Rg1 Nxf2 $2 12. Qg3 $18 {Threatening mate and the Knight on f2.}) 10. d5 exd5 11. Nxd5 Nxd5 12. Qxd5 Qxd5 13. Rxd5 {The half open d-file and isolated d-pawn give White a very comfortable position.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 12: 1..."] [Black "e6, 2... Bb4 #1"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "22 Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883127"] 1. d4 e6 2. Nc3 Bb4 {This move should not be of major concern to White, as it often transposes to positions we have already seen. However, this line should be taken note of, because there can be some differences on the road to these more familiar positions.} 3. Bf4 ({I am suggesting this in order to keep our lines consistent and avoid transposing into the French defence with} 3. e4 d5 {.}) Nf6 4. e3 {This transposes to theory 12.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 12: 1..."] [Black "e6, 2... Bb4 #2"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "22 Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883128"] 1. d4 e6 2. Nc3 Bb4 {This move should not be of major concern to White, as it often transposes to positions we have already seen. However, this line should be taken note of, because there can be some differences on the road to these more familiar positions.} 3. Bf4 c5 {[%csl Rd4] This is a good example of where 2... Bb4 has independent significance. This position can only arise when the Bishop moves to b4 on move 2.} 4. e3 {[%cal Ge3d4]} d5 5. Nge2 {[%cal Ge2c3,Ba2a3] White is preparing a3 when he can recapture on c3 with his Knight.} cxd4 6. exd4 Nf6 7. a3 Be7 8. Nb5 {[%cal Gb5c7,Gf4c7,Be2c3,Bf1d3][%csl Rc7] This is our standard manoeuvre if Black has forgotten to play ...a6. White can follow up with Nec3, Bd3 and castling.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 12: 1..."] [Black "e6, 2... Bb4 #3"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "22 Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883129"] 1. d4 e6 2. Nc3 Bb4 {This move should not be of major concern to White, as it often transposes to positions we have already seen. However, this line should be taken note of, because there can be some differences on the road to these more familiar positions.} 3. Bf4 c5 {This is a good example of where 2... Bb4 has independent significance. This position can only arise when the Bishop moves to b4 on move 2.} 4. e3 d5 5. Nge2 cxd4 6. exd4 Nf6 7. a3 Bd6 {[%cal Gd6f4] This is the most active square to retreat to and prevents Nb5.} 8. Qd2 {[%cal Be1c1] We can keep the tension on f4 a little longer and first castle long.} O-O 9. O-O-O {[%cal Bc1b1][%csl Rc8] There are chances for both sides here. The opposite side castling should lead to attacks on different sides of the board. White should focus on direct moves when possible. Here is a sample line:} Nc6 10. Kb1 a6 11. g4 {Very aggressive.} Nxg4 12. Rg1 {[%cal Gg1g7][%csl Rg7]} Nxf2 {Instead, Black should probably exchange on f4 and then return with ...Nf6.} 13. Bxd6 Qxd6 14. Qh6 {[%cal Gg1g8,Bh6g7][%csl Rg7]} g6 15. Nf4 {[%cal Bf4h5] White's threat of Nh5 is too strong.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 12: 1..."] [Black "e6, 2... Bb4 #4"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "22 Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883130"] 1. d4 e6 2. Nc3 Bb4 {This move should not be of major concern to White, as it often transposes to positions we have already seen. However, this line should be taken note of, because there can be some differences on the road to these more familiar positions.} 3. Bf4 c5 {This is a good example of where 2... Bb4 has independent significance. This position can only arise when the Bishop moves to b4 on move 2.} 4. e3 Qa5 {[%cal Ga5c3][%csl Rc3,Gb4,Ga5] This attempt to undermine c3 is somewhat artificial. White can gain a good position with careful play.} 5. Nge2 {[%cal Ge2c3]} cxd4 6. exd4 Nf6 7. a3 {[%csl Rb4] White has got this move in time which means that the best option for Black's bishops is to retreat. This suggests Black's early sorties have not been justified.} Be7 8. Qd3 {[%cal Be1c1]} O-O 9. O-O-O {With the same type of position as line 33. White should have no fear of a sacrificial attack on the Queenside. Black's reinforcements are far away and the following is a quick example of White using his lead in development to strike in the centre.} d5 10. g4 {[%cal Bg4g5][%csl Rf6] I like White's chances with the Kingside attack.} Nxg4 11. Rg1 {[%cal Gg1g7]} Nxf2 12. Qg3 {[%cal Gg3f2,Gg3g7,Gg1g7][%csl Rf2,Rg7] Threatening mate and the Knight on f2.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 12: 1..."] [Black "e6, 2... Bb4 #5"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "22 Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883131"] 1. d4 e6 2. Nc3 Bb4 {This move should not be of major concern to White, as it often transposes to positions we have already seen. However, this line should be taken note of, because there can be some differences on the road to these more familiar positions.} 3. Bf4 c5 {This is a good example of where 2... Bb4 has independent significance. This position can only arise when the Bishop moves to b4 on move 2.} 4. e3 Qa5 {This attempt to undermine c3 is somewhat artificial. White can gain a good position with careful play.} 5. Nge2 cxd4 6. exd4 Nf6 7. a3 {White has got this move in time which means that the best option for Black's bishops is to retreat. This suggests Black's early sorties have not been justified.} Be7 8. Qd3 O-O 9. O-O-O {With a similar type of position we have seen. White should have no fear of a sacrificial attack on the Queenside. Reinforcements are some way away and the following is a quick example of White using his lead in development to strike in the centre.