London System: Anti-London, ...c5 (A48)

The Anti-London, ...c5 is a variation of the London System, catalogued as ECO A48. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 c5 3. e3 Nc6 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. c3, reaching the position shown below after 9 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move after five moves.

On the London System generally: A solid system for White with d4, Nf3, Bf4. Easy to learn with consistent plans.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

London System: Anti-London, ...c5 — position after c3 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 c5 3. e3 Nc6 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. c3

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4d5
2Bf4c5
3e3Nc6
4Nf3Nf6
5c3

ECO: A48

Stockfish: -0.15 at depth 18

Practice this line free →

Position characteristics

Related London System lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Anti-London, ...c5?

The Anti-London, ...c5 goes 1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 c5 3. e3 Nc6 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. c3. It is a variation of the London System and is catalogued as ECO A48.

What is the ECO code for the Anti-London, ...c5?

The Anti-London, ...c5 is ECO A48. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the London System.

Is the Anti-London, ...c5 good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 c5 3. e3 Nc6 4. Nf3 Nf6 5. c3 at -0.15 at depth 18, which is balanced. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Anti-London, ...c5 lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move.