Chess Opening Theory/1. d4/1...Nf6/2. Bf4/2...e6/3. e3/3...d5/4. Nd2/4...c5

= London System Main Line with Black ...e6 and ...c5 =

After '''1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 e6 3. e3 d5 4. Nd2 c5''', Black opts for a setup reminiscent of the Queen's Gambit Declined (QGD). This approach aims for a solid yet flexible structure, central and queenside counterplay, and harmonious development of pieces:


 * 1) Solid Central Pawn Structure: With ...e6 and ...d5, Black sets up a strong pawn chain in the center, often making it difficult for White to easily break through.
 * 2) Challenging White's Center: The move ...c5 directly targets White's central d4 pawn. This pawn break aims to destabilize White's pawn center and create counterplay on the queenside.
 * 3) Development and King Safety: Black can continue with natural developing moves such as ...Nc6 and ...Bd6, exchanging off White's active dark-squared bishop if possible. Following up with ...O-O ensures the king's safety.
 * 4) Activating the Light-Squared Bishop: One of Black's challenges in the QGD setup is the passive light-squared bishop on c8. Black can consider plans such as ...b6 and ...Ba6, or even a timely ...e5 pawn break, to free this bishop.
 * 5) Queenside Counterplay: Using the semi-open c-file, Black can look to increase pressure on the queenside. Rooks can be quickly deployed to the c-file, and pieces like the knight on b8 can be developed to c6, supporting the ...c5 break and increasing pressure on d4.
 * 6) Central Breaks: Depending on White's setup, Black can consider the ...e5 break in the center, especially if the opportunity arises where the d4 pawn can be targeted.

Theory table
. '''1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Nd2 c5'''