Icannos/chess_studies huggingface dataset:
[Event "London System Repertoire: London System Basics"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/2EaSmZtz/C8pUIq2K"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/davidharoldchess"]
[ECO "D00"]
[Opening "Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System"]
[UTCDate "2018.05.19"]
[UTCTime "08:26:25"]
[Variant "Standard"]

{ In this chapter I outline the basic ideas of the London System against a typical black setup. } 1. d4 { This is always the first move of the London System. } 1... d5 2. Bf4 { Bf4 should almost always be played next, NOT Nf3 which a lot of players (including myself previously) play. Nf3 leads to problems which I'll show in a later chapter. } 2... Nf6 3. e3 { Now we start building a "pawn pyramid" on c3, d4 and e3. Except in some particular scenarios this should be done before Nf3 is played. } 3... e6 4. c3 { The pawn pyramid is now complete. Now we want to develop our remaining pieces: The two knights and the light-squared bishop. The knights will go to d2 and f3 and the bishop will go to d3. [%csl Gb2,Gc3,Gd4,Ge3,Gf2] } 4... c5 { This is a common move used to meet the London system. We never want to take on c5. If black decides to take, we will recapture using the e-pawn. } 5. Nd2 { At this point it's actually okay to play Nf3 (due to the black pawn on e6) but in other opening positions you'll want to play this before Nf3 due to some tactical tricks involving Qb6 and Bf5. } 5... Nc6 ( 5... cxd4 $6 6. exd4 { If black takes we recapture with the e-pawn. } ) 6. Ngf3 Bd6 { A common idea by black. We almost never want to swap the bishop on d6 (and definitely not on f4) so we retreat the bishop to g3. If black exchanges on g3 we recapture using the h-pawn, opening the h-file for our rook. } 7. Bg3 ( 7. Bxd6 $6 Qxd6 { Swapping on d6 allows the queen to be developed to d6, threatening e5. } ) ( 7. Bd3 $6 Bxf4 8. exf4 { Swapping on f4 isn't the end of the world but it disrupts the typical London pawn structure and may lead to further issues if black takes on d4. } ) 7... O-O ( 7... Bxg3 8. hxg3 { The doubled pawns aren't all bad (the pawn on g3 can be used to probe the kingside and initiate an attack occasionally) and now the h-file is opened for the rook. [%csl Rh7][%cal Rh1h7] } ) 8. Bd3 { We have developed all of our pieces to good central squares, now we can start to attack! Generally we will move the knight to e5, the queen to c2 and we may have the opportunity to attack via the h-file or the b1-h7 diagonal. [%csl Gd2,Gd3,Gf3,Gg3,Rh7,Ge5][%cal Rd3h7,Gf3e5,Gd1c2,Rc2h7,Rh1h7,Rb1h7] } *
[Event "London System Repertoire: London vs d5 e6 Part 2"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/2EaSmZtz/IGpWgNhI"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/davidharoldchess"]
[ECO "D00"]
[Opening "Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System"]
[UTCDate "2018.05.19"]
[UTCTime "05:38:46"]
[Variant "Standard"]

{ Velazsquez - Acosta } 1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 e6 3. e3 Nf6 4. Nf3 { Again, Nf3 is okay here due to the presence of the e6 pawn. In general, if e6 and e3 have been played then Nf3 is safe. } 4... c5 5. c3 { Forming the pawn pyramid. [%csl Gb2,Gc3,Gd4,Ge3,Gf2] } 5... Nc6 6. Nbd2 Be7 { Bd6 is generally thought to be better than Be7 as it challenges the f4 bishop. [%csl Bd6][%cal Rd6h2,Be7d6,Bd6f4] } 7. Bd3 { O-O or Nh5 are thought to be the best moves here. [%cal Ge8g8,Gf6h5] } 7... c4 $6 { As we saw in the last chapter, c4 allows the b3 and e4 pawn breaks. } ( 7... Nh5 8. Bg3 Nxg3 9. hxg3 { The usual continuation after Nh5. } ) ( 7... O-O 8. Ne5 $1 ) 8. Bc2 { Keeping the bishop on the b1-h7 diagonal, threatening the black kingside. } 8... O-O ( 8... Nh5 9. Bg3 Nxg3 10. hxg3 { [%csl Rh7][%cal Rh1h7,Rc2h7] } ) 9. Ne5 $1 { One of the key moves of the London System. The knight is well-placed on e5, and the d1-h5 diagonal is opened up for the queen. } 9... Nxe5 { Of course, it is not illegal for black to not take the knight but leaving the knight on e5 can't be seen as particularly good. } ( 9... Bd7 $6 10. O-O $16 ) 10. dxe5 { Originally I would take with the bishop here, but taking with the pawn is better. It chases the knight away from f6, weakening the kingside (as the queen guards g4 and h5). [%csl Rf6,Re5,Yg4,Yh5,Rh7][%cal Re5f6,Rc2h7] } 10... Nd7 11. h4 { Now the pawn storm begins. Taking the pawn with the bishop is a mistake as it opens up the h-file for the rook. Here we see the benefit of delaying castling kingside in the London System - if white were castled kingside, the rook would not be able to control the h-file. } 11... f5 ( 11... Bxh4 $4 12. Bxh7+ Kxh7 13. Qh5+ Kg8 14. Nf3 Bxf2+ 15. Kxf2 ) 12. Nf3 { There is now a hole on d4 for the second white knight. } ( 12. exf6 Nxf6 13. Nf3 { Also good for white. } ) 12... Nc5 13. Qe2 { Preparing to castle queenside. Then both rooks can be used on the kingside to devastating effect. } 13... a5 14. Nd4 h6 { Attempting to close the h-file, but it doesn't work. } 15. g4 $1 Bxh4 $2 { This doesn't lose anything immediately for black, but is still a mistake - white loses a pawn but activates the rook along the h-file. [%csl Rh8,Rh6,Rh7][%cal Rh1h8] } 16. gxf5 exf5 17. O-O-O Ne4 18. Bxe4 { The knight is black's strongest piece, while the bishop is white's weakest piece, so white chooses to exchange them. } 18... fxe4 19. Rdg1 { It's easy to see that black is in deep trouble here. [%csl Rg7,Rh6,Rh8,Rh5,Re6,Rf4][%cal Rg1g7,Rh1h6,Rh1h8,Re2h5,Re5e6,Rd4e6,Rf4h6] } 19... Bg5 20. Bxg5 hxg5 21. Qh5 { The g4 pawn will soon fall and black can't really do anything about white's domination of the g and h files. [%csl Rh8,Rg8,Rh5,Rg1,Rh1,Rg5][%cal Rh1h8,Rg1g8,Rh5h8] } *
[Event "London System Repertoire: London vs d5 c5 Part 1"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/2EaSmZtz/YGzPvf7o"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/davidharoldchess"]
[ECO "D00"]
[Opening "Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System"]
[UTCDate "2018.05.18"]
[UTCTime "13:00:40"]
[Variant "Standard"]