} Nc6 10. d5 {[%cal Gd1d7][%csl Rd7] If Black does not play ...d5 himself, we can advance like this and generate some pressure on the d5-file.} exd5 11. Nxd5 Nxd5 12. Qxd5 Qxd5 13. Rxd5 {[%cal Be2c3,Bf1e2,Bh1d1][%csl Rd7] The half open d-file and isolated d-pawn give White a very comfortable position.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 13: 1... c5 - Overview"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "22 Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883134"] 1. d4 c5 {My experience has taught me that when Black plays ...c5 on move 1 or 2, he is hoping that White will respond witrh the natural looking push d5 which steers the game towards Benoni-type positions. This is perfectly reasonable, but why should we play into our opponent's hands when we have a perfectly decent alternative which avoids our opponent's wishes?} 2. dxc5 {This has been the choice of Mamedyarov on more than one occasion.} e6 (2... Qa5+ 3. Nc3 Qxc5 4. e4 Nf6 5. Be3 Qa5 6. Qd2 $14 {White has a lead in development and greater central control. Developing with moves such as Rd1, Nf3, Be2 and O-O should lead to a comfortable game.}) (2... Nf6 3. Nc3 e6 4. e4 {I like this move best particularly because Black's natural reply is not good.} 4... Bxc5 5. e5 Qb6 $6 {This is the line White must know, as figuring out the best moves over the board may not be that easy. Other moves like 5... Ng8 simply give White more space and much greater central control.} 6. exf6 $1 {A move which leads to a large advantage for White.} 6... Bxf2+ 7. Ke2 Bxg1 {This actually 'threatens' perpetual check with Qf2 and Qd4 and this is why White must be prepared. You need to know the following line.} 8. Rxg1 $1 Qxg1 9. Qd6 Nc6 10. Be3 Qh1 11. fxg7 Rg8 12. Ne4 $18) 3. Nc3 Nf6 (3... Bxc5 4. Ne4 Be7 5. Nd6+ Bxd6 6. Qxd6 $14 {I think it's fair to say that White already has a slight edge, given that Black has lost his best minor piece for a Knight and has dark square weaknesses. There is nothing immediate but developing normally will assuredly lead to a comfortable game.}) 4. e4 {This transposes to the line looked at previously. Let's briefly consider if Black is aware that 4... Bxc5 is not good.} Qa5 (4... Nc6 5. Be3 b6 6. cxb6 axb6 7. a3 $14 {This simple move suggests that Black will not get anywhere near enough compensation for the gambitted pawn.}) 5. Bd3 Bxc5 6. Nf3 d6 7. a3 a6 8. Bg5 {White threatens b4, so Black has no time for a move like 8... Nbd7.} Qd8 9. O-O {White has a clear lead in development, more space and better central control. It feels safe to say that Black is a long way from anything like what he wanted when he played 1... c5.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 13: 1... c5 #1"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "22 Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883135"] 1. d4 c5 {My experience has taught me that when Black plays ...c5 on move 1 or 2, he is hoping that White will respond with the natural looking push d5. This steers the game towards Benoni-type positions. 2. d5 is perfectly reasonable, but why should we play into our opponent's hands when we have a perfectly decent alternative which avoids our opponent's wishes?} 2. dxc5 {[%cal Bb1c3,Be2e4] This has been the choice of Mamedyarov on more than one occasion.} Qa5+ 3. Nc3 Qxc5 4. e4 {[%cal Bc1e3,Bd1d2] We stake our fair share of the centre and prepare to develop with Be3 and Qd2.} Nf6 5. Be3 {[%csl Rc5]} Qa5 6. Qd2 {[%cal Bg1f3,Bf1e2,Ba1d1,Be1g1] White has a lead in development and greater central control. Developing with moves such as Rd1, Nf3, Be2 and O-O should lead to a comfortable game.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 13: 1... c5 #2"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "22 Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883136"] 1. d4 c5 {My experience has taught me that when Black plays ...c5 on move 1 or 2, he is hoping that White will respond witrh the natural looking push d5 which steers the game towards Benoni-type positions. This is perfectly reasonable, but why should we play into our opponent's hands when we have a perfectly decent alternative which avoids our opponent's wishes?} 2. dxc5 {This has been the choice of Mamedyarov on more than one occasion.} Nf6 3. Nc3 {[%cal Be2e4]} e6 4. e4 {I like this move best particularly because Black's natural reply is not good.} Bxc5 5. e5 {[%csl Rf6]} Qb6 {[%cal Gb6f2][%csl Rf2]} ({This is the line White must know, as figuring out the best moves over the board may not be that easy. Other moves like} 5... Ng8 {simply give White more space and much greater central control.}) 6. exf6 {A move which leads to a large advantage for White.} Bxf2+ 7. Ke2 Bxg1 {[%cal Bb6f2][%csl Re2] This actually 'threatens' perpetual check with Qf2 and Qd4 and this is why White must be prepared. You need to know the following line.} 8. Rxg1 Qxg1 9. Qd6 {[%cal Bd6e7,Gd6h2][%csl Re8,Gh2]} Nc6 10. Be3 {[%csl Rg1]} Qh1 11. fxg7 {[%csl Rh8]} Rg8 12. Ne4 {The threat of Nf6+ forces resignation.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 13: 1... c5 #3"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "22 Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883137"] 1. d4 c5 {My experience has taught me that when Black plays ...c5 on move 1 or 2, he is hoping that White will respond witrh the natural looking push d5 which steers the game towards Benoni-type positions. This is perfectly reasonable, but why should we play into our opponent's hands when we have a perfectly decent alternative which avoids our opponent's wishes?} 2. dxc5 {This has been the choice of Mamedyarov on more than one occasion.} e6 3. Nc3 Bxc5 {This allows us to get the Bishop pair for free.