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Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System: what should White play?
Best move
e3+0.39
By playing e3, you solidify your central control and open the diagonal for your f1 to develop. It creates a sturdy "pawn chain" that protects d4 and prepares for a safe, classical…
- Games played
- 27M
- To move
- White
- Evaluation
- +0.39
- Depth
- 25
Game counts: Lichess opening book. Move ranking and evaluation: Stockfish. How this page is built
Why e3 is the best move
e3! — Excellent Choice!
✅ One of 4 top moves — you found a rock-solid strategy!
Why this move is excellent:
By playing e3, you solidify your central control and open the diagonal for your f1 to develop. It creates a sturdy "pawn chain" that protects d4 and prepares for a safe, classical setup.
Multiple Valid Strategies
This position is rich with options. While you chose the most popular human response, three other moves are objectively just as strong:
| Move | Eval | Style / Strategic Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Nf3 | +0.39 | Flexible: Develops a piece and prepares kingside castling. |
| e3 | +0.39 | Solid: The "London System" style, reinforcing the center. |
| c4 | +0.33 | Aggressive: Challenges the center immediately (Queen's Gambit style). |
| a3 | +0.31 | Prophylactic: Prevents b4 jumps and prepares queenside expansion. |
Different paths, same destination: You opted for the most natural and reliable continuation. While Nf3 is the engine's slight favorite for its flexibility, your choice of e3 is preferred by 60% of players because it simplifies the defense of your center. Whether you want to attack the flank with c4 or build a fortress with e3, the evaluation remains nearly identical!
Your Continuation
After e3:
Nf6 c4 dxc4 Nf3
What Made This Move Good
You correctly saw: The need to support your f4 and secure the d4 pawn before Black can generate counterplay. You prioritized a harmonious development that keeps the position balanced and easy to play.
📚 Takeaway: When the engine gives multiple moves the same score, trust your intuition. You chose the most reliable human path!
What else gets played here
Move choices from 27M games in the opening book, with the engine's evaluation of each.
| Move | Evaluation | Played | Games | White score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| e3Engine pick | +0.39 | 17M | 55% | |
| Nf3 | +0.39 | 7.31M | 55% | |
| Nc3 | +0.17 | 2.29M | 58% | |
| c4 | +0.33 | 200K | 55% | |
| a3 | +0.31 | 103K | 55% |
More positions in the London System
- Best moveNf6Knight g8 → f6Queen's Pawn Game: Zukertort Variation140M games
- Best movec5Pawn c7 → c5Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System88M games
- Best movee4Pawn e2 → e4Queen's Pawn Game: Modern Defense62M games
- Best moveNf6Knight g8 → f6Queen's Pawn Game: Chigorin Variation46M games
- Best movec4Pawn c2 → c4Queen's Pawn Game: Chigorin Variation22M games
- Best movec5Pawn c7 → c5Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System18M games
Frequently asked questions
What is the best move for White in the Queen's Pawn Game: Accelerated London System?
e3 (+0.39). By playing e3, you solidify your central control and open the diagonal for your f1 to develop. It creates a sturdy "pawn chain" that protects d4 and prepares for a safe, classical…
Why is e3 the best move here?
By playing e3, you solidify your central control and open the diagonal for your f1 to develop. It creates a sturdy "pawn chain" that protects d4 and prepares for a safe, classical setup.
How often does this position occur?
This position has been reached 27M times in the opening book.