{ Puebla - Albertoni } 1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 { As I discussed before, Bf4 then e3 is the most accurate London System move order. Playing Nf3 earlier can run into issues, and also blocks the d1-h5 diagonal. [%csl Rf3][%cal Gd1h5,Rg1f3,Ge2e3] } ( 2. Nf3 $6 Nf6 3. Bf4 $6 c5 $1 4. c3 Nc6 5. e3 Qb6 $1 { Defending the b-pawn now becomes awkward. I ran into this move many times during my initial experience with the London. } 6. Qb3 { The natural Qc2 runs into Bf5 problems. } ( 6. Qc2 $6 Bf5 ( 6... g6 7. Be2 Bf5 8. dxc5 Bxc2 9. cxb6 Bxb1 10. Rxb1 axb6 ) 7. dxc5 ( 7. Qxf5 $4 Qxb2 8. dxc5 g6 9. Qd3 $19 { The computer is changing its mind constantly about what the evaluation is. } ) 7... Bxc2 8. cxb6 axb6 { Computer says we're ahead, but this is still dubious for Londoners. } ) 6... c4 7. Qc2 ( 7. Qxb6 $6 axb6 8. Nbd2 b5 9. Be2 Bf5 { Either this or b4 causes problems for London players. } ( 9... b4 ) ) 7... Bf5 8. Qc1 Nh5 { White has many positional problems here. } ) 2... Nf6 3. e3 c5 { A move that always annoyed me when I first started playing the London. I mainly feared c4 and cxd4. I show how to deal with cxd4 in the chapter "London System vs cxd4", and as the previous chapter showed c4 is not a real threat to the London System. } 4. c3 { Forming the pawn pyramid. [%csl Gb2,Gc3,Gd4,Ge3,Gf2] } 4... Nc6 5. Nd2 e6 ( 5... Qb6 { Before with 2. Nf3 this move was winning, how about now? } 6. Qb3 { It's important to know this move as Qb6 will likely come up a lot in your games. Neither side wants to swap queens and open the a-file here. } 6... c4 $6 ( 6... Bf5 7. dxc5 { Remember to play this if your opponent plays Bf5. } ) 7. Qc2 Bf5 $4 { Now this move is simply a blunder. } 8. Qxf5 Qxb2 9. Qb1 Qxc3 10. Ne2 Qb4 11. Qc1 Ne4 12. f3 Qxd2+ 13. Qxd2 Nxd2 14. Kxd2 { White is clearly winning. } ) 6. Ngf3 { Now Nf3 is safe. However, it can be further delayed if necessary. This is now essentially a d5 e6 London. } 6... Be7 7. Bd3 O-O { An ideal position for London players, especially those who wish to attack on the kingside. } 8. h4 { Beginning the attack! } 8... Nh5 { Threatening to swap on f4... [%csl Rf4][%cal Rh5f4] } 9. Bxh7+ { … but white ignores it completely! Sacrificing the bishop on h7 is a common theme in the London. } 9... Kxh7 ( 9... Kh8 10. Bc2 { This is just winning for white. } ) 10. Ng5+ { Kg8 and Kh8 both lose immediately, while Bxg5 is just bad. } 10... Kg6 ( 10... Kh8 11. Qxh5+ Kg8 12. Qh7# ) ( 10... Kg8 11. Qxh5 Bxg5 12. hxg5 f5 13. g6 { [%csl Rh7][%cal Rh5h7] } 13... Qh4 14. Rxh4 c4 15. Qh7# ) ( 10... Bxg5 11. hxg5 g6 12. Rxh5+ Kg7 13. Rh6 ) 11. Be5 f6 $4 { A big mistake. } 12. Qc2+ f5 13. g4 Nxe5 14. gxh5+ Kh6 15. dxe5 { White is now clearly winning. } *
[Event "London System Repertoire: London vs KID/Grunfeld"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/2EaSmZtz/eUtKgX1n"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/davidharoldchess"]
[ECO "A48"]
[Opening "London System"]
[UTCDate "2018.05.18"]
[UTCTime "13:46:27"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 g6 { Black chooses to reply with the King's Indian Defence, avoiding many common London System motifs. In particular, black will aim to play e5. Some Londoners fear the KID and will do anything to avoid playing the London against it but a true Londoner will play on and brave the tactical storm! } 3. Nf3 Bg7 4. e3 O-O { Up until this point it has been a typical London setup. Now we will make some deviations. } 5. Be2 { Avoiding the scenario when a pawn on e4 forks knight and bishop. } 5... d6 ( 5... d5 { Now this is a Grunfeld. We don't need to play h3 now. } 6. O-O c5 7. c3 { Pawn pyramid again! [%csl Gb2,Gc3,Gd4,Ge3,Gf2] } 7... Nc6 8. Nbd2 Qb6 9. Qb3 { Capturing on b3 would open the a-file for white. } 9... c4 10. Qxb6 axb6 { The computer line. Now we can prepare to use the b3 and e4 pawn breaks, as in a typical London. [%csl Gb3,Ge4,Rc4,Rd5][%cal Gb2b3,Ge3e4,Rb3c4,Re4d5] } ) 6. h3 { Leaving a square on h2 to retreat the bishop to in the case of an e5 push. We will generally castle kingside, then play c4 (instead of c3) and Nc3 (instead of Nd2). Playing c3 and Nd2 leads to some annoying tactics. [%csl Re5,Rf4,Gc4,Gd4,Ge3,Gf2,Gc3][%cal Re7e5,Re5f4,Gf4h2,Ge1g1,Gc2c4,Gb1c3] } 6... Nbd7 7. O-O Qe8 { A typical KID move: Now e5 is unstoppable. } 8. c4 ( 8. c3 $6 e5 9. Bh2 Qe7 10. Nbd2 $2 e4 { Now the f3 knight has nowhere nice to go. With the other knight on c3 it would be able to retreat to d2. [%csl Re4,Rf3][%cal Re4f3] } ) 8... e5 9. Bh2 { Retreating the bishop to h2 as planned. } 9... Qe7 10. Nc3 e4 11. Nd2 { The point of c4 and Nc3. The knight will be useful on d2, and the two knights together put pressure on e4. } *
[Event "London System Repertoire: London vs Benoni"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/2EaSmZtz/mE9ZojVx"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/davidharoldchess"]
[ECO "A45"]
[Opening "Indian Defense"]
[UTCDate "2018.05.19"]
[UTCTime "09:52:53"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 c5 { Black now plays the Benoni. } 3. c3 Qb6 4. Qb3 Qxb3 5. axb3 cxd4 6. cxd4 Nc6 7. Nf3 e6 8. Nc3 Bb4 9. Bd2 O-O 10. e3 d5 11. Bd3 Bd7 12. O-O Bd6 *
[Event "London System Repertoire: London vs Old Benoni"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/2EaSmZtz/DDiPVb0p"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/davidharoldchess"]
[ECO "A43"]
[Opening "Benoni Defense: Benoni-Indian Defense"]
[UTCDate "2018.05.29"]
[UTCTime "02:44:51"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. d4 c5 { The Old Benoni Defence. Against this defence, simply playing the standard moves of the London System is not advised. So we will play a different system instead. } 2. d5 { In this system, we will put strong pawns on d5 and e4 and our knights on c3 and f3. It is important to avoid capturing with these central pawns (unless black plays some very strange response) in order to preserve the central pawn chain. [%csl Yd5,Ye4,Bc3,Bf3] } ( 2. Bf4 $6 { This allows for the elimination of the central d-pawn in exchange for black's c-pawn. } 2... cxd4 3. Qxd4 Nc6 4. Qa4 e5 5. Bg3 $17 ) ( 2. c3 { Playable and will lead to more typical London positions, but with a small advantage for black. } 2... Nf6 3. Bf4 Qb6 4. Qb3 Qxb3 5. axb3 cxd4 6. cxd4 Nc6 7. Nf3 $15 ) ( 2. e3 { Also playable, but if black decides not to capture on d4 the e3 pawn blocks in the c1 bishop and prevents it from moving to f4. } ) 2... Nf6 3. Nc3 { This move looks strange at first as it blocks in the c-pawn. However, it keeps the c-pawn flexible (it can still possibly move to c3 to block the a1-h8 diagonal) and more importantly prepares e4. } 3... e6 ( 3... d6 4. e4 e6 ( 4... g6 { Black can choose a fianchetto setup as shown here. } 5. Nf3 Bg7 { White can choose from two main options here: Developing the bishop to e2 or playing a4 in preparation for developing the bishop to b5. } 6. Be2 ( 6. a4 Na6 7. Bb5+ Bd7 8. O-O { A more aggressive setup, exploiting the tactical opportunities on the queenside. } 8... Bxb5 9. axb5 Nc7 10. Qe2 Nd7 11. Bf4 O-O { White has opportunities to develop the rooks to strong files, has a significant presence in the centre and has a strong pawn on b5 which may cause black problems. } ) 6... O-O 7. O-O { A simple developing setup. } ) 5. Nf3 { A transposition into the main line given in this study. } ) 4. e4 { Establishing a strong pawn centre. Note that exd5 is a mistake for black here. [%csl Yd5,Ye4] } 4... d6 ( 4... exd5 $2 { This allows e5, attacking the knight. } 5. e5 $1 d4 ( 5... Ne4 $2 { This doesn't actually save the knight. } 6. Nxd5 { Capturing back the pawn and preventing an exchange with the e4 knight. } 6... h6 { Attempting to retreat the knight to the g5 square. } ( 6... Ng5 7. Bxg5 Qxg5 8. Nc7+ ) 7. h4 d6 8. Qf3 { Finally winning the knight. } 8... Nxf2 9. Qxf2 ) 6. exf6 Qxf6 7. Qe2+ Qe6 8. Nb5 Na6 9. Nh3 b6 10. Nf4 Qxe2+ 11. Bxe2 Bb7 12. O-O Be7 ) 5. Nf3 Be7 6. Be2 ( 6. Bc4 ) 6... O-O 7. O-O { With a good position for white. Possible ideas include a queenside pawn advance (with a possible Bb5 or Bc4), developing the bishop to f4, and moving the rooks to the d and e files. [%csl Ra5,Rb5,Yd1,Ye1][%cal Ge2c4,Ra2a4,Ra4b5,Ra4a5,Ya1d1,Yf1e1,Yd1d8,Ye1e8,Gc1f4] } *
[Event "London System Repertoire: Stonewall London"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/2EaSmZtz/9j2qOYK9"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/davidharoldchess"]
[ECO "?"]
[Opening "?"]
[UTCDate "2018.05.19"]
[UTCTime "10:07:50"]
[Variant "Standard"]