} 4. Ne4 {[%cal Be4d6,Ge4c5][%csl Rc5]} Be7 5. Nd6+ Bxd6 6. Qxd6 {[%csl Gc1,Gf1] I think it's fair to say that White already has a slight edge, given that Black has lost his best minor piece for a Knight and has dark square weaknesses. There is nothing immediate but developing normally will assuredly lead to a comfortable game.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 13: 1... c5 #4"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "22 Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883138"] 1. d4 c5 {My experience has taught me that when Black plays ...c5 on move 1 or 2, he is hoping that White will respond witrh the natural looking push d5 which steers the game towards Benoni-type positions. This is perfectly reasonable, but why should we play into our opponent's hands when we have a perfectly decent alternative which avoids our opponent's wishes?} 2. dxc5 {This has been the choice of Mamedyarov on more than one occasion.} e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e4 {This transposes to the line looked at previously. Let's briefly consider if Black is aware that 4... Bxc5 is not good.} Nc6 (4... Bxc5 5. e5 $1 {would transpose to line #2.}) 5. Be3 {[%cal Ge3c5][%csl Gc5] This develops while letting us hang onto the c5-pawn a little longer.} b6 6. cxb6 axb6 7. a3 {[%cal Ga3b4,Bg1f3,Bf1e2,Be2b5,Be1g1][%csl Gb4] This simple move suggests that Black will not get anywhere near enough compensation for the gambitted pawn.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 13: 1... c5 #5"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "22 Theory 11-13 (3... Bb4, 2... Bb4 and 1... c5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4883139"] 1. d4 c5 {My experience has taught me that when Black plays ...c5 on move 1 or 2, he is hoping that White will respond witrh the natural looking push d5 which steers the game towards Benoni-type positions. This is perfectly reasonable, but why should we play into our opponent's hands when we have a perfectly decent alternative which avoids our opponent's wishes?} 2. dxc5 {This has been the choice of Mamedyarov on more than one occasion.} e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. e4 {This transposes to the line looked at previously. Let's briefly consider if Black is aware that 4... Bxc5 is not good.} Qa5 {[%cal Ga5e1,Gf6e4][%csl Re4]} 5. Bd3 {[%cal Gd3e4][%csl Ge4]} Bxc5 6. Nf3 d6 7. a3 {[%cal Ga3b4,Bb2b4][%csl Gb4,Ra5,Rc5]} a6 8. Bg5 {[%cal Be1g1] White threatens b4, so Black has no time for a move like 8... Nbd7.} Qd8 9. O-O {White has a clear lead in development, more space and better central control. It feels safe to say that Black is a long way from anything like what he wanted when he played 1... c5.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 14: 1... f5 - Overview"] [Black "?"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "23 Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4998319"] 1. d4 f5 {Of course this is a good move. ;-)} 2. Nc3 {It makes sense to stick to our main move. I could have suggested a number of options here, but 2. Nc3 fits our system the best.} Nf6 (2... e6 $6 {This position can also be reached via 1... e6 2. Nc3 f5?! This has been known to be a mistake by Black for a long time. Black should fight against White's advance e4 and not encourage it. White is simply better after the following moves.} 3. e4 $1 {White is already better! Black should really avoid this position. White has easy development and chances to attack Black's King on the light squares.} 3... fxe4 {Other options are even worse for Black.} 4. Nxe4 Be7 {4... Nf6 5 Bd3 is similar.} 5. Nf3 {White's pieces flow into the game.} 5... Nf6 {Black must develop.} 6. Bd3 {White has a number of ideas. I would be aiming to punish Black with such simple moves as Qe2, Bd2, O-O-O, h4 and put one of the Knights on g5! White always has ideas of starting an attack against h7. Kasparov vs. Fernandez, 1991, continued as follows:} 6... d6 7. Qe2 O-O 8. h4 $1 {White is ready to support a Knight landing on g5. This is already horrible for Black.} 8... Qe8 9. Nfg5 $1 {Targeting h7.} 9... Nxe4 10. Qxe4 Rf5 11. g4 {and Black could have resigned.}) (2... d5 {This move cuts out some options for Black.} 3. Bf4 {Black has committed his pawn to d5. I would rather have met Bf4 with ideas of ...d6 and ...e5. This is no longer possible. Bg5 may well transpose into lines we look at after 2... Nf6.} 3... e6 (3... Nf6 {This stops g4.} 4. e3 e6 5. Nf3 {Continuing to develop and aiming to control e5.} 5... Bd6 6. Be2 O-O {...Bxf4 just helps Black as he increases his grip over e5.} 7. Nb5 $1 {This offers chances for an advantage. White wants to capture the Bishop on d6 and open the position with c4.}) 4. g4 $5 {A fun and exciting move! Of course you could play in a more solid way, but let's looks at this sharp idea. If you do not like this, then I suggest developing and then playing to control the e5 square. This kind of way of playing is looked at in the line 3... Nf6, so go there to look deeper.} 4... fxg4 {This is key, but other moves are playable as well.} (4... Nf6 {This is a normal developing move} 5. gxf5 exf5 6. e3 {I have played this type of position with both Black and White. It is fun to play. Maybe White has no advantage but he does have an exciting game.} 6... Bd6 7. Qf3 $1 {An important move. White wants to castle Queenside and attack Black's centre.} 7... Be6 8. O-O-O {White will continue with developing and then Rg1 attacking on the open line.}) 5. e3) 3. Bg5 {In this case I believe the Bishop is better placed on g5. This is because one of White's main ideas is to capture on f6 and play e4. You can experiment with Bf4 as in the normal Jobava London System, but Bg5 is more testing for Black.} d5 {Otherwise White will often manage to play e4 with an advantage.} (3... e6 $2 4. e4 $1 {This leads back into a line that we have already seen.