1. d2d4  1... g8f6  2. c1f4  2... d7d5  3. e2e3 The London System has become a regular at elite tournaments, showing that a reputation can change over the years, despite some players perpetually turning their noses up at it. 3... c7c5  4. g1f3  4... e7e6  5. b1d2  5... d8b6 There are many ways to fight against White's opening, and this one seems pretty good. 6. a1b1 For some reason, nobody dares to sacrifice the b2-pawn here. 6... c5d4  7. e3d4  7... c8d7 [%c_effect d7;square;d7;type;Interesting;persistent;true] A plan that is also seen frequently in the French Defense and sometimes in the Caro-Kann Defense: Black prepares to exchange the light-squared bishop, despite losing some time in the development of the kingside. White has no way to exploit the slow plan, as his pieces are not so aggressively placed.