*
[Event "London System Repertoire: Alternative London System"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/2EaSmZtz/mLFVIpd5"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/davidharoldchess"]
[ECO "D00"]
[Opening "Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System"]
[UTCDate "2018.05.19"]
[UTCTime "05:34:14"]
[Variant "Standard"]

{ In the previous chapter, c4 and Nc3 was used to combat the King's Indian Defence. These two moves can also be played against other black openings as well as an alternative London System. } 1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 e6 3. e3 Nf6 4. Nf3 Bd6 5. Bg3 c5 6. c4 O-O 7. Nc3 *
[Event "London System Repertoire: London System vs cxd4"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/2EaSmZtz/OC5Ewe0Z"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/davidharoldchess"]
[ECO "D00"]
[Opening "Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System"]
[UTCDate "2018.05.19"]
[UTCTime "05:09:32"]
[Variant "Standard"]

{ In this game we will have a look at one of the attempts some black players will make to try and derail the London System. } 1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 c5 4. c3 { A typical London setup... } 4... cxd4 { … but the opponent doesn't want that! Surely swapping a flank pawn for a centre pawn is good, they say. How do we refute this strange play? } 5. exd4 { (This chapter is still work in progress...) } *
[Event "London System Repertoire: London System vs Ne4"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/2EaSmZtz/ECcMwyyJ"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/davidharoldchess"]
[ECO "A45"]
[Opening "Indian Defense"]
[UTCDate "2018.05.19"]
[UTCTime "05:12:05"]
[Variant "Standard"]

{ Here is another aggressive move some black players make in an attempt to refute the London. } 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 d5 3. e3 c5 4. Nf3 Ne4 $6 { Their plan is usually to swap on d2, which can confuse the uninitiated London player. However, this shouldn't scare you! } 5. Nbd2 $1 Nxd2 $6 ( 5... Nc6 6. Nxe4 dxe4 7. d5 $1 { Ne5 is okay but d5 is the way to go to really punish black's play. } 7... exf3 8. dxc6 Qxd1+ 9. Rxd1 bxc6 10. gxf3 { Computer evaluates this position as +1 for black, and it's easy to see why. Double isolated c-pawns and zero development versus decent development and a lack of weak pawns - I'll take that. } ) 6. Qxd2 e6 7. Be2 Nc6 8. O-O f6 ( 8... Bd6 $2 { Typical move in the London but a mistake. } 9. dxc5 $1 Bxc5 10. Qc3 Bf8 11. Rad1 $16 ) 9. c3 { Despite black's attempts, we have now reached a better-than-usual London position. } *
[Event "London System Repertoire: London System vs Bf5"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/2EaSmZtz/dViPOIs1"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/davidharoldchess"]
[ECO "D00"]
[Opening "Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System"]
[UTCDate "2018.05.19"]
[UTCTime "06:31:45"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Bf5 { We've all seen it - your opponent goes for the old "mirror their moves until they make a mistake" trick when they don't know your opening. No matter their reason, this is not a refutation of the London. } 3. e3 e6 4. Bd3 $1 { Swapping bishops is the way to go here. } 4... Bxd3 5. Qxd3 { And now we just continue the London setup as per usual. } 5... Nf6 { In Carlsen - Giri, c6 was played instead here but Nf6 is good too. } 6. Nf3 c5 7. c3 Nc6 ( 7... c4 $6 { Different opening moves, still allows for b3 and e4 pawn breaks! } 8. Qe2 { [%csl Gb3,Ge4,Rd5,Rc4][%cal Gb2b3,Ge3e4,Re4d5,Rb3c4] } 8... Nc6 9. Nbd2 { Now b3 is on the cards. } ) 8. Nbd2 Bd6 9. Bg3 Bxg3 10. hxg3 O-O $2 { Perfectly natural, but white has a clear edge here, with a number of good plans. Better is Qb6. Either way, it's typical London play from here. [%csl Ge5,Gf3,Rh7,Rg5,Rg4,Rg3,Ge1][%cal Gf3e5,Gd2f3,Ge1g1,Rh1h7,Rd3h7,Rg3g4,Rg4g5,Ge1c1] } *
[Event "London System Repertoire: Anti-Londons Part 1"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/2EaSmZtz/cERy4zz8"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/davidharoldchess"]
[ECO "D00"]
[Opening "Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System, Steinitz Countergambit"]
[UTCDate "2018.05.19"]
[UTCTime "10:08:16"]
[Variant "Standard"]

