The big idea

What the London System is really about.

A low-theory 'system' opening: reliable, solid, and easy to learn. The appeal is that White can aim for the same comfortable set-up — Bf4, e3, Bd3 or Be2, c3, and Nbd2 — against almost anything Black does. You reach a pleasant middlegame without memorizing long forcing lines, which makes it a favourite for players who want to think rather than recite.

White's plan: Build the trademark structure: bishop out to f4 before locking it in, then e3, c3, Nbd2, and a bishop to d3 or e2. Castle, keep the centre firm, and look for the e4 break or a kingside attack with the queen and rooks.
Black's plan: Develop comfortably and challenge White's plan: contest the centre with ...c5 and ...e6, harass the f4-bishop, and decide whether to play in the centre or fianchetto and pressure d4 from the side.

After 1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Bf4

The London System: an easy, repeatable setup (Bf4, e3, c3, Nbd2). White plants a knight on e5, eyes the b1–h7 diagonal, and can build a kingside attack.

After the standard London setup, what's White's classic attacking plan?

Answer the question to keep going!