is London the best chess opening?

I think that Rozman is very bright (based on watching his performance in discussion with Lex Fridman https://youtu.be/iSMpTmibeDw?si=rqXnZIYAEm5M_grn) and he knows how to build an audience. In the process of making Gotham chess a top channel, he has pitched his appeal to lazy players who will never advance very far.

@MaetsNori -

You are correct.

The tier list video I posted earlier by GM Hikaru & IM Levy Rozman pertained to openings in terms of their appropriateness for beginners. They make that clear in the title of that video and their commentary throughout the video. I posted it here because the OP of this thread is (according to his/her rating) apparently a beginner/novice. IMO their choice of the word "garbage" for openings they deemed to be least inappropriate was unfortunate.

They (GM Hikaru) posted similar videos for Intermediate and GM players...here is the entire series...

Chess Openings Tier Lists by GM Hikaru and IM Levi Roxman (GothamChess)...

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4KCWZ5Ti2H43-gcoByRnZs5fVR_Lg133

No
because you don t try new things and you don t think

If you think the London system is bad, then that would mean the Slav defense is completely refuted, because the London is basically a tempo up Slav. The Colle is a bit different as that has more in common with a tempo up "Meran"/Semi-Slav than a slav. White is breaking absolutely no opening principles--instead of challenging the d5 pawn, he simply develops a piece. You also avoid MANY convoluted opening variations, e.g. the Benko Gambit is impossible since White has no pawn on c4, and other annoying gambits (doesn't matter if White comes out with a small edge) like the Albin Counter Gambit, Budapest, etc are also blocked. (Black has no easy way to force ...e5 against 2 Nf3, as 2...d6 allows White to switch to 3 c4, although Black can then get into a classical King's Indian which White must be aware of when playing 2 Nf3! Some KID players as white may prefer a different piece setup).

@Ziryab, Bro I see you everywhere! And being on-topic, there are WAY better openings than the London. Italian and variations such as Giucco Piano or Vienna, Grunfeld Defense, etc.

The London is a D-pawn opening, which as all D-pawn openings, gives the queen more space, in fact I think there's more than 100 variations involving a D-pawn push, making the London stand out because it gets you the center and develops pieces, and gets you tempo, but other openings do that better in my opinion, the London is mid overall. The main problem with the London is that the Bishop in the pawn pyramid has no defenders, making it easy to blunder for low rated players.

No dip Sherlock

Very easy for Black to equalize against the London System. Usually easy to force the trade of the light square bishops, White's best weapon. Black has to be patient in the middlegame, but gets all the chances. It might get White out of the opening in one piece, without a lot of homework, but that's about it. I think I'd rather play the Colle System.

Ther main problem with the London is that White gets no good pawn breaks, that I can see. Looks to me like c4 in one move is better for White in the London, but if he is going to play that way, he may as well play the Queen's Gambit.

A glass ceiling opening.

Magnus plays the London, as do many other strong players. Yes, Black equalizes easily. A game ensues. The player who understands the position better will often prevail.

Everything that I’ve said in this thread that is negative about the London emphasizes my disagreement with those who think it makes sense for beginners. When beginners adopt it, it is a glass ceiling and a low one at that.

Sure, Magnus can play it. Magnus can play anything. Once in a while. Against who? Never in an important game, I trust.

Players who understand the position don't play it much as White, against good players.

Love that last paragraph.

https://youtu.be/kKNml0BuO40?si=DYxGYgcOlHffGm_i

It causes me pain to offer a link to Gotham, but these are five games against solid opponents where Magnus dominated with the London.

Magnus Carlsen's opinion of the London System...

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/U5PfHoFRZqc

He plays the London against the highest level competition...

Magnus Carlsen Plays LONDON SYSTEM OPENING Against GRANDMASTER Minh Le...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mu5eMIsaihU

London System Masterclass || Carlsen vs Kramnik || World Blitz Championship (2019)....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAhP3rwaT6o

LONDON SYSTEM!! Magnus Carlsen vs Ian Nepomniachtchi | World Blitz Chess 2024 - Final...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6OX3prEcWM

Magnus Carlsen’s BRILLIANT London Opening vs Fabiano Caruana

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQXpUzeIxH0

Magnus Carlsen's Spectacular London System...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMRp6BN5mwY

Magnus playing the London doesn’t make it the best, it just makes it popular, guys that should be obvious.

Yeah. And if a 200 ELO player is playing the Ruy Lopéz Opening doesn't make it worst as well.

@ToastBread_1

Nice parallel

iF mAgNuS pLaYs tHe sIcIlIaN i cAn too!

So you're saying he is willing to risk his reputation by playing the London against the highest level competition, not because it is a good opening, but because it is popular?? That makes no sense.

You do not get it, just because a good player is playing an opening, it doesn't mean that is the best opening.

For example:

Just because it was played by a master it doesn't make the Barnes Opening any better.

(It was played in 73 games by masters.)

Excellent!

Of course, the richness of the opening requires a level of preparation and understanding to comprehend. Beginners don’t have that.

@RussBell, no I'm saying a pro can make an opening popular, such as 1. e4 with Bobby Fischer, do you think he's risking his reputation when he plays e4? Saying that is like saying what you just said. ToastBread_1 seems to get it, and you're on the right track!