Jobava London
The aggressive cousin of the London System: Nc3 instead of c3, the queen to d2 and often long castling with a pawn storm.
| First moves | 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Bf4 (or 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4) |
|---|---|
| ECO codes | D01, A45 |
| Character | Aggressive system, low theory |
| Best for | London players who want sharper positions |
Open any line on the analysis board, or play it out against a bot from where it ends.
Related openings
London System
One setup against almost everything. The most popular opening at club level - and the most complained about.
Queen's Gambit
The most respected way to open with 1.d4, and the opening that gives its name to everything from the Slav to the Semi-Slav.
Dutch Defense
Black answers 1.d4 with an immediate claim on e4 and an eye on the white king. Unbalanced from the first move.
The setup
White develops Nc3 and Bf4 early, blocking the c-pawn but pointing both minor pieces at the queenside and the center. The knight can jump to b5 to hit c7, and the queen often comes to d2 with long castling, followed by f3, g4 and h4 against a kingside-castled black king.
Named after Georgian grandmaster Baadur Jobava, it became hugely popular online for the same reason as the London: one setup, little theory, and immediate threats.
White's plans
- Nb5 against c7. If Black is careless, Nb5 and Nxc7+ or Bxc7 wins material at once.
- Long castling and a pawn storm. Qd2, O-O-O, f3, g4 and h4: a fast, opposite-side race.
- e3, Bd3 and a quieter game. White can also treat it as a London with the knight on c3, aiming for an e4 break.
How to meet it as Black
Strike in the center with ...c5, and be ready for Nb5: ...a6 or ...Na6 covers c7, and ...e6 with ...Bd6 challenges the f4 bishop. A plan with ...Bf5 and ...e6, getting the light-squared bishop out first, is also reliable.
Do not drift into a passive setup: against a quick O-O-O and g4-h4, Black needs counterplay in the center or on the queenside before the storm arrives.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Jobava London good?
It is sound and practical, especially in faster time controls. It gives White an active, aggressive game with very little theory to learn.
What is the difference between the London and the Jobava London?
The London plays c3 and Nd2 for a solid center; the Jobava plays Nc3 early, keeping options of Nb5, long castling and a pawn storm, so the positions are much sharper.
How do you beat the Jobava London?
Hit the center with ...c5, cover c7 against Nb5, and develop the light-squared bishop before ...e6. Counterplay in the center is the best answer to a wing attack.