Jobava London (2.Nc3 and Bf4) is variation 6 of 6 in the London System course, a beginner opening course for White (ECO D00). It runs 23 moves and begins 1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bf4 c5 4. e3 cxd4 …. An aggressive alternative: White puts the knight on c3 before the London bishop, eyeing Nb5 against c7. Against ...c5 and ...cxd4, White recaptures exd4 and gets a quick, active development. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. d4 – Takes the centre.
1... d5 – Black claims the centre.
2. Nc3 – The Jobava move: it prepares Bf4 with Nb5 ideas against c7 and keeps e4 as a possible break.
2... Nf6 – Develops and stops e4.
3. Bf4 – Now Nb5 is a real threat: the knight and bishop would hit c7 together.
3... c5 – The most principled answer: Black hits d4 and opens the c-file.
4. e3 – Supports d4 and opens the f1 bishop, which may come to b5 with check.
4... cxd4 – Black releases the tension so White must decide how to recapture.
5. exd4 – Recapturing with the pawn opens the e-file and gives the f1 bishop room.
5... a6 – Takes the b5 square away from White's knight and bishop.
6. Nf3 – Develops and controls e5.
6... Nc6 – Develops and presses d4.
7. Be2 – A calm square for the bishop; it guards f3 against a pin and may go to f3 to press d5.
7... Bg4 – Pins the f3 knight, which guards d4.
8. O-O – Castles and breaks the pin's power: now Bxf3 can be met by Bxf3.
8... e6 – Opens the f8 bishop and solidifies d5.
The lesson goes on for 7 more moves, each with its explanation.
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