London System: Modern, ...e6 and ...Be7 (A48)

The Modern, ...e6 and ...Be7 is a variation of the London System, catalogued as ECO A48. The line runs 1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Nf3 Be7 5. Bd3 O-O 6. O-O b6, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5). Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White 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: Modern, ...e6 and ...Be7 — position after b6 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Nf3 Be7 5. Bd3 O-O 6. O-O b6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4d5
2Bf4Nf6
3e3e6
4Nf3Be7
5Bd3O-O
6O-Ob6

ECO: A48

Stockfish: +0.33 at depth 18

Practice this line free →

Position characteristics

Related London System lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Modern, ...e6 and ...Be7?

The Modern, ...e6 and ...Be7 goes 1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Nf3 Be7 5. Bd3 O-O 6. O-O b6. It is a variation of the London System and is catalogued as ECO A48.

What is the ECO code for the Modern, ...e6 and ...Be7?

The Modern, ...e6 and ...Be7 is ECO A48. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the London System.

Is the Modern, ...e6 and ...Be7 good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 Nf6 3. e3 e6 4. Nf3 Be7 5. Bd3 O-O 6. O-O b6 at +0.33 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. 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 Modern, ...e6 and ...Be7 lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5). Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank.