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I've played the London System for about 3 months and am liking it alot, however I have run across several games where Black played a weird, but good, move early in the opening, c5.

example: 1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 c5

Here, c5 is threatening to take on d4, a key position in the London System.

How does one play with a threatening move such as this with the London System, or what style of play has generally come of this move.

My last question, when Black plays c5, does this generally spell the end for typical London System lines, if played out with typical responses?

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  • I'm trying to find viable routes to take because this move seems to breakdown the typical structure that the London System is played with.
    – TMcSquared
    Feb 26, 2018 at 17:20
  • Refute does not always mean something is wrong, but rather stopping it in its tracks, I was not debating whether or not it was playable, but how to play against this move.
    – TMcSquared
    Feb 27, 2018 at 0:11
  • 1
    ok, would the word reply work?
    – TMcSquared
    Feb 27, 2018 at 3:02
  • Sure, if you rephrase your question title it would be more accurate is all. maybe "how to deal with ... "
    – Ywapom
    Feb 27, 2018 at 4:03

1 Answer 1

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How you respond depends on your tastes.

If you like tactical play then 3. e4 is the Morris Gambit. This is basically the Albin Counter Gambit with colours reversed and an extra tempo. It can lead to very exciting play.

If you are more conservative and prefer a quiet life then 3. e3 is the normal move when play can quickly return to more normal lines.

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  • I haven't played 3. e4 often, but thanks for the answer, I'll be sure to try that out sometime. 3. e3 I have played several times, but often ending up with the king being in a tight spot.
    – TMcSquared
    Feb 26, 2018 at 18:48
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    3. c3 works too
    – limits
    Feb 28, 2018 at 20:29

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