Fighting the London System
We are thrilled to introduce another exceptional project by GM Michael Roiz – Fighting the London System. This course is part of a comprehensive series aimed at covering all White's sidelines after 1.d4 Nf6. The second installment of the project will focus on the Trompowsky Attack and other alternatives to 2.c4, providing a complete repertoire for Black.
In this course, GM Roiz offers a top-level repertoire for Black against both the London System and the Jobava London. Known for his meticulous analysis and innovative ideas, Roiz presents a repertoire that is practical, deeply researched, and suitable for players of all levels. Whether you're facing amateurs or grandmasters, his suggestions will help you confidently tackle these popular systems.
The course includes:
- 14 theoretical chapters
- 15 interactive test positions
- A Memory Booster
- A Video Version (2+ Hours)
Course Overview
Below is a brief overview of the material:
- Chapters 1-9: Focus on combating the London System.
- Chapters 10-14: Provide a complete repertoire against the Jobava London.
What follows is a brief overview of the material. Chapters 1-9 examine the London System while Chapters 10-14 are dedicated to the Jobava London.
Against the London System, Roiz’s repertoire is based on the principled continuation: 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bf4 d5 3.e3 e6 4.Nf3 c5
This active setup, favored by top players, allows Black to immediately contest the center.
Chapters 1-4 examine the position arising after 5.c3 Bd6
Black's most flexible approach. By preparing ...Qc7, ...Nbd7, and ...e6-e5, Black builds strong central play. Roiz examines White’s critical continuations: 6.Bg3, 6.Bb5+, and 6.Bd3, offering clear and effective solutions to neutralize White's attempts for an advantage.
In Chapters 5-7, Roiz examines the alternatives to the move 5.c3. The most interesting among them tends to be 5.Be2.
This quiet move isn't as toothless as it looks. White opts for a quick development of kingside pieces and keeps c2-c4 in mind. At this point, Black's most precise continuation is 5...Qb6! which is a well-timed counter-attacking action. White struggles to comfortably cover b2. White fails to achieve an advantage in this position.
Chapter 8 covers 4.c4.
This move isn't exactly in the spirit of the London system, but it is a sort of attempt to transpose into QGD with Bf4 - a solid opening that isn't in everyone's taste. Black's simplest reaction is 4...c5.
All White's sidelines on move 4 are examined in Chapter 9. Even though these options are not objectively dangerous, you should study them carefully since some of the move orders might be tricky.
The remaining part of the course deals with the Jobava London.
True to his principled approach, Roiz suggests 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5
The advance ...c7-c5 is the best way of exploiting the drawback behind White's setup. By playing Nc3, White blocks the c-pawn, thus preventing it from controlling the centre.
Chapters 10-14 cover the main line after 4.e3 cxd4 5.exd4 a6
This is a subtle prophylactic move preventing Bb5 and enhancing control over e5. Roiz advocates developing the light-squared bishop within the pawn chain, followed by ...e7-e6, creating a flexible and robust setup.
With Roiz’s principled repertoire, you’ll not only neutralize the London and Jobava Systems but also seize opportunities to play for a win in every line.
SAMPLE CHAPTER
SAMPLE VIDEO