}) (3... d6 {This is too meek. White will capture on f6 in many variations and when that happens Black would prefer to have a pawn on d5. On d5 the pawn protects more central squares.} 4. Bxf6 {A simple solution. 4 f3 was interesting as well, aiming for 5 e4!} 4... exf6 5. e3 {White is aiming to place pressure on f5 with Bd3 and Qf3. After this, h3 and g4 becomes a very dangerous plan.} 5... c6 {This occurred in Yermolinsky vs J.Williams, 1996. White was very happy after the following moves:} 6. Bd3 Na6 (6... g6 {This may be best, but now White should attack with h3 and g4.} 7. h3 $1 Bg7 8. g4 $1 {Black has big problems on the Kingside. White is much better.}) 7. Qf3 $1 g6 8. Bxa6 bxa6 9. Qxc6+ Bd7 10. Qxa6 {With a winning game. Two pawns is two pawns!}) (3... g6 {this is what a dedicated Leningrad player or fool would play! There are a couple of options here, but one is clearly best.} 4. h4 $1 {This is a very dangerous move for Black to deal with, as the natural move allows White the initiative.} 4... Bg7 5. h5 $1 {With a big attack.} 5... Nxh5 $2 {This is asking for it!} 6. e4 $1 {Rxh5 is coming!} 6... h6 {I would say that everything else is hopeless.} (6... Nf6 7. exf5 gxf5 8. Bxf6 Bxf6 9. Qh5+ Kf8 10. Qxf5 {When Black's King is just too weak. White can play normal moves and gain a great position.}) (6... O-O {This is just suicidal!} 7. Bc4+ Kh8 8. e5 {Stopping ... Nf6. There were other ways as well but I already think it is too late for Black here.} 8... Nc6 9. Be2 {This is simple and good. White will capture on h5 and probably checkmate Black on the h-file.})) 4. e3 {I expect things are roughly equal, but Black has to be more accurate in the following variations. I will give one new idea here for White - an idea that didn't occur to me in my Dutch course (!). I might have to go back and fix that course now!} e6 5. Nf3 a6 {This looks best, similar to some of the more standard lines of the Jobava London system. In this case Black stops ideas of Bb5+ and Bxf6 followed up with Nb5 and c4.} (5... c5 {This is logical but allows two decent White ideas, both to do with the b5 square. For example,} 6. Bxf6 $5 {6 Bb5+ can also be a bit annoying for Black.} 6... Qxf6 7. Nb5 $5 {White's main idea, putting some pressure on Black.} 7... Qd8 8. c4 {Black should be equal here, but White has a little bit more pressure.} 8... cxd4 (8... dxc4 9. Bxc4 a6 10. Nc3 b5 11. Be2 {With ideas of Ne5 and Bf3. The position is equal, yet more dangerous for Black.}) 9. Qa4 $1 {Things are becoming very dangerous for Black. White will castle Queenside and open up the centre. This is all new, but in this case White is better.}) 6. g4 {A novelty!!! I am giving this as a fresh idea that keeps the position unique. Of course, White can play in a quieter fashion but this is quite fun.} fxg4 (6... Bb4 {This is one way to decline the gambit. White should continue as follows.} 7. gxf5 exf5 8. Qd3 {With O-O-O, Rg1 and Ne5 to follow.}) 7. Ne5 Be7 {Black should probably break the pin.} (7... c5 {This aims for immediate counterplay in the centre, but White has a simple response.} 8. Nxg4 {Now Black has to be careful. There is a nasty idea of capturing on f6 and then playing Qh5+.} 8... Be7 9. dxc5 {White has chances of gaining an advantage on the dark squares.}) 8. h3 {Making it a full gambit! White wants to obtain pressure along the h-file now.} g3 {A standard counter-sacrifice.} (8... gxh3 $2 {This is a losing mistake!} 9. Rxh3 {And with Bd3 to follow, White simply has too many threats.}) (8... Nbd7 {This logically aims to exchange off some of White's attacking pieces.} 9. hxg4 Nxe5 10. dxe5 Nd7 11. Bxe7 Qxe7 12. f4 {White is better due to the pressure along the h-file.}) 9. f4 {With a fun and interesting position in which White is no worse. White will play Qf3 and aim to win the pawn back with a good game.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 14: 1..."] [Black "f5 #1 - 2... e6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "23 Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4998325"] 1. d4 f5 {Of course this is a good move ;-)} 2. Nc3 {It makes sense to stick to our main move. I could have suggested a number of options here, but 2. Nc3 fits our system the best.} e6 {This position can also be reached via 1... e6 2. Nc3 f5?! This has been known to be a mistake by Black for a long time. Black should fight against White's advance e4 and not encourage it. White is simply better after the following moves.} 3. e4 {[%csl Ge4,Gd4] White is already better! Black should really avoid this position. White has easy development and chances to attack Black's King on the light squares.} fxe4 {Other options are even worse for Black.} 4. Nxe4 Be7 (4... Nf6 5. Bd3 {is similar.}) 5. Nf3 {[%cal Bf1d3,Bd1e2][%csl Ge4,Gf3] White's pieces flow into the game.} Nf6 {Black must develop.} 6. Bd3 {[%cal Bd1e2,Bc1d2,Be1c1,Bh2h4,Gf3g5,Ge4g5][%csl Gg5] White has a number of ideas. I would be aiming to punish Black with such simple moves as Qe2, Bd2, O-O-O, h4 and put one of the Knights on g5! White always has ideas of starting an attack against h7. Kasparov vs. Fernandez, 1991, continued as follows:} d6 7. Qe2 O-O 8. h4 {White is ready to support a Knight landing on g5. This is already horrible for Black.} Qe8 9. Nfg5 {[%cal Gd3h7,Gg5h7][%csl Rh7] Targeting h7.} Nxe4 10. Qxe4 {[%csl Rh7]} Rf5 11. g4 {[%cal Gd3h7,Gg4f5][%csl Rf5] and Black could have resigned.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 14: 1..."] [Black "f5 #2 - 2... d5"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "23 Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4998326"] 1. d4 f5 {Of course this is a good move ;)} 2. Nc3 {It makes sense to stick to our main move. I could have suggested a number of options here, but 2. Nc3 fits our system the best.} d5 {This move cuts out some options for Black.