Ponderchess / Openings
Learn a reliable setup and the ideas that make it work.
Build around d4, Nf3, and Bf4.
Bring the bishop out before closing its diagonal with e3.
Support the centre and prepare an active pawn break.
Play the guided film, or select a scene to pause and study its position.
Opening
The London System in 3D
The London System is a setup more than a line. White builds the same solid structure against almost anything.
Rebuild the sequence yourself. The board responds to each move, and hints are available.
Click or drag to move · Arrow keys + Enter to play
Your turn · white to play
Select a piece, then its destination. Switch to 2D for a clear overhead view or rotate the 3D board to explore the position.
One solid setup White can play against almost anything.
The white pieces
Build the setup, castle, then choose between a central e4 break and a kingside attack.
The black pieces
Hit back early. ...c5 and ...Qb6, attacking b2, is the best-known way to test White.
Look a little deeper · 01
The structure is solid and easy to learn. The bishop goes to f4 before e3 so it is not shut in.
Look a little deeper · 02
White often follows up with Nbd2, h3 and a kingside attack with Ne5 and g4.
One solid setup White can play against almost anything.
Keyboard: Space pauses, the arrow keys step. Gold arrows are White's moves, violet are Black's, red rays are threats, green shows support, blue shows plans.
Make the idea yours
No timer. No score. Just a moment to check your understanding.
