Jobava-Prié Attack

Jobava-Prié Attack

Definition

The Jobava-Prié Attack is an offbeat, aggressive Queen’s Pawn opening characterized by developing the queenside knight to c3 and the bishop to f4 very early. Typical move orders include 1. d4 followed by 2. Nc3 and 3. Bf4, aiming for a quick e4 thrust and dynamic kingside play. It is often described as a “London System with Nc3,” and is closely related to the Veresov (which places the bishop on g5) and the classical London System (which often supports d4 with c3 rather than Nc3).

The opening is named after the Georgian grandmaster Baadur Jobava and the French master Eric Prié, both of whom popularized the idea in the 2000s and 2010s. You may also see it called the “Jobava London.”

Move Order and Transpositions

• Against 1...d5: 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 is the purest move order.
• Against 1...Nf6 setups: 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 d5 3. Bf4, or 1. d4 Nf6 2. Nc3 g6 3. Bf4.
• It can transpose from or to related systems such as the London System (Bf4-based structures) and the Veresov Attack (same early Nc3 but with Bg5 instead of Bf4).
• The early Nc3 means White usually forgoes c2–c3 support, shifting the strategic focus toward rapid development and the e2–e4 break.

How It Is Used in Chess

The Jobava-Prié is favored as a practical weapon, especially in rapid and blitz, because it:

• Escapes heavy mainline theory while remaining fundamentally sound.
• Leads to fresh attacking positions with quick piece activity and pawn storms (h2–h4, g2–g4).
• Targets c7 with Nb5 and prepares central breaks with e4, often supported by f3.

At classical time controls it remains playable, but Black has several principled antidotes. With accurate defense, evaluations tend to hover around equality; the value lies in the middlegame pressure and surprise factor.

Strategic Themes

• Central Break: Prepare e4 with f3 or e3–e4; sometimes f2–f4 or even g2–g4 to gain space and clamp ...e5.
• Kingside Initiative: Typical plans include Qd2, long castling (0-0-0), and a pawn storm with h4–h5 and/or g4–g5.
• Nb5 and c7 Pressure: The knight jump to b5 creates threats against c7, especially if Black has played ...c5 or ...Nc6 without due care.
• Piece Placement: The light-squared bishop is aggressively posted on f4; the dark-squared bishop often goes to e2 or b5; rooks swing via h3 or g1 in attacking setups.
• Trade-offs: With the knight on c3, White gains piece activity but loses the typical London buttress c3. Control of d4 must be maintained tactically and dynamically rather than structurally.

Black’s Principal Antidotes

• Early ...c5 and ...Nc6: Challenge d4 quickly and meet Nb5 with ...a6 or ...Na6; add ...Qb6 to hit b2 and d4.
• ...e6 and ...Bd6: Aim to exchange the f4-bishop and neutralize White’s attacking bishop early.
• Fianchetto Setups (...g6, ...Bg7): Allow a solid structure; meet e4 with ...d6 and timely ...e5 or ...c5.
• ...cxd4 and ...Bb4: Increase pressure on the center, pin the c3-knight, and exploit the lack of c2–c3 support.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Aggressive, low-theory; flexible against multiple Black setups; rich attacking chances; effective in fast time controls.
• Cons: d4 can become a target; the b2-pawn is often tender versus ...Qb6; if Black trades the f4-bishop and stabilizes, White can drift into a worse endgame.

Example Setups and Lines

The following model lines illustrate typical plans rather than forcing theory.

1) Versus ...d5 with early ...c5. White aims for e3–e4 and watches for Nb5 ideas:

2) Kingside assault versus a fianchetto. White castles long and storms the kingside:

3) A simple Nb5 motif. The idea is to eye c7 and provoke concessions:

Common Tactics and Motifs

• Nb5–c7 Forks: The jump to b5 can create immediate Nc7+ ideas if Black neglects c7 or plays ...a6 too late.
• Sacrifice on e6/h7: When Black is underdeveloped, Bxe6 or Bxh7+ (Greek Gift motifs) can appear, especially with Qd2, 0-0-0, and rooks lifting along the third rank.
• Qb6 Pressure: After ...Qb6, White must handle b2; resources include Qd2, Rb1, a2–a3, or tactical central breaks (e4/dxc5) to gain tempi.
• Exchange of Bf4: Black’s ...Bd6 intends to trade White’s attacking bishop; White should consider Bh2, Bxd6, or timely Bg3 to keep attacking options.

Historical Notes and Anecdotes

Eric Prié explored this setup in the late 1990s and early 2000s in French competitions, demonstrating its practical value. Baadur Jobava later adopted and popularized it at a high level, scoring notable wins and inspiring a wave of “Jobava London” experimentation in elite blitz and rapid events. The system’s blend of London-style development with Veresov-like ambition makes it a favorite for creative attackers.

Practical Tips

• Be ready to meet ...Qb6 with concrete calculation: don’t auto-play Qd2; sometimes Rb1, a3, or even dxc5 is best.
• If Black plays ...Bd6 early, decide quickly whether to preserve the f4-bishop (Bh2/Bg3) or exchange and hit the center with e4.
• Against early ...c5, keep an eye on Nb5 and the e4 break. Move orders matter: you may insert a3 or h3 to control minor-piece jumps.
• Castling choice is plan-dependent: 0-0-0 for kingside storms; 0-0 if the center is unstable and Black threatens a quick queenside pawn roller.

Related Terms

• London System — Bf4-based, usually with c2–c3 supporting d4.
• Veresov Attack — Early Nc3 with Bg5 instead of Bf4.
• Chigorin Defense — A kinship in spirit: rapid piece play and pressure on c2/c7 squares.