} 3. Bf4 {Black has committed his pawn to d5. I would rather have met Bf4 with ideas of ...d6 and ...e5. This is no longer possible.} (3. Bg5 {may well transpose into lines we look at after 2... Nf6.}) Nf6 {[%cal Gf6g4][%csl Gg4] This stops g4.} 4. e3 e6 5. Nf3 {[%cal Gf3e5,Gf4e5][%csl Ge5] Continuing to develop and aiming to control e5.} Bd6 6. Be2 O-O {...Bxf4 just helps White as he increases his grip over e5.} 7. Nb5 {[%cal Bb5d6,Bc2c4,Gd4e5,Gf4e5,Gf3e5][%csl Rd6,Ge5] This offers chances for an advantage. White wants to capture the Bishop on d6 and open the position with c4.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 14: 1..."] [Black "f5 #3 - 2... d5"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "23 Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4998327"] 1. d4 f5 {Of course this is a good move ;)} 2. Nc3 {It makes sense to stick to our main move. I could have suggested a number of options here, but 2. Nc3 fits our system the best.} d5 {This move cuts out some options for Black.} 3. Bf4 {Black has committed his pawn to d5. I would rather have met Bf4 with ideas of ...d6 and ...e5. This is no longer possible.} (3. Bg5 {may well transpose into lines we look at after 2... Nf6.}) e6 4. g4 {[%cal Gg4f5][%csl Gg4,Rf5,Ge4] A fun and exciting move! Of course you could play in a more solid way, but let's looks at this sharp idea. If you do not like this, then I suggest developing and then playing to control the e5 square. This kind of way of playing is looked at in the line 3... Nf6, so go there to look deeper.} Nf6 {This is a normal developing move.} 5. gxf5 exf5 6. e3 {I have played this type of position with both Black and White. It is fun to play. Maybe White has no advantage but he does have an exciting game.} Bd6 7. Qf3 {[%cal Be1c1,Gc3d5,Gf3d5] An important move. White wants to castle Queenside and attack Black's centre.} Be6 8. O-O-O {[%cal Bf1d3,Bg1e2,Bh1g1] White will continue with developing and then Rg1 attacking on the open line.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 14: 1..."] [Black "f5 #4 - 2... d5"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "23 Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/5094143"] 1. d4 f5 {Of course this is a good move ;)} 2. Nc3 {It makes sense to stick to our main move. I could have suggested a number of options here, but 2. Nc3 fits our system the best.} d5 {This move cuts out some options for Black.} 3. Bf4 {Black has committed his pawn to d5. I would rather have met Bf4 with ideas of ...d6 and ...e5. This is no longer possible.} (3. Bg5 {may well transpose into lines we look at after 2... Nf6.}) e6 4. g4 {A fun and exciting move! Of course you could play in a more solid way, but let's looks at this sharp idea. If you do not like this, then I suggest developing and then playing to control the e5 square. This kind of way of playing is looked at in the line 3... Nf6, so go there to look deeper.} fxg4 {This is key, but other moves are playable as well.} 5. e3 {[%cal Gd1g4,Bh2h3,Bf1d3,Bh3g4][%csl Rg4] White is readying himself to capture on g4, or play in gambit style with h3. I expect that Black is fine here, but the position is fun to play. After all the Dutch is such a good opening - I am hardly going to find a refutation, am I!?} Nf6 {[%cal Gf6g4] Developing and defending the pawn.} 6. h3 {[%cal Gf4g3,Bh3g4,Gh1h7,Bf1d3,Gd3h7][%csl Rh7] Now that the pawn can not be won back, White plays in typical gambit fashion. White wants to open up lines on the Kingside to attack along. This also becomes stronger now that there is a Bishop on f4, the Bishop gives extra control to g3.} gxh3 7. Nxh3 {[%cal Bf1d3,Bd1f3,Bh3g5,Gh1h7,Gd3h7,Gg5h7,Be1c1][%csl Rh7] White is looking good. He can follow up with simple attacking ideas like Bd3, Ng5, Qf3 and 0-0-0. The main target attack will be h7 and an attack along the h-file.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 14: 1..."] [Black "f5 #5 - 2... Nf6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "23 Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4998329"] 1. d4 f5 {Of course this is a good move ;)} 2. Nc3 {It makes sense to stick to our main move. I could have suggested a number of options here, but 2. Nc3 fits our system the best.} Nf6 3. Bg5 {[%cal Gg5d8][%csl Rf6] In this case I believe the Bishop is better placed on g5. This is because one of White's main ideas is to capture on f6 and play e4. You can experiment with Bf4 as in the normal Jobava London System, but Bg5 is more testing for Black.} e6 4. e4 {[%cal Gg5d8,Bh2h4,Bg1f3,Bf1d3][%csl Gd4,Ge4,Rf6] With play similar to line #1 of this chapter.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 14: 1..."] [Black "f5 #6 - 2... Nf6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "23 Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4998330"] 1. d4 f5 {Of course this is a good move ;)} 2. Nc3 {It makes sense to stick to our main move. I could have suggested a number of options here, but 2. Nc3 fits our system the best.} Nf6 3. Bg5 {In this case I believe the Bishop is better placed on g5. This is because one of White's main ideas is to capture on f6 and play e4. You can experiment with Bf4 as in the normal Jobava London System, but Bg5 is more testing for Black.} d6 {This is too meek. White will capture on f6 in many variations and when that happens Black would prefer to have a pawn on d5. On d5 the pawn protects more central squares.} 4. Bxf6 ({A simple solution.} 4. f3 {was interesting as well, aiming for 5. e4!}) exf6 5. e3 {[%cal Bf1d3,Bd1f3,Gd3f5,Gf3f5][%csl Rf5] White is aiming to place pressure on f5 with Bd3 and Qf3. After this, h3 and g4 becomes a very dangerous plan.} c6 6. Bd3 {This occurred in Yermolinsky vs J.Williams, 1996. White was very happy after the following moves:} g6 {This may be best, but now White should attack with h3 and g4.