{ In this chapter I will demonstrate a way to play against the London. This opening will aim to expose the unprotected b-pawn as a weakness of the London System. } 1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 c5 $1 { Annoying for London players. Others recommend Nf6 c5 as an anti-London but the advantage of d5 c5 is that d5 is not an available response for white against c5. } 3. e3 Nf6 ( 3... Nc6 $2 { For those wondering why Nf6 needs to be played at all, here's why. } 4. Nf3 Qb6 5. Nc3 $1 Qxb2 $4 6. Nxd5 $1 { Now black cannot protect against Nc7+. [%csl Rc7,Re8,Ra8,Rf4,Rd5][%cal Rd5c7,Rc7e8,Rc7a8,Rf4c7] } ) 4. Nf3 $6 { As we've seen in previous chapters, this is dubious if you want to play in the style of the London. } ( 4. Nd2 Qb6 5. Ngf3 { Now we can either accept the sacrificed pawn on b2 or continue to play normally. } 5... Nc6 ( 5... Qxb2 $5 6. Rb1 Qxa2 { With chances for both sides. } ) 6. dxc5 { Instead of the typical c3 the counterintuitive dxc5 is best here. } ( 6. c3 $2 { Now taking the b2 pawn looks very attractive. } 6... Qxb2 $1 7. Rb1 Qxc3 $17 ) 6... Qxb2 7. Rb1 Qc3 8. Bb5 e6 { Again, with chances for both sides. This line especially will feel very strange to London players. } ) 4... Nc6 5. c3 Qb6 $1 { Not the best move theoretically but guaranteed to annoy London players. } 6. Qb3 $6 { Computer prefers b3 or Qc1 but a London player won't be happy playing either of these. } 6... c4 $1 7. Qc2 Bf5 $1 8. Qc1 Nh5 $1 $17 { Now threatening to swap the London bishop for a knight. } *
[Event "London System Repertoire: Anti-Londons Part 2"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/2EaSmZtz/jrStdPOE"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/davidharoldchess"]
[ECO "A40"]
[Opening "Horwitz Defense"]
[UTCDate "2018.05.19"]
[UTCTime "10:24:21"]
[Variant "Standard"]

{ Here's another, more risky way to play against the London. If your opponent really knows what they're doing you may have problems but especially in fast games this response could be deadly. } 1. d4 e6 2. Bf4 g5 $5 { Positionally unsound but very unsettling. I found this novelty when testing the London against Stockfish level 3. The main ideas are h5 and g4 advances (also h4 if the opponent allows it). } 3. Bg3 h5 $5 { A slightly more solid move is Nf6 but there's no point playing this variation for solid positional benefits! } ( 3... Nf6 4. e3 ( 4. Nf3 $6 { A typical London move but not a good idea here! } 4... g4 $1 ( 4... Ne4 5. Nbd2 Nxg3 6. hxg3 Nc6 ) 5. Nfd2 Nh5 6. e3 Nxg3 7. hxg3 h5 ) ( 4. Nd2 h5 5. h4 g4 6. e3 b6 7. c4 Bb7 8. Ne2 Bh6 { The two black bishops could cause trouble if white isn't paying attention. [%csl Re3,Rh6,Rh1,Rb7,Rg2,Rd2][%cal Rh6e3,Rb7h1,Rb7g2,Rh6d2] } ) 4... h5 5. h4 g4 6. Bd3 d5 7. Ne2 Nc6 ) 4. h4 $1 { This move solves some of the positional problems in this line, as it forces g4 with little chance of g and h file attacks. } ( 4. h3 $6 h4 $1 { Now the bishop must retreat to h2, where it will be essentially trapped. } 5. Bh2 Nc6 { Computer still says that white is ahead but the best moves it recommends are more of the alternative London System shown in an earlier chapter. } 6. c4 Bg7 7. e3 d6 8. Be2 e5 9. dxe5 Bxe5 { With only a slight edge for white according to Stockfish. } ) ( 4. e3 $4 { This lazy London move is a definite blunder. } 4... h4 5. Be5 f6 $1 6. Bd3 Rh6 7. Qg4 fxe5 8. dxe5 $19 ) ( 4. Nf3 $4 { Same problem here. } 4... h4 5. Be5 f6 $1 6. Qd3 Rh6 7. Bxf6 Qxf6 $19 ) 4... g4 { This prevents the knight from going to f3. This also means that e5 will be hard to reach. While this may not theoretically be good for black any London player is definitely "out of book" at this point. [%csl Rf3,Rg4,Re5][%cal Rg1f3,Rg4f3] } 5. e3 d5 6. c4 { The alternative London System is the way to go here. } ( 6. c3 $6 Bd6 ) 6... Bd6 7. Ne2 { The benefit of g4: The knight cannot be placed on f3. } 7... Nf6 8. Nbc3 dxc4 9. Nf4 { Regaining the pawn. } 9... Nbd7 10. Bxc4 Nb6 11. Qd3 ( 11. Bd3 Nfd5 12. Ncxd5 Nxd5 13. Nxd5 Bxg3 14. fxg3 exd5 15. O-O Be6 { Gives black counterattacking chances (according to Stockfish). } ) 11... Nxc4 12. Qxc4 c6 13. O-O Nd5 { Black has succeeded in preventing the typical London but black's kingside has been left very open. } *
[Event "London System Repertoire: Anti-Londons Part 3"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/2EaSmZtz/ExzamkHD"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/davidharoldchess"]
[ECO "D00"]
[Opening "Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System"]
[UTCDate "2018.05.19"]
[UTCTime "15:02:52"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Bg4 $6 { Another Stockfish level 3 novelty... Annoying as now e3 and Nf3 cannot be played. } 3. c3 ( 3. h3 { This doesn't solve the problem. } 3... Bh5 ) 3... Nf6 4. Nd2 { Preparing Nf3. } 4... e6 5. Ngf3 Nbd7 ( 5... Bxf3 6. Nxf3 { This is fine for white. } 6... Bd6 7. Bg3 Bxg3 8. hxg3 Nbd7 9. e3 O-O 10. Ne5 c5 ( 10... Nxe5 11. dxe5 Nd7 12. Bd3 $18 ) 11. Bd3 { White is doing well here. } ) 6. h3 Bxf3 ( 6... Bf5 7. g4 Bg6 8. e3 h6 { Leaving the h7 square free for the bishop in case of Nh4. } ) 7. Nxf3 c5 8. e3 Qb6 9. Qb3 c4 { Swapping queens won't be good for either player as it will open the a-file for the opponent's rook. } 10. Qc2 Bd6 11. Be2 ( 11. Bg3 $4 Bxg3 $1 12. fxg3 Ne4 13. g4 Qc7 { Essentially forcing white to castle queenside. } 14. O-O-O b5 { Now } 15. Rg1 O-O $19 { Now black has good queenside chances. } ) ( 11. Bh2 $2 Bxh2 12. Nxh2 Qc7 $17 ) 11... Bxf4 12. exf4 Qc7 { White is slightly better but like in the other anti-Londons it will likely not be a typical London middlegame. } *
[Event "London System Repertoire: Anti-Londons Part 4"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/2EaSmZtz/GnOtjEKd"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/davidharoldchess"]
[ECO "D00"]
[Opening "Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System"]
[UTCDate "2018.05.19"]
[UTCTime "15:28:51"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 e5 $6 3. Bxe5 f6 4. Bf4 g5 5. Bg3 *
[Event "London System Repertoire: Anti-Londons Part 5"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/2EaSmZtz/gpxpjBAD"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/davidharoldchess"]
[ECO "A45"]
[Opening "Indian Defense"]
[UTCDate "2018.05.19"]
[UTCTime "15:30:25"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 c5 $1 *
[Event "Best Traps to win fast: Fishing Pole Trap"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/DVFS7pu9/4tWOAJSN"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/Plavit"]
[ECO "C65"]
[Opening "Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Fishing Pole Variation"]
[UTCDate "2020.07.07"]
[UTCTime "10:51:23"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. O-O Ng4 5. h3 h5 6. hxg4 hxg4 7. Ne1 Qh4 8. f3 g3 { [%csl Gf2][%cal Gg3f2] } 9. Bxc6 Qh1# *
[Event "Best Traps to win fast: Lasker Trap"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/DVFS7pu9/nNL1cEab"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/Plavit"]
[ECO "D08"]
[Opening "Queen's Gambit Declined: Albin Countergambit, Lasker Trap"]
[UTCDate "2020.07.07"]
[UTCTime "10:51:23"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. e3 $2 Bb4+ 5. Bd2 dxe3 $1 6. Bxb4 exf2+ 7. Ke2 ( 7. Kxf2 Qxd1 $19 ) 7... fxg1=N+ $1 ( 7... fxg1=Q $2 8. Qxd8+ Kxd8 9. Rxg1 ) 8. Rxg1 Bg4+ $19 { [%csl Rd1,Re2][%cal Bg4d1] } *
[Event "Best Traps to win fast: Budapest Trap"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/DVFS7pu9/2AYy9QTd"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/Plavit"]
[ECO "A45"]
[Opening "Indian Defense: Lazard Gambit"]
[UTCDate "2020.07.07"]
[UTCTime "10:51:23"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. d4 Nf6 2. Nd2 e5 3. dxe5 Ng4 4. h3 $2 ( 4. Ngf3 { I played this game against my friend in Friendly Game in Coffeehouse ca. 10 years ago! } 4... Be7 $1 5. h3 $2 Ne3 $1 6. fxe3 Bh4+ 7. g3 ( 7. Nxh4 Qxh4+ 8. g3 Qxg3# ) 7... Bxg3# ) 4... Ne3 $1 5. fxe3 Qh4+ 6. g3 Qxg3# *
[Event "Best Traps to win fast: Monticelli Trap"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/DVFS7pu9/xUo2ncye"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/Plavit"]
[ECO "E11"]
[Opening "Bogo-Indian Defense: Monticelli Trap"]
[UTCDate "2020.07.07"]
[UTCTime "10:51:23"]
[Variant "Standard"]

