GM Jobava's Opening Evolution: The 2025 Updated Edition
When GM Baadur Jobava first introduced 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Bf4 in 2013, he compared the opening to "a lady I had fallen in love with." For years, he guarded his secrets jealously, watching others publish courses that relied on engine evaluations rather than capturing the opening's true spirit. In 2024, he finally shared his complete vision with Modern Chess. Now, just one year later, the Jobava London returns—not as a static system, but as a living, breathing organism that continues to evolve with modern chess.
The 2025 Edition isn't merely an update. It's Jobava's direct response to the chess world's attempts to neutralize his creation. Since the original release, ambitious authors have published various antidotes: GM Alexander Fier recommended 3...c5 4.e3 Qa5!?, GM David Gavrilescu promoted 3...Nh5, GM Valery Kazakousky analyzed 3...Bd7, and GM José Martinez Alcántara examined 3...c6. Rather than let these challenges stand unanswered, Jobava—working again with his friend GM Pier Luigi Basso—has crafted a comprehensive response that demonstrates why the opening bearing his name remains one step ahead of theory.
What Makes This Edition Unique
This expanded edition adds substantial new material to the original database. The centerpiece is "Jobava against the World," where Baadur systematically dismantles each of the latest Black recommendations, including those from Modern Chess's own Autumn Challenge. The theoretical foundation has been strengthened with brand-new lessons addressing the most popular lines in current practice, offering fresh weapons while preserving the creative spirit that defines this opening.
The authors' reasoning extends beyond pure theory. Jobava's original insight—that 3.Bf4 improves on the Veresov's 3.Bg5 by controlling e5, preparing long castling, and restricting Black's counterplay—has proven durable. The 2025 edition reinforces these strategic themes while introducing modern tactical refinements developed through Jobava's recent tournament practice and analytical work.
Perhaps most inspiring is the section "Jobava's Legacy in Practice," featuring Francesco Bettalli's journey from long-time FM to International Master. After studying the 2024 material and applying it in tournaments—including a victory over Alexei Shirov—Bettalli found renewed passion and finally achieved his IM title in 2025. His story illustrates that the Jobava London offers more than opening preparation; it provides a framework for creative, energizing chess.
Variation Map
The course covers Black's major defensive tries:
3...g6 — The fianchetto setup, where White chooses between positional development (Nf3, e3, Be2, h3, kingside castling) or aggressive plans (Qd2-Bh6 exchanging dark-squared bishops, or h4-h5 challenging the kingside structure)
3...c5 — Challenging the center immediately, where 4.e3 leads to rich positional battles, including analysis of the trendy 4...Qa5!?
3...Bf5 — Developing the light-squared bishop before e7-e6, creating what Jobava calls "a mirror image of the Italian Game"
Black's 2nd Move Alternatives — Complete coverage of 2...c6, 2...Bf5, 2...c5, and the symmetrical 2...Nc6
Recent Defensive Ideas — Direct response against 3...Nh5 (Gavrilescu), 3...Bd7 (Kazakousky), and 3...c6 systems (Martinez Alcántara)
Technical Specifications
6 Main Sections featuring original 2024 chapters enhanced with 2025 theoretical updates and clear indicators showing where new analysis appears
"Jobava against the World" — Dedicated section refuting the latest recommendations from various authors and repertoire books, including responses to Modern Chess Autumn Challenge submissions
30 Test Positions designed to sharpen your tactical and positional understanding
Memory Booster for efficient retention of critical lines
To Go Version of the sections for quick study
Video Instruction with Jobava's personal commentary
The database includes exclusive rapid games between Jobava and GM Luca Moroni, played specifically for this course to test new ideas, with live commentary. Additionally, annotated games from Jobava's career—including his legendary 2016 Olympiad victory against Ruslan Ponomariov—provide practical context for the theoretical recommendations.
Build on the Foundation
This expanded edition builds directly on Jobava London According to Jobava - Part 1, released in 2024. Existing students will find their knowledge enhanced and updated, while new students receive the complete package in one comprehensive course.
The Jobava London continues to evolve because its creator refuses to stand still. This expanded edition proves that openings don't become obsolete when they're built on sound strategic principles and maintained with creative energy. Experience the opening as Jobava himself plays it—dynamic, practical, and one step ahead of the opposition.
INTRODUCTION BY GM BAADUR JOBAVA