} 7. h3 {[%cal Bg2g4,Gg4f5,Gd3f5][%csl Rf5]} Bg7 8. g4 {[%csl Rf5] Black has big problems on the Kingside. White is much better.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 14: 1..."] [Black "f5 #7 - 2... Nf6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "23 Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4998331"] 1. d4 f5 {Of course this is a good move ;)} 2. Nc3 {It makes sense to stick to our main move. I could have suggested a number of options here, but 2. Nc3 fits our system the best.} Nf6 3. Bg5 {In this case I believe the Bishop is better placed on g5. This is because one of White's main ideas is to capture on f6 and play e4. You can experiment with Bf4 as in the normal Jobava London System, but Bg5 is more testing for Black.} d6 {This is too meek. White will capture on f6 in many variations and when that happens Black would prefer to have a pawn on d5. On d5 the pawn protects more central squares.} 4. Bxf6 ({A simple solution.} 4. f3 {was interesting as well, aiming for 5. e4!}) exf6 5. e3 {White is aiming to place pressure on f5 with Bd3 and Qf3. After this, h3 and g4 becomes a very dangerous plan.} c6 6. Bd3 {This occurred in Yermolinsky vs J.Williams, 1996.} Na6 7. Qf3 {[%cal Gf3f5,Gd3f5][%csl Rf5]} g6 8. Bxa6 {[%cal Gf3c6][%csl Rc6,Rb7]} bxa6 9. Qxc6+ Bd7 10. Qxa6 {With a winning game. Two pawns is two pawns!} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 14: 1..."] [Black "f5 #8 - 2... Nf6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "23 Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4998332"] 1. d4 f5 {Of course this is a good move ;)} 2. Nc3 {It makes sense to stick to our main move. I could have suggested a number of options here, but 2. Nc3 fits our system the best.} Nf6 3. Bg5 {In this case I believe the Bishop is better placed on g5. This is because one of White's main ideas is to capture on f6 and play e4. You can experiment with Bf4 as in the normal Jobava London System, but Bg5 is more testing for Black.} g6 {This is what a dedicated Leningrad player or fool would play! There are a couple of options here, but one is clearly best.} 4. h4 {[%cal Bh4h5][%csl Rg6,Rh7,Re8] This is a very dangerous move for Black to deal with, as the natural move allows White the initiative.} Bg7 5. h5 {[%csl Rg6] With a big attack.} Nxh5 {This is asking for it! Saying that, it was already looking difficult as White was aiming to play h6, forcing Black to undevelop his Bishop.} 6. e4 {[%cal Bh1h5][%csl Rh5,Re8]} ({Rxh5 is coming! In actual fact,} 6. Rxh5 {was also strong on this move.}) Nf6 7. exf5 gxf5 8. Bxf6 Bxf6 9. Qh5+ {[%csl Re8,Rf5]} Kf8 10. Qxf5 {[%cal Bg1f3,Bf1d3,Be1c1][%csl Rf8,Rh7] When Black's King is just too weak. White can play normal moves and gain a great position.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 14: 1..."] [Black "f5 #9 - 2... Nf6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "23 Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4998333"] 1. d4 f5 {Of course this is a good move ;)} 2. Nc3 {It makes sense to stick to our main move. I could have suggested a number of options here, but 2. Nc3 fits our system the best.} Nf6 3. Bg5 {In this case I believe the Bishop is better placed on g5. This is because one of White's main ideas is to capture on f6 and play e4. You can experiment with Bf4 as in the normal Jobava London System, but Bg5 is more testing for Black.} g6 {This is what a dedicated Leningrad player or fool would play! There are a couple of options here, but one is clearly best.} 4. h4 {This is a very dangerous move for Black to deal with, as the natural move allows White the initiative.} Bg7 5. h5 {With a big attack.} Nxh5 {This is asking for it! Saying that, it was already looking difficult as White was aiming to play h6, forcing Black to undevelop his Bishop.} 6. e4 ({Rxh5 is coming! In actual fact,} 6. Rxh5 {was also strong on this move.}) O-O 7. Bc4+ {[%csl Rg8]} Kh8 {This is just suicidal!} 8. e5 {[%cal Gg7e5][%csl Rg7] Stopping ... Nf6. There were other ways as well but I already think it is too late for Black here.} Nc6 9. Be2 {[%cal Be2h5][%csl Rh5,Rh8,Rh7] This is simple and good. White will capture on h5 and probably checkmate Black on the h-file.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 14: 1..."] [Black "f5 #10 - 2... Nf6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "23 Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/5094148"] 1. d4 f5 {Of course this is a good move ;)} 2. Nc3 {It makes sense to stick to our main move. I could have suggested a number of options here, but 2. Nc3 fits our system the best.} Nf6 3. Bg5 {In this case I believe the Bishop is better placed on g5. This is because one of White's main ideas is to capture on f6 and play e4. You can experiment with Bf4 as in the normal Jobava London System, but Bg5 is more testing for Black.} g6 {This is what a dedicated Leningrad player or fool would play! There are a couple of options here, but one is clearly best.} 4. h4 {This is a very dangerous move for Black to deal with, as the natural move allows White the initiative.} Bg7 5. h5 {With a big attack.} Nxh5 {This is asking for it! Saying that, it was already looking difficult as White was aiming to play h6, forcing Black to undevelop his Bishop.} 6. e4 ({Rxh5 is coming! In actual fact} 6. Rxh5 {was also strong on this move.}) h6 {[%csl Rg5] I would say that everything else is hopeless. This is the best shot: Black aims to push as many White pieces away as possible.} 7. Rxh5 {There were less aggressive options, but that is just the way I roll...} gxh5 {Black can decline the offer, but then he will be worse without any material advantage. I am of the opinion that if you are going to be worse, you might as well have some extra material...