{ In chess, the Monticelli Trap is a combination in the Bogo–Indian Defence, named for Italian champion Mario Monticelli from the game Monticelli versus Prokeš, Budapest 1926. Although it is called a trap because White wins the exchange, Black does obtain some compensation. } 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 Bb4+ { Black plays the Bogo–Indian Defence. } 4. Bd2 Bxd2+ 5. Qxd2 b6 6. g3 Bb7 7. Bg2 O-O 8. Nc3 Ne4 9. Qc2 Nxc3 10. Ng5 $5 { [%csl Rh7,Rb7][%cal Rc2h7,Rg2b7] } 10... Qxg5 ( 10... Ne4 11. Bxe4 { Former world champion José Raúl Capablanca allowed 10.Ng5 twice in consecutive games as Black against Max Euwe in Amsterdam, 1931, drawing both times. The examined next chapter. } 11... Bxe4 ) 11. Bxb7 *
[Event "Best Traps to win fast: Kieninger Trap"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/DVFS7pu9/lbYzwF9n"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/Plavit"]
[ECO "A52"]
[Opening "Indian Defense: Budapest Defense, Rubinstein Variation"]
[UTCDate "2020.07.07"]
[UTCTime "10:51:23"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 Ng4 4. Bf4 Nc6 5. Nf3 Bb4+ 6. Nbd2 Qe7 7. a3 Ngxe5 8. axb4 $4 Nd3# *
[Event "Best Traps to win fast: Blackburne-Shilling Trap"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/DVFS7pu9/Q2VD6Tr0"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "0-1"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/Plavit"]
[ECO "C50"]
[FEN "rnbqkbnr/pppppppp/8/8/8/8/PPPPPPPP/RNBQKBNR w KQkq - 0 1"]
[Opening "Italian Game: Blackburne-Kostić Gambit"]
[UTCDate "2020.07.07"]
[UTCTime "10:51:23"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nd4 $5 4. Nxe5 $2 Qg5 5. Nxf7 $4 Qxg2 6. Rf1 Qxe4+ 7. Be2 Nf3# 0-1
[Event "Paris"]
[Site "Paris FRA"]
[Date "1750.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "Kermur Sire De Legal"]
[Black "Saint Brie"]
[Result "1-0"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/Plavit"]
[ECO "C41"]
[Opening "Philidor Defense"]
[UTCDate "2020.07.07"]
[UTCTime "10:51:23"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6 3. Bc4 Bg4 4. Nc3 g6 5. Nxe5 Bxd1 6. Bxf7+ Ke7 7. Nd5# 1-0
[Event "Best Traps to win fast: Elephant Trap"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/DVFS7pu9/B6K1eEKe"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/Plavit"]
[ECO "D51"]
[Opening "Queen's Gambit Declined: Modern Variation, Knight Defense"]
[UTCDate "2020.07.07"]
[UTCTime "10:51:23"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Nbd7 5. cxd5 exd5 6. Nxd5 $2 Nxd5 $1 7. Bxd8 Bb4+ 8. Qd2 Kxd8 { Black wins the Bishop for a pawn. } *
[Event "Best Traps to win fast: Rubinstein Trap"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/DVFS7pu9/7DpK3iMC"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/Plavit"]
[ECO "D63"]
[Opening "Queen's Gambit Declined: Orthodox Defense, Main Line"]
[UTCDate "2020.07.07"]
[UTCTime "10:51:23"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. c4 e6 4. Bg5 Nbd7 5. e3 Be7 6. Nc3 O-O 7. Rc1 Re8 8. Qc2 a6 9. cxd5 exd5 10. Bd3 c6 11. O-O Ne4 12. Bf4 f5 $2 13. Nxd5 $1 cxd5 14. Bc7 { Trapping the Black's queen. [%csl Rd8] } *
[Event "Best Traps to win fast: Mortimer Trap"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/DVFS7pu9/JvBraZ7q"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/Plavit"]
[ECO "C65"]
[Opening "Ruy Lopez: Berlin Defense, Mortimer Trap"]
[UTCDate "2020.07.07"]
[UTCTime "10:51:23"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 Nf6 4. d3 Ne7 5. Nxe5 $2 c6 6. Nc4 { [%cal Rc4d6] } ( 6. Ba4 Qa5+ $19 { [%csl Re5,Ra4][%cal Ba5e1,Ra5a4,Ra5e5] } ) 6... Ng6 ( 6... cxb5 7. Nd6# ) ( 6... d6 { also good. } 7. Ba4 b5 { [%csl Ya4,Yc4][%cal Rb5a4,Rb5c4] } ) 7. Ba4 b5 { [%csl Ya4,Yc4][%cal Rb5a4,Rb5c4] } *
[Event "Best Traps to win fast: Noah-Ark Trap"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/DVFS7pu9/yFkdNHWq"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/Plavit"]
[ECO "C71"]
[Opening "Ruy Lopez: Noah's Ark Trap"]
[UTCDate "2020.07.07"]
[UTCTime "10:51:23"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 d6 5. d4 b5 6. Bb3 exd4 ( 6... Nxd4 7. Nxd4 ) 7. Nxd4 Nxd4 8. Qxd4 c5 9. Qd5 { [%csl Rf7,Gd5][%cal Gb3d5,Rd5f7] } 9... Be6 { [%csl Gf7] } 10. Qc6+ Bd7 11. Qd5 c4 $17 *
[Event "Best Traps to win fast: Tarrasch Trap"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/DVFS7pu9/NyFFQbK5"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/Plavit"]
[ECO "C83"]
[Opening "Ruy Lopez: Open, Classical Defense, Main Line"]
[UTCDate "2020.07.07"]
[UTCTime "10:51:23"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Nxe4 6. d4 b5 7. Bb3 d5 8. dxe5 Be6 9. c3 Be7 10. Re1 O-O 11. Nd4 Qd7 $4 12. Nxe6 $1 Qxe6 ( 12... fxe6 13. Rxe4 $18 { [%csl Yd5,Rd7][%cal Rd1d7] } ) 13. Rxe4 $18 { [%csl Yd5][%cal Rb3e6] } *
[Event "Best Traps to win fast: Siberian Trap"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/DVFS7pu9/SqB82SRQ"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/Plavit"]
[ECO "B21"]
[Opening "Sicilian Defense: Smith-Morra Gambit"]
[UTCDate "2020.07.07"]
