Playing c3 by habit
The knight is on c3. The Jobava is a different opening from the classical London: think e4, not c3.
Opening guide · White, 1.d4
How to play the Jobava London System
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4
The Jobava London develops the queen’s knight to c3 instead of c3 for the pawn. It keeps the London bishop on f4 but plays far more actively: Nb5 jumps, f3 and e4 breaks, and sometimes a kingside pawn storm.
- Lines to play
- 5
- Quiz positions
- 5
Learn the Jobava London System move by move
You play White. Each move is explained before you play it, with an arrow on the board; then you play the line from memory. When the course has more than one good move, every one of them counts.
Key ideas
Nc3 changes the game
- Blocking the c-pawn gives up the pyramid, but the knight eyes b5 and e4 and supports a quick e4 break.
The Nb5 jump
- With the bishop on f4, Nb5 hits c7. Black often has to spend a tempo on ...Na6 or ...a6.
f3 and e4
- Against an early ...Bf5, f3 and g4 gain space with tempo and prepare e4 to open the centre.
Long castling is an option
- With the queen on d2 or d3 and the knight on c3, White can castle queenside and push the kingside pawns.
The main lines
Against ...c5
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5 4.e3 cxd4 5.exd4 a6
After the exchange on d4, White recaptures with the e-pawn and plays around the e5-square.
Against ...Bf5
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 Bf5 4.f3 e6 5.g4 Bg6
f3 and g4 gain space against the bishop.
Against the Slav setup
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c6 4.e3 Bf5 5.f3 e6
White meets ...c6 and ...Bf5 with e3 and the same f3 idea.
Against ...e6 and ...Bb4
1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Bf4 e6 4.e3 Bb4 5.Bd3 c5
Black pins the knight; Bd3 completes development and keeps e4 in reserve.
Against the fianchetto
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 g6 4.e3 Bg7 5.h4 O-O
h4 attacks before Black’s king is safe.
Find the move
5 positions from the main lines, each with its idea. Your first try counts.
Position 1 of 5
1.d4 Nf6
The ideaThe Jobava knight.
Find the move for White.
Common mistakes
Forgetting b2
With the bishop on f4, ...Qb6 can still hit b2. Count your defenders before you push on the kingside.
Overpressing with g4
The pawn storm needs a safe king. Castle long or keep the centre closed first.
Related openings
Frequently asked questions
How do I learn the Jobava London System?
Play it, one move at a time. The trainer on this page explains each White move before you play it, then asks you to play the line from memory. Read the main lines and traps, test yourself in the quiz, then play it in your games. The Double-Decker London teaches every line, with spaced review so the moves stay with you.
What is the Jobava London?
A London System with an early Nc3 instead of c3: 1.d4, 2.Nc3 and 3.Bf4. It aims for quick e4 breaks and piece play rather than a solid pyramid.
Is the Jobava London better than the regular London?
Neither is objectively better. The Jobava is sharper and more surprising; the classical London is more solid and easier to play on autopilot.
Is the Jobava London good for beginners?
It suits players who like active piece play. Beginners who want a calm setup usually start with the classical London.
Learn every line of the Jobava London System
The Double-Decker London teaches it as a repertoire: 59 lines, a note on every move read aloud, and spaced review so the moves stay with you. The first line is free.
A free account also reviews your games and shows where you left the lines. Sign up