} 8. Qxh5+ Kf8 9. Bh4 {[%cal Bh5f5,Bf1c4,Be1c1][%csl Rf8,Rf5,Rf7] White's attack rages on, with Qxf5+, Bc4, 0-0-0 and a host of other aggressive moves to worry Black!} Qe8 {[%cal Be8h5] Black must aim to exchange queens.} 10. Qxf5+ Qf7 11. Nd5 {[%cal Bd5c7][%csl Rc7,Ra8] Forwards! Black is really struggling here as c7 can not be defended. This kind of pillaging may even put a person off the Dutch!} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 14: 1..."] [Black "f5 #11 - 2... Nf6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "23 Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4998335"] 1. d4 f5 {Of course this is a good move ;)} 2. Nc3 {It makes sense to stick to our main move. I could have suggested a number of options here, but 2. Nc3 fits our system the best.} Nf6 3. Bg5 {In this case I believe the Bishop is better placed on g5. This is because one of White's main ideas is to capture on f6 and play e4. You can experiment with Bf4 as in the normal Jobava London System, but Bg5 is more testing for Black.} d5 {Otherwise White will often manage to play e4 with an advantage.} 4. e3 {[%cal Bg1f3] I expect things are roughly equal, but Black has to be more accurate in the following variations. I will give one new idea here for White - an idea that didn't occur to me in my Dutch course (!). I might have to go back and fix that course now!} e6 5. Nf3 c5 {This is logical but allows two decent White ideas, both to do with the b5 square. For example,} 6. Bxf6 {6 Bb5+ can also be a bit annoying for Black.} Qxf6 7. Nb5 {[%cal Gb5c7][%csl Rc7] White's main idea, putting some pressure on Black.} Qd8 8. c4 {[%csl Rd5,Rc5] Black should be equal here, but White has a little bit more pressure.} dxc4 9. Bxc4 a6 10. Nc3 b5 11. Be2 {[%cal Bf3e5,Be2f3,Be1g1] With ideas of Ne5 and Bf3. The position is equal, yet more dangerous for Black.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 14: 1..."] [Black "f5 #12 - 2... Nf6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "23 Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4998336"] 1. d4 f5 {Of course this is a good move ;)} 2. Nc3 {It makes sense to stick to our main move. I could have suggested a number of options here, but 2. Nc3 fits our system the best.} Nf6 3. Bg5 {In this case I believe the Bishop is better placed on g5. This is because one of White's main ideas is to capture on f6 and play e4. You can experiment with Bf4 as in the normal Jobava London System, but Bg5 is more testing for Black.} d5 {Otherwise White will often manage to play e4 with an advantage.} 4. e3 {I expect things are roughly equal, but Black has to be more accurate in the following variations. I will give one new idea here for White - an idea that didn't occur to me in my Dutch course (!). I might have to go back and fix that course now!} e6 5. Nf3 c5 {This is logical but allows two decent White ideas, both to do with the b5 square. For example,} 6. Bxf6 (6. Bb5+ {can also be a bit annoying for Black.}) Qxf6 7. Nb5 {White's main idea, putting some pressure on Black.} Qd8 8. c4 {Black should be equal here, but White has a little bit more pressure.} cxd4 9. Qa4 {[%cal Be1c1,Gd1d8][%csl Rd8] Things are becoming very dangerous for Black. White will castle Queenside and open up the centre. This is all new, but in this case White is better.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 14: 1..."] [Black "f5 #13 - 2... Nf6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "23 Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4998337"] 1. d4 f5 {Of course this is a good move ;)} 2. Nc3 {It makes sense to stick to our main move. I could have suggested a number of options here, but 2. Nc3 fits our system the best.} Nf6 3. Bg5 {In this case I believe the Bishop is better placed on g5. This is because one of White's main ideas is to capture on f6 and play e4. You can experiment with Bf4 as in the normal Jobava London System, but Bg5 is more testing for Black.} d5 {Otherwise White will often manage to play e4 with an advantage.} 4. e3 {I expect things are roughly equal, but Black has to be more accurate in the following variations. I will give one new idea here for White - an idea that didn't occur to me in my Dutch course (!). I might have to go back and fix that course now!} e6 5. Nf3 a6 {[%cal Ga6b5][%csl Gb5] This looks best, similar to some of the more standard lines of the Jobava London system. In this case Black stops ideas of Bb5+ and Bxf6 followed up with Nb5 and c4.} 6. g4 {[%cal Gg5d8][%csl Gg4,Rf5] A novelty!!! I am giving this as a fresh idea that keeps the position unique. Of course, White can play in a quieter fashion but this is quite fun.} Bb4 {This is one way to decline the gambit. White should continue as follows.} 7. gxf5 exf5 8. Qd3 {[%cal Be1c1,Bh1g1,Bf3e5] With O-O-O, Rg1 and Ne5 to follow.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 14: 1..."] [Black "f5 #14 - 2... Nf6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "23 Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4998338"] 1. d4 f5 {Of course this is a good move ;)} 2. Nc3 {It makes sense to stick to our main move. I could have suggested a number of options here, but 2. Nc3 fits our system the best.} Nf6 3. Bg5 {In this case I believe the Bishop is better placed on g5. This is because one of White's main ideas is to capture on f6 and play e4. You can experiment with Bf4 as in the normal Jobava London System, but Bg5 is more testing for Black.} d5 {Otherwise White will often manage to play e4 with an advantage.} 4. e3 {I expect things are roughly equal, but Black has to be more accurate in the following variations. I will give one new idea here for White - an idea that didn't occur to me in my Dutch course (!). I might have to go back and fix that course now!