[UTCTime "10:51:23"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4 3. c3 dxc3 4. Nxc3 Nc6 5. Nf3 e6 6. Bc4 Qc7 7. O-O Nf6 8. Qe2 Ng4 9. h3 $4 Nd4 $1 { The Black threat of 10...Nxf3+ followed by 11...Qh2# wins material. If 10.Nxd4 then 10...Qh2# [%csl Re2,Yf3][%cal Rc7h2,Rd4e2] } 10. hxg4 ( 10. Nxd4 $4 Qh2# ) ( 10. Qd3 Nxf3+ 11. gxf3 Qh2# ) 10... Nxe2+ 11. Nxe2 $19 ( 11. Bxe2 ) *
[Event "Best Traps to win fast: Fishing Pole Spanish Ver."]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/DVFS7pu9/iQYcLLyy"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/Plavit"]
[ECO "C69"]
[Opening "Ruy Lopez: Exchange Variation, Alapin Gambit"]
[UTCDate "2020.07.07"]
[UTCTime "10:51:23"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Bxc6 dxc6 5. O-O Bg4 6. h3 h5 7. hxg4 hxg4 8. Nxe5 Qh4 9. f3 g3 10. Ng4 Qh1# *
[Event "Internationaler Fernschachbund cr"]
[Site "Dublin IRE - Amsterdam NL"]
[Date "1932.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "M Warren"]
[Black "Jan Selman"]
[Result "0-1"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/Plavit"]
[ECO "A51"]
[Opening "Indian Defense: Budapest Defense, Fajarowicz Variation"]
[UTCDate "2020.07.07"]
[UTCTime "10:51:23"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 Ne4 4. a3 d6 5. exd6 Bxd6 6. g3 Nxf2 7. Kxf2 Bxg3+ $19 { [%csl Rd1][%cal Rd8d1] } 0-1
[Event "Moscow"]
[Site "Moscow"]
[Date "1940.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "Kutjanin"]
[Black "Jakobjuk"]
[Result "1-0"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/Plavit"]
[ECO "C27"]
[Opening "Vienna Game: Frankenstein-Dracula Variation"]
[UTCDate "2020.07.07"]
[UTCTime "10:51:23"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bc4 Nxe4 4. Bxf7+ Kxf7 5. Nxe4 Nc6 6. Qf3+ Kg8 7. Ng5 $18 { [%csl Rd5,Rf7][%cal Rf3f7,Rf3d5] } 1-0
[Event "2nd World Correspondence Chess Championship"]
[Site "Correspondence"]
[Date "1956.01.01"]
[Round "?"]
[White "Valt Borsony"]
[Black "Albert Laustsen"]
[Result "1-0"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/Plavit"]
[ECO "B72"]
[Opening "Sicilian Defense: Dragon Variation"]
[UTCDate "2020.07.07"]
[UTCTime "10:51:23"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6 6. Be3 Ng4 7. Bb5+ Bd7 ( 7... Nc6 8. Nxc6 bxc6 9. Bxc6+ { [%csl Ra8,Re8] } 9... Bd7 10. Bxa8 $16 ) 8. Qxg4 $18 { [%csl Yd7][%cal Bb5e8] } 1-0
[Event "New Jersey"]
[Site "New Jersey"]
[Date "1986.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "David L Zardus"]
[Black "Anthony Steventon"]
[Result "1-0"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/Plavit"]
[ECO "B21"]
[Opening "Sicilian Defense: Smith-Morra Gambit"]
[UTCDate "2020.07.07"]
[UTCTime "10:51:23"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4 3. c3 dxc3 4. Nxc3 d6 5. Bc4 Nf6 6. e5 dxe5 7. Bxf7+ { [%csl Rd8][%cal Rd1d8] } 1-0
[Event "Best Traps to win fast: Legal - Scotch Gambit"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/DVFS7pu9/i8IkWqx3"]
[Date "1847.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "Ernst Falkbeer"]
[Black "NN"]
[Result "1-0"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/Plavit"]
[ECO "C44"]
[Opening "Scotch Game: Sea-Cadet Mate"]
[UTCDate "2020.07.07"]
[UTCTime "10:51:23"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Bc4 d6 5. c3 dxc3 6. Nxc3 Bg4 7. O-O Ne5 8. Nxe5 Bxd1 9. Bxf7+ Ke7 10. Nd5# 1-0
[Event "Best Traps to win fast: From Gambit"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/DVFS7pu9/DUQVu1kn"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/Plavit"]
[ECO "A02"]
[Opening "Bird Opening: From's Gambit, Lasker Variation"]
[UTCDate "2020.07.07"]
[UTCTime "10:51:23"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. f4 e5 2. fxe5 d6 3. exd6 Bxd6 4. Nf3 g5 5. e4 $2 ( 5. h3 $4 Bg3# ) 5... g4 $1 6. e5 gxf3 7. exd6 Qh4+ 8. g3 Qe4+ 9. Kf2 Qd4+ 10. Kxf3 ( 10. Ke1 f2+ 11. Ke2 Bg4# ) 10... Bg4+ { [%csl Rd1][%cal Bg4d1] } *
[Event "Best Traps to win fast: TrickyMate Trap (Fajarowitz)"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/DVFS7pu9/806nTpju"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/Plavit"]
[ECO "A51"]
[Opening "Indian Defense: Budapest Defense, Fajarowicz Variation"]
[UTCDate "2020.07.07"]
[UTCTime "10:51:23"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 Ne4 4. Nf3 b6 $5 5. Qd5 $2 Bb7 6. Qxb7 Nc6 7. Qa6 $4 ( 7. Nd4 $7 { Only move! } ) 7... Bb4+ 8. Bd2 Nc5 9. Qb5 Bxd2+ 10. Nbxd2 $19 a6 $19 *
[Event "England Trap: Chapitre : 1"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/UudxLKlc/Yu0VP72N"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/Khbabah"]
[ECO "A40"]
[Opening "Englund Gambit Complex: Englund Gambit"]
[UTCDate "2020.08.11"]
[UTCTime "07:22:13"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. d4 e5 2. dxe5 Nc6 3. Nf3 Qe7 4. Bf4 Qb4+ 5. Bd2 Qxb2 6. Bc3 Bb4 7. Bxb4 Qxb4+ 8. Qd2 Qb2 9. Qc3 Qc1# *
[Event "♟ Sicilian Defense ♟: Introduction"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/jsSks17H/maM1rZ5F"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/LeninPerez"]
[ECO "B20"]
[Opening "Sicilian Defense"]
[UTCDate "2021.01.22"]
[UTCTime "18:43:26"]
[Variant "Standard"]

