Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System
Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System
Definition
The Accelerated London System is a streamlined version of the classical London System. It normally arises after 1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 (or 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4) — the key point being that the dark-squared bishop reaches f4 before White commits to the routine moves Nf3 and e3. Because the bishop is developed one tempo earlier than in the “standard” London, theory calls the line “accelerated.”
Typical Move Order
The most common branches start from one of the following positions:
- 1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 c5
- 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 g6 3. e3 Bg7 4. Nf3
In each case White will usually follow with Nf3, e3, c3, Nbd2 and sometimes h3, building the traditional London pyramid while keeping maximum flexibility.
Strategic Ideas
- Solid “Pyramid” Center – Pawns on d4, e3, and c3 shield the d4–bishop and restrict Black’s central pawn breaks.
- Rapid Development – The early bishop discourages …c5 or …e5 breaks until Black is fully organized.
- Flexible Knight Placement – Because Nf3 is delayed, White can sometimes choose Ne2, Nc3 or even f3 depending on Black’s set-up.
- Queenside Expansion – After b4–b5, White may gain space and open lines for the light-squared bishop.
- Endgame Friendly – Simplifications often favour White thanks to the safe structure and active bishops.
Historical Context
Although the London System itself dates to the late 1800s (hence the name, first appearing in London tournaments), the “accelerated” move order only became widespread in the 21st century. It was popularised by strong practical players such as Gata Kamsky and later embraced by rapid-play specialists Vladimir Kramnik and Magnus Carlsen, who appreciated its low-maintenance repertoire value.
Illustrative Mini-Game
[[Pgn| 1.d4 d5 2.Bf4 Nf6 3.Nf3 c5 4.e3 Nc6 5.c3 Qb6 6.Qb3 c4 7.Qc2 Bf5 8.Qc1 e6 9.Nbd2 Be7 10.h3| fen|| ]]After just ten moves White has completed development, enjoys a rock-solid pawn chain, and is ready for a minority-style push with b3 or e4 depending on Black’s plan.
Interesting Facts
- Because the bishop is already on f4, Black cannot easily play the “triangle” set-up …d5–e6–c6 without worrying about the weak c7–pawn.
- Carlsen vs. So, Skilling Open 2020: Magnus used the accelerated move order to keep the game quiet, then switched to a kingside pawn storm when So castled short, scoring an instructive model win.
- The system became a bestseller in club circles once it was marketed as “Play in the Style of Kramnik in 15 Minutes Flat” – an appealing prospect for players who dislike heavy memorisation.
Steinitz Countergambit
Definition
The Steinitz Countergambit is an ambitious answer to the King’s Gambit Accepted. After 1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4 3. Nf3 Black strikes back in the centre with 3…d5!?, offering to return material for rapid development. It is called a counter gambit because Black, rather than clinging to the extra pawn on f4, immediately gambits his own e-pawn to seize the initiative.
Typical Continuations
- 4. exd5 Nf6 5. d4 Nxd5 — Black recovers the pawn with easy development.
- 4. e5 g5 5. d4 — a sharper line where both sides keep pawns in the centre and kings remain in the middle.
Strategic Themes
- Immediate Central Clash – By playing …d5 at once, Black throws a spanner into White’s attempt to build a stable kingside bind with g2–g3 and Bf1–g2.
- Lead in Development – Black accepts structural looseness (isolated or doubled pawns) in order to mobilise pieces rapidly, often targeting g1–a7 diagonal with the queen or bishop.
- Open Lines for Tactics – With the e-file and f-file quickly opening, tactics against the uncastled white king are plentiful.
Historical Background
Wilhelm Steinitz, the first official World Champion, unveiled the idea in the 1860s when the King’s Gambit was the fashionable opening. While the line never became fully mainstream (players such as Anderssen and later Tarrasch preferred the classical 3…g5), it attracted romantics who relished its swashbuckling nature. Modern engines evaluate the position as roughly equal with best play, keeping the counter-gambit alive at blitz and rapid time controls.
Model Game
[[Pgn| 1.e4 e5 2.f4 exf4 3.Nf3 d5 4.exd5 Nf6 5.d4 Nxd5 6.c4 Bb4+ 7.Bd2 Bxd2+ 8.Qxd2 Ne3 9.Nc3 O-O 10.g3 Bg4| fen|| ]]Black is already fully developed and ready to pressure e4 and g3, illustrating the dynamic compensation the countergambit promises.
Interesting Tidbits
- In casual play Steinitz reputedly challenged opponents: “You may have the gambit pawn, but I shall have your king.”
- The line has enjoyed a renaissance in online bullet chess, where the blunt central challenge of …d5 can catch opponents still in their opening “autopilot.”
- Grandmaster Baadur Jobava occasionally employs the countergambit, showing it can appear even at 2700-level blitz events.