Rapport-Jobava System

The Rapport-Jobava System (1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Bf4), also known as the Jobava London, is a relative of the London System with considerable attacking value. White develops the queen's knight to c3 instead of d2, which creates potential threats against Black's c7-pawn.

Origins

The system is a modern development of the London System, named after the grandmasters Richárd Rapport and Baadur Jobava; it is most commonly called the Jobava London. It combines Bf4 with Nc3, where the standard London puts the knight on d2. It is particularly common after Black fianchettoes with ...g6 and ...Bg7, as that bishop cannot help defend c7.

The idea

With Nc3 and Bf4, White puts pressure on c7, and Nb5 can add to it. The system has considerable attacking value, while the ordinary London has a reputation as a solid but less dynamic opening.

Main lines

• 3...e6 and ...Bd6: Black challenges the f4-bishop.
• 3...c5: Black strikes at the centre at once.
• 3...Bf5, developing the bishop, and 3...a6, which takes the b5-square from White's knight.
• The system can also start with 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4.

Strengths and weaknesses

Strengths

• Aggressive and flexible, with less theory than the main lines after 2.c4.
• Clear attacking plans, often with long castling.

Weaknesses

• The c-pawn is blocked by the knight, so White has less central control than in the Queen's Gambit.
• Long castling is risky if Black counterattacks first.
• Accurate play gives Black a fine game.

Who should play it

The Jobava London suits attacking players who like the London setup but want sharper, more dynamic positions.

The numbers

On Lichess the Jobava London does well at club level. Below 1400 White wins 53% and Black 43%. From 1400 to 2200 it is 50–51.5% against 44.5–45%. Above 2200 it is close to 50% against 43%. In master games over the board (about 4,000 games), White wins 30%, Black 28% and 42% are drawn.