} e6 5. Nf3 a6 {This looks best, similar to some of the more standard lines of the Jobava London system. In this case Black stops ideas of Bb5+ and Bxf6 followed up with Nb5 and c4.} 6. g4 {A novelty!!! I am giving this as a fresh idea that keeps the position unique. Of course, White can play in a quieter fashion but this is quite fun.} fxg4 7. Ne5 {[%cal Ge5g4,Gd1g4,Gg5d8][%csl Rg4]} c5 {This aims for immediate counterplay in the centre, but White has a simple response.} 8. Nxg4 {[%cal Gd1h5,Bg4f6][%csl Rf6,Re8] Now Black has to be careful. There is a nasty idea of capturing on f6 and then playing Qh5+.} Be7 9. dxc5 {[%cal Bh2h4,Bf2f4][%csl Gd4,Ge5] White has chances of gaining an advantage on the dark squares.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 14: 1..."] [Black "f5 #15 - 2... Nf6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "23 Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4998339"] 1. d4 f5 {Of course this is a good move ;)} 2. Nc3 {It makes sense to stick to our main move. I could have suggested a number of options here, but 2. Nc3 fits our system the best.} Nf6 3. Bg5 {In this case I believe the Bishop is better placed on g5. This is because one of White's main ideas is to capture on f6 and play e4. You can experiment with Bf4 as in the normal Jobava London System, but Bg5 is more testing for Black.} d5 {Otherwise White will often manage to play e4 with an advantage.} 4. e3 {I expect things are roughly equal, but Black has to be more accurate in the following variations. I will give one new idea here for White - an idea that didn't occur to me in my Dutch course (!) . I might have to go back and fix that course now!} e6 5. Nf3 a6 {This looks best, similar to some of the more standard lines of the Jobava London system. In this case Black stops ideas of Bb5+ and Bxf6 followed up with Nb5 and c4.} 6. g4 {A novelty!!! I am giving this as a fresh idea that keeps the position unique. Of course, White can play in a quieter fashion but this is quite fun.} fxg4 7. Ne5 Be7 {Black should probably break the pin.} 8. h3 {[%cal Bh3g4,Gh1h7][%csl Rh7,Rg4] Making it a full gambit! White wants to obtain pressure along the h-file now.} gxh3 {This is a losing mistake!} 9. Rxh3 {[%cal Be5g6,Gg6h8,Bf1d3,Gd3h7,Gh3h7][%csl Rh7,Rh8] And with Bd3 to follow, White simply has too many threats.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 14: 1..."] [Black "f5 #16 - 2... Nf6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "23 Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4998340"] 1. d4 f5 {Of course this is a good move ;)} 2. Nc3 {It makes sense to stick to our main move. I could have suggested a number of options here, but 2. Nc3 fits our system the best.} Nf6 3. Bg5 {In this case I believe the Bishop is better placed on g5. This is because one of White's main ideas is to capture on f6 and play e4. You can experiment with Bf4 as in the normal Jobava London System, but Bg5 is more testing for Black.} d5 {Otherwise White will often manage to play e4 with an advantage.} 4. e3 {I expect things are roughly equal, but Black has to be more accurate in the following variations. I will give one new idea here for White - an idea that didn't occur to me in my Dutch course (!) . I might have to go back and fix that course now!} e6 5. Nf3 a6 {This looks best, similar to some of the more standard lines of the Jobava London system. In this case Black stops ideas of Bb5+ and Bxf6 followed up with Nb5 and c4.} 6. g4 {A novelty!!! I am giving this as a fresh idea that keeps the position unique. Of course, White can play in a quieter fashion but this is quite fun.} fxg4 7. Ne5 Be7 {Black should probably break the pin.} 8. h3 {Making it a full gambit! White wants to obtain pressure along the h-file now.} Nbd7 {This logically aims to exchange off some of White's attacking pieces.} 9. hxg4 {[%cal Gh1h7,Be5g6][%csl Rh8]} Nxe5 10. dxe5 Nd7 11. Bxe7 Qxe7 12. f4 {[%cal Gh1h7,Bd1f3,Bf1d3,Be1c1][%csl Ge5,Gf4,Gg4,Rh7] White is better due to the pressure along the h-file.} * [Event "The Jobava London System"] [Site "Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Date "????.??.??"] [Round "?"] [White "Theory 14: 1..."] [Black "f5 #17 - 2... Nf6"] [Result "*"] [SourceTitle "23 Theory 14 (1... f5)"] [Source "Chessable.com"] [Comment "the-jobava-london-system/course/28333, variation/4998341"] 1. d4 f5 {Of course this is a good move ;)} 2. Nc3 {It makes sense to stick to our main move. I could have suggested a number of options here, but 2. Nc3 fits our system the best.} Nf6 3. Bg5 {In this case I believe the Bishop is better placed on g5. This is because one of White's main ideas is to capture on f6 and play e4. You can experiment with Bf4 as in the normal Jobava London System, but Bg5 is more testing for Black.} d5 {Otherwise White will often manage to play e4 with an advantage.} 4. e3 {I expect things are roughly equal, but Black has to be more accurate in the following variations. I will give one new idea here for White - an idea that didn't occur to me in my Dutch course (!) . I might have to go back and fix that course now!} e6 5. Nf3 a6 {This looks best, similar to some of the more standard lines of the Jobava London system. In this case Black stops ideas of Bb5+ and Bxf6 followed up with Nb5 and c4.} 6. g4 {A novelty!!! I am giving this as a fresh idea that keeps the position unique. Of course, White can play in a quieter fashion but this is quite fun.} fxg4 7. Ne5 Be7 {Black should probably break the pin.} 8. h3 {Making it a full gambit! White wants to obtain pressure along the h-file now.} g3 {A standard counter-sacrifice.} 9. f4 {[%cal Bd1f3,Bf3g3,Be1c1,Bh1g1] With a fun and interesting position in which White is no worse. White will play Qf3 and aim to win the pawn back with a good game.} *