18 Aug 11
1 edit
I played all year as an experiment and in two congresses. I had some draws against some 2000/2100 players. However the problem is that although it is solid, avoids lots of sharp theory and can't be smashed - its a bit passive for me. It's quite a positional opening.
I looked at the Zuckertort which I quite like as I prefer attacking kingside. imho I think its better than the Colle and think 3.bf4 better than 2.bf4.
Anyway, i've since gone back to e4.
19 Aug 11
Originally posted by plopzillaOf those systems, I like the Zuke better also. Though, personally I say away from all of them.
I played all year as an experiment and in two congresses. I had some draws against some 2000/2100 players. However the problem is that although it is solid, avoids lots of sharp theory and can't be smashed - its a bit passive for me. It's quite a positional opening.
I looked at the Zuckertort which I quite like as I prefer attacking kingside. imho I thi ...[text shortened]... ter than the Colle and think 3.bf4 better than 2.bf4.
Anyway, i've since gone back to e4.
19 Aug 11
Originally posted by rob39Hi Rob - with your profile you should be playing the Italian Game!!
Looking to have a go at the london system, anyone one got an idiots guide to how to play it and what are the main themes etc
However - I feel that I am at a low enough level to advise you.
Whenever I play against the London System I hate it. Its usually lower ranked players and I get the impression that their aim is not to lose early. OK you get a solid position and your pieces of the back rank but its boring and nothing seems to happen.
GP will advocate tou play Spanish or Italian but if you want to get into middle game safely with some tactical chances I recommend the first 12 moves of the Reti System.
take a look here
http://www.ericschiller.com/pdf/HypermodernChessOpeningStrategy.pdf
19 Aug 11
Originally posted by rob39Hi Rob,
Looking to have a go at the london system, anyone one got an idiots guide to how to play it and what are the main themes etc
The idea of the first 3 moves of the London System 1. d4 2. Nf3 3. Bf4 is to control the dark squares in the centre, in particular e5. If white can stop that then one of Black's routes to equality is hindered. Watch out for this tactic that can happen if you also place a bishop on d3, and allow yourself to be distracted from keeping the grip on e5. I've thinned out the board a bit to show the idea more clearly.
The London System has a reputation of being a bit dry but like all openings it can provide fertile ground for any player who is creative enough to look for active ideas and plans. The Nigerian International Master Odion Aikhoje has it in his repertoire. He plays Q Pawn Openings without c4, the Torre Attack and London System mostly, and doesn't seem to have trouble finding things to do from the positions, and is known as an attacking player. I was lucky enough to watch him in action at a weekend tournament a couple of years ago. If you enjoy digging around in chess databases you could look for some of his games and see what the opening looks like at master level.