Indian: London, 3...c5 4.e3 Qb6

Indian Game: London System

Definition

The phrase “Indian Game: London System” is an Encyclopedia of Chess Openings (ECO) label—codes A46-A48—that identifies positions reached after 1. d4 Nf6 when White develops the dark-squared bishop early to f4 instead of the more classical c4. In essence, it is the London System (Bf4, e3, Nf3, c3, h3, etc.) played against any of Black’s “Indian” set-ups arising from …Nf6 on move 1 (King’s Indian, Queen’s Indian, Bogo-Indian, Grünfeld concepts, or flexible …d6/…g6 hybrids).

Typical Move-Order

The most common starting sequence is:

1. d4 Nf6  2. Bf4  (or 2. Nf3 3. Bf4)  

Strategic Ideas

• Solid structure: White normally erects the “London pyramid” (pawns on d4-e3-c3) which is hard to undermine.
• Piece co-ordination over theory: The system is favoured by club players because it eschews long, forcing variations yet is rich in middlegame ideas.
• Flexible against Indian defences: Whether Black chooses … g6, …e6, or …d6, White’s set-up changes little.

Historical Significance

Although first championed in the late 19^th century London events (hence the name), the line languished until the 21^st century when players such as Vladimir Kramnik, Gata Kamsky, and Magnus Carlsen rehabilitated it as a fully fledged main line weapon—even at World- Championship level (Carlsen vs. Karjakin, 2016).

Famous Modern Practitioners

• Magnus Carlsen
• Vladimir Kramnik
• Leinier Domínguez

Example Position

After 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bf4 g6 3.Nc3 a typical tabiya appears. White has the solid d4-e3 chain and is ready for Nf3, h3, Be2, 0-0.

Interesting Facts

• The London System is sometimes nick-named “the Millennial’s Opening” due to its surge in online play where preparation time is scarce.
• In the 2019 World Cup, fully one-third of the decisive games that began 1.d4 employed a London set-up at some point.

3…c5 4.e3 Qb6 Variation (ECO A48)

Definition

The sequence 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bf4 g6 3.Nc3 c5 4.e3 Qb6 is a sharp branch in the Indian Game: London System. • Black challenges the d4-pawn immediately with 3…c5.
• White calmly supports the centre by 4.e3, keeping the bishop on f4 active.
• Black’s 4…Qb6 increases the pressure on d4 while eyeing the b2-pawn, forcing White to decide how to defend both weaknesses.

Typical Plans for Both Sides

• Black
  • Strike again with …cxd4 and possibly …Qxb2 if tactics allow.
  • Develop the dark-squared bishop to g7, castling kingside.
  • Sometimes transpose to Benoni-style structures after …d6 and …e6.
• White
  • Decide between 5.a3 (preventing …Qxb2) or 5.Rb1 (direct defence).
  • After consolidating, push on the queenside with a2-a4 or d4-d5.
  • Exploit the early queen excursion by rapid development: Nf3, h3, 0-0, and Nb5 ideas against c7.

Move-Order Nuances

The position can also arise from 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 g6 3.Bf4 c5 4.e3 Qb6, demonstrating the London’s flexibility. White must beware of the trick 5.dxc5? Qxb2 6.Be5 Qb4+, winning material.

Illustrative Game

The following miniature (Kramnik – Artemiev, online blitz 2020) shows the dangers for Black if the queen over-extends:

Practical Tips

1. If you play White, memorize the tactical motif 5.Rb1 Qb4 6.Nge2!—a standard way to meet the double attack on b2 & d4.
2. Black players should time …d6 and …Nc6 accurately; an early …Qxb2 can backfire if White gains tempi with Rb1 and Nb5.
3. Endgames favour White if the queens come off without structural damage, because the bishop on f4 is already developed while Black’s light squares (c7, d6) can be weak.

Trivia & Anecdotes

• Some databases label the setup as “Jobava-London” when White plays Nc3 before Nf3, honoring Georgian GM Baadur Jobava’s aggressive twist.
• Grandmaster Simon Williams calls 4…Qb6 the “Queen’s Belly-flop” in his video series, joking that the monarch dives onto b6 only to swim back to d8 in many lines.