Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System
Queen’s Pawn Game: Accelerated London System
Definition
The Queen’s Pawn Game: Accelerated London System is an opening that arises after the moves 1. d4 followed immediately (or almost immediately) by 2. Bf4. Unlike the “Classical” London System, where White first plays Nf3 and only later develops the bishop to f4 (usually on move three), the Accelerated London omits (or postpones) Nf3 and brings the dark-squared bishop out one tempo earlier. The ECO classification most frequently associated with the line is D00.
Typical Move Order
Two of the most common transpositional pathways are:
- 1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 (Queen’s Pawn Game: Accelerated London)
- 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 (Indian setups avoided or redirected)
After the bishop’s early development, White often continues with 3. e3, 4. Nf3, 5. Nd2, and a “London-style” pawn triangle (d4-e3-c3), but the flexible move order allows for a variety of plans.
Usage in Practical Play
Players choose the Accelerated London for several reasons:
- Sidestepping Theory: By avoiding early Nf3, White keeps the option of playing Ng1–e2, Nc3, or even f2–f3 in certain lines, steering the game away from mainstream Queen’s Gambit or Indian Defence theory.
- Rapid Piece Development: The early Bf4 makes it difficult for Black to challenge the bishop with …c5 followed by …Qb6 (a typical annoyance in the regular London), because the b2-pawn is already protected by the bishop.
- Universal Setup: White can employ the same structure against virtually any Black reply, which is attractive to players who prefer plans and patterns over heavy memorisation.
Strategic Ideas
- Pawn Triangle: After d4-e3-c3 White creates a solid centre, supporting Bf4 and preparing queenside expansion with b2-b4 or c3-c4 if circumstances permit.
- Minor-Piece Harmony: The c1-bishop is already out of the pawn chain; the g1-knight can choose between f3 or e2 depending on how Black lines up; the queen often comes to f3 or b3 targeting the weak b7 and f7 squares.
- Opposite-Bishop Middlegames: Because White’s bishop starts on f4 and Black frequently counters with …Bf5 or …Bg4, opposite -colour bishops can appear early, sharpening attacking chances for both sides.
- Early h-pawn thrust: A fashionable modern plan is h2-h4-h5 to cramp Black’s kingside and gain space for a rook lift along the third rank.
Historical Background
The concept of a “London System” dates back to the 1922 London tournament, where several participants (notably James Mason) employed an early Bf4 setup. The accelerated version, however, became popular later as databases expanded and players sought to avoid heavy theory in the Queen’s Gambit Declined. Grandmasters such as Gata Kamsky, Boris Grachev, and Baadur Jobava have used the early Bf4 move order to good effect. Magnus Carlsen adopted it occasionally in rapid and blitz events, giving the line extra credibility.
Illustrative Game
An instructive miniature is the following (abbreviated) encounter: [[Pgn| d4|Nf6|Bf4|d5|e3|c5|c3|Nc6|Nd2|Bf5|Ngf3|e6|Bb5|Qb6|Qa4|Nd7|O-O|Be7|dxc5|Nxc5|Nd4| fen|| arrows|d4d5|squares|f4,c3]]
White’s early Bf4 prevented …Qb6 from hitting b2, and after Bb5+ and dxc5 the initiative remained in White’s hands.
Pros & Cons Summary
- Pros
- Solid yet flexible structure
- Low theoretical workload
- Early pressure on the queenside (b7) and centre (e5)
- Good surprise value against opponents booked up on mainline Queen’s Gambits
- Cons
- Sometimes lacks the dynamic punch of sharper 1.d4 openings
- Can be cramped if Black quickly plays …c5 and …Nc6
- Early Bf4 may be vulnerable to …Nh5 ideas in certain Indian structures
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- In the Chessable Masters 2020, Magnus Carlsen employed the Accelerated London against Ding Liren, steering the game into a favourable endgame and later quipping in the post-game interview that he “enjoys playing openings that confuse engines as much as humans.”
- The line gained further online popularity during the 2020–2022 boom, where streamers dubbed it the “Dirty London” because of the annoying traps after 1.d4 d5 2.Bf4 c5? 3.e4! when Black’s queen is suddenly under fire.
- In many databases the code D00 lumps together both the classical and accelerated London; always check the exact move order when studying statistics.
When to Add it to Your Repertoire
The Accelerated London is ideal for:
- Players who want one universal, low-maintenance weapon against 1…d5 and 1…Nf6.
- Rapid and blitz specialists looking for semi-offbeat yet sound positions.
- Club players seeking to improve understanding of pawn structures and middlegame plans rather than rote memorisation of long forcing variations.