London System: Indian Game Setup (A48)

The Indian Game Setup is a variation of the London System, catalogued as ECO A48. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 g6 3. e3 Bg7 4. Nf3 O-O 5. Be2 d6 6. O-O, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move after six moves. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank.

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: Indian Game Setup — position after O-O a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 g6 3. e3 Bg7 4. Nf3 O-O 5. Be2 d6 6. O-O

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2Bf4g6
3e3Bg7
4Nf3O-O
5Be2d6
6O-O

ECO: A48

Stockfish: -0.10 at depth 18

Practice this line free →

Position characteristics

Related London System lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Indian Game Setup?

The Indian Game Setup goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 g6 3. e3 Bg7 4. Nf3 O-O 5. Be2 d6 6. O-O. It is a variation of the London System and is catalogued as ECO A48.

What is the ECO code for the Indian Game Setup?

The Indian Game Setup is ECO A48. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the London System.

Is the Indian Game Setup good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bf4 g6 3. e3 Bg7 4. Nf3 O-O 5. Be2 d6 6. O-O at -0.10 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 Indian Game Setup lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on d4. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank.