The London System is a perennial favourite of club players, as it is a very sound and solid system with a real practical sting. In a ground-breaking work, Johnsen and Kovacevic seek to maximize this sting in two principal ways:
- They explain in detail the typical plans for White, helping readers to make the most of their chances, whether they are based on a kingside attack, queenside penetration, central play, or transition to a favourable endgame.
- By advocating some subtle move-orders that limit Black’s options, they show how White can change the nature of the game and go straight for the kill if Black responds casually or inappropriately. These move-orders have been tested successfully by co-author Kovacevic at grandmaster level, and much of the analysis presented here is of totally new variations, and is previously unpublished.
Win with the London System covers all responses to 1 d4 against which White can use the London System. The authors - a pairing of a researcher and a seasoned grandmaster - have drawn upon a wealth of sources to present a thorough guide to a popular chess opening, and open up new territory for readers to explore.
This reissue features revisions to the text in those lines that have undergone the most change since the original edition.
Sverre Johnsen is a Norwegian chess analyst, researcher and organizer, and co-author of a number of highly popular works on chess openings.
Vlatko Kovacevic is a grandmaster from Croatia, and arguably the world's leading authority on the London System. However, he is probably best known for a convincing victory against Bobby Fischer in 1970. He has represented Croatia, and previously Yugoslavia, in many international team events.
"I have seldom read such a commendable openings book as this one, which is why it is an absolute must buy!" - Martin Rieger, freechess
"The chess in this book is largely the work of the Croatian grandmaster Vlatko Kovacevic whilst the general structure of the book, including the prose, ... were the work of Norwegian Sverre Johnsen, a FIDE-rated player. Together they have written an inspiring repertoire book of high quality." - Phil Hughes,
Chess Post"What is it about their presentation of a set-up with pawns on d4, e3 and (usually) c3; Bishop on f4; and Knight (usually) on f3 that inspires confidence in the London and makes the reader feel like a real winner? Simply this: it is a well-researched, well-thought-out, well-organized and well-written book on an opening that has generally been popular for requiring less opening study than many others." - Rick Kennedy, chessville
"A useful system for White that has added value as anti-computer style of playing. This book provides an excellent opportunity to learn from one of the opening's greatest exponents whilst Johnsen has increased the value of this book by adding very clear and interesting text to many of the lines. Careful study of this book should reward the player whilst even casual reading will provide many interesting ideas for your next game." - Michael Blake, IECG