{ Hello and welcome to my new study. Today we will talk about the Sicilian defense, which is one of the most popular defenses in chess.
The Sicilian Defense is the favorite defense of the chess community, which makes it the most popular defense against 1.e4.

Click on the heart below box a8 to support me.
Check out my last study on lichess: https://lichess.org/study/7tSiPz89

Edit: Thanks to +12000❤️! This study is among the top 5 of the most popular studies of all lichess. I am really grateful to everyone, thanks again :)

Press the space button to start this wonderful study } 1. e4 { As I already mentioned, the Sicilian Defense is a defense that arises after 1.e4.
It's your turn, play 1.c5 [%csl Gc5][%cal Gc7c5] } 1... c5 { This is the Sicilian defense. The idea of 1.c5 is to block d4, which is a move White would love to make.
There are many variants and many lines in the Sicilian defense, which makes it a very theoretical defense.
In this study, I'm going to spare you all that theory by making it fun and effective teaching. } *
[Event "♟ Sicilian Defense ♟: Principal Line"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/jsSks17H/gNGpo4xr"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/LeninPerez"]
[ECO "B54"]
[Opening "Sicilian Defense: Modern Variations, Main Line"]
[UTCDate "2021.01.22"]
[UTCTime "18:47:44"]
[Variant "Standard"]

{ Let's start for part. Let's first look at the main line of the Sicilian defense, or at least the most common line of all. } 1. e4 { What should you play now? } 1... c5 { Very well! } 2. Nf3 { I will help you in this chapter, but pay close attention to the movements, since in the next ones I will not.
To show you the main line, you must play 2.d6. [%csl Gd6][%cal Gd7d6] } 2... d6 3. d4 { Now capture that pawn! } 3... cxd4 4. Nxd4 { How do we pressure the e4 pawn? [%csl Re4] } 4... Nf6 ( 4... Bf5 { This is not a logical move! } ) ( 4... f5 { This is not a logical move! } ) 5. Nc3 { That's right!
This is the most common line of Sicilian defense.
Now we can choose which variant to play among the 4 that I am going to mention to you:
1- Najdorf Variation
2- Dragon Variation
3- Scheveningen Variation
4- Classical Variation
I will explain all these variants in the following chapters of the study. [%csl Gc6,Ga6,Ge6,Gg6][%cal Gb8c6,Ga7a6,Ge7e6,Gg7g6] } *
[Event "♟ Sicilian Defense ♟: Najdorf Variation"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/jsSks17H/rbeBl46c"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/LeninPerez"]
[ECO "B90"]
[Opening "Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, English Attack"]
[UTCDate "2021.01.22"]
[UTCTime "18:48:38"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. e4 { I think you can do this alone now.
Can you perform the movements I taught you earlier? } 1... c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 { Very well! You've come quite far!
Now, I'm going to tell you about the Najdorf variation of the Sicilian defense.
The Najdorf Variation is the most popular way to play Sicilian defense. Its name comes from the Argentine GM Miguel Najdorf.
She has many supporters, including some of the best chess players in history, such as Fischer (who once said that the Sicilian was "his first love") or Kasparov, among many others.
Play 5.a6 [%csl Ga6][%cal Ga7a6] } 5... a6 { The move 5.a6 is very flexible. It delays the definition of the central pawns, avoids the knight's jump to b5 avoid bishop check with Bb5+, and starts the attack on the queenside.
If you want to learn MUCH MORE about this popular defense, visit my study of the Sicilian Najdorf here: https://lichess.org/study/ANrk7cS9 [%csl Rb5][%cal Rd4b5,Rc3b5,Rf1b5,Bb7b5] } 6. Be3 { White can respond in many ways, but I will show you the ''English attack'', which will help me to give you an idea of how to continue playing the Najdorf variation.
As long as your opponent doesn't play 6.Bg5 your move 6 will be e5. (You can do it now) [%cal Ge7e5] } 6... e5 { [%cal Re5d4] } 7. Nb3 { Regardless of what the white plays, our game idea should be similar to the one I show you with the arrows.
That is, complete our development and attack on the queenside.
If you want to learn MUCH MORE about this popular defense, visit my study of the Sicilian Najdorf here: https://lichess.org/study/ANrk7cS9 [%cal Be8g8,Bh8f8,Bf8e7,Bc8e6,Bb8c6,Bb7b5] } *
[Event "♟ Sicilian Defense ♟: Dragon Variation"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/jsSks17H/6sX8eMk0"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/LeninPerez"]
[ECO "B72"]
[Opening "Sicilian Defense: Dragon Variation"]
[UTCDate "2021.01.22"]
[UTCTime "19:33:35"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. e4 { Perform the moves you already know to show yourself the Dragon Variation. } 1... c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 { Right! The dragon variation is one of the most popular in the Sicilian defense, and one of the most dangerous for White to face.
To play this variant, play 5.g6 [%csl Gg6][%cal Gg7g6] } 5... g6 { The name of this variant is due to Black's pawn structure.
(With a little imagination, we could observe the tail of a dragon while we see the black pawns that I point out in yellow)
If you want to learn MUCH MORE about this variation, I recommend you visit my study: https://lichess.org/study/AvqP0tL1 [%csl Yh7,Yg6,Yf7,Ye7,Yd6] } 6. Be3 { White is going to play as I show you with the blue arrows.
He is going to do the queenside castling and he is going to create a pawn storm over our king.
Play 6.Bg7 [%csl Bc1,Gg7][%cal Bd1d2,Be1c1,Bf2f3,Bg2g4,Bh2h4,Bg4g5,Bh4h5,Gf8g7] } 6... Bg7 { Now you must complete your development and attack on the queenside.
There are other ways to play the Sicilian defense dragon variation, such as the ''accelerated dragon'' or the ''hyperacelerated'' dragon, we will briefly review these variants in the following chapters. [%cal Ge8g8,Gh8f8,Gb8c6,Gh7h5,Ga7a6,Gb7b5,Gc8d7] } *
[Event "♟ Sicilian Defense ♟: Dragon Accelerated"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/jsSks17H/EcWH7r6n"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/LeninPerez"]
[ECO "B32"]
[Opening "Sicilian Defense: Accelerated Dragon"]
[UTCDate "2021.01.22"]
[UTCTime "21:50:50"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. e4 { The first move? } 1... c5 2. Nf3 { To play this variation, as soon as we see Nf3 we must play Nc6. [%csl Gc6][%cal Gb8c6] } 2... Nc6 3. d4 { Capture the pawn } 3... cxd4 4. Nxd4 { We could now play d6 and play the ''normal'' dragon, but to play the accelerated dragon, we must now play g7. [%csl Gg6,Rd6][%cal Gg7g6,Rd7d6] } 4... g6 { This variant is called "accelerated dragon", because it is similar to the variant of the dragon, but g6 is made faster.
If you want to learn MUCH MORE about this variation, I recommend you visit my study: https://lichess.org/study/AvqP0tL1
However, there is a variant of the dragon even MORE ACCELERATED, we are going to review it. } *
[Event "♟ Sicilian Defense ♟: Dragon Hyperaccelerated"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/jsSks17H/c3u86hty"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/LeninPerez"]
[ECO "B27"]
[Opening "Sicilian Defense: Hyperaccelerated Dragon"]
[UTCDate "2021.01.22"]
[UTCTime "21:58:16"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 { Play g6 [%csl Gg6][%cal Gg7g6] } 2... g6 { This is the most "accelerated" way to play the dragon variation.
Remember, it does not mean another defense or variant, they are simply other ways to play the dragon variation
If you want to learn MUCH MORE about this variation, I recommend you visit my study: https://lichess.org/study/AvqP0tL1 } *
[Event "♟ Sicilian Defense ♟: Scheveningen Variation"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/jsSks17H/7UbnXHfl"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/LeninPerez"]
[ECO "B90"]
[FEN "rnbqkb1r/pp2pppp/3p1n2/8/3NP3/2N5/PPP2PPP/R1BQKB1R b KQkq - 0 1"]
[Opening "Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation, English Attack, with f3"]
[SetUp "1"]
[UTCDate "2021.01.22"]
[UTCTime "21:30:04"]
[Variant "Standard"]

{ I will anticipate all the rest of the previous plays, since you know it very well. Let's get to the point.

Play 5.e6 [%csl Ge6][%cal Ge7e6] } 1... e6 { The Scheveningen variant is perhaps, the main line of the Sicilian defense.
Black secures the central squares to hasten to deploy his pieces and prepare the advance ... d5 which is not possible at the moment due to its development delay.
On the other hand, White tends to play aggressively complicating the middlegame, because if not in the endgame Black is better because of its better pawn structure and especially, because of the power of the c-file and the pressure exerted by the minority attack. with ... b5-b4. [%csl Gf5,Ge5,Gd5,Gc5][%cal Gd6e5,Ge6d5,Gd6c5,Ge6f5] } 2. Be3 { Play a6 [%csl Ga6][%cal Ga7a6] } 2... a6 { This move is not only carried out in Najdorf, but also in other Sicilians such as Scheveningen to control the b5 square. } 3. f3 { Now play b5 [%csl Gb5][%cal Gb7b5] } 3... b5 { Now you must complete your development and play e5. [%csl Be5][%cal Be6e5] } *
[Event "♟ Sicilian Defense ♟: Classical Variation"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/jsSks17H/MexcUZpF"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/LeninPerez"]
[ECO "B62"]
[FEN "rnbqkb1r/pp2pppp/3p1n2/8/3NP3/2N5/PPP2PPP/R1BQKB1R b KQkq - 0 1"]
[Opening "Sicilian Defense: Richter-Rauzer Variation"]
[SetUp "1"]
[UTCDate "2021.01.22"]
[UTCTime "22:42:43"]
[Variant "Standard"]

{ The Classical Variation is the fourth variant that constitutes the group of "open variations" of the Sicilian defense.
To play this variant, instead of playing 5.e6, 5.a6, or 5.g6, you must play Nc6. [%csl Gc6][%cal Gb8c6,Ra7a6,Re7e6,Rg7g6] } 1... Nc6 { This is the most typical way of posing the Sicilian defense.
In most cases, it is usually transposed to one of the 3 open variations mentioned above (Najdorf, Dragon and Scheveningen). } 2. Bg5 { With this move, White intends to damage our pawn structure.
What should you play then? } 2... e6 *
[Event "♟ Sicilian Defense ♟: Pelikan Variation"]
[Site "https://lichess.org/study/jsSks17H/CPNV5tNb"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "?"]
[Black "?"]
[Result "*"]
[Annotator "https://lichess.org/@/LeninPerez"]
[ECO "B33"]
[Opening "Sicilian Defense: Lasker-Pelikan Variation"]
[UTCDate "2021.01.23"]
[UTCTime "16:37:45"]
[Variant "Standard"]

1. e4 { What is our first move? } 1... c5 2. Nf3 { Now play Nc6 [%csl Gc6][%cal Gb8c6] } 2... Nc6 { This is called ''Old Sicilian'' } 3. d4 { Capture the pawn } 3... cxd4 4. Nxd4 { Play Nf6 [%csl Gf6][%cal Gg8f6] } 4... Nf6 5. Nc3 { And now, e5! [%csl Ge5][%cal Ge7e5] } 5... e5 { This is the Pelikan Variation of the Sicilian Defense.
This variant is due to Czechoslovak GM based in Argentina Jiri Pelikán.
Among today's chess players, Kramnik and Leko have perhaps been the ones who have made the most use of this variant. } 6. Ndb5 { Now we must play d6 [%csl Gd6][%cal Gd7d6] } 6... d6 7. Bg5 { How do we attack the knight on b5? [%csl Rb5] } 7... a6 *