The London System, move by move

One setup against almost anything: pawns on d4, e3 and c3 with the bishop out on f4. You play White. Opening code D02.

1. 1. d4 Takes the centre.
2. 1… d5 Black matches it.
3. 2. Bf4 Gets the dark-squared bishop out before e3 locks it in. This is the London's signature move.
4. 2… Nf6 Develops and controls e4.
5. 3. e3 Supports d4 and opens the way for the f1 bishop.
6. 3… e6 Black opens a path for the f8 bishop.
7. 4. Nf3 Develops and guards d4 again.
8. 4… c5 Black hits d4 from the side, the main way to fight the London.
9. 5. c3 Completes the pawn pyramid c3, d4, e3: d4 stays rock solid.
10. 5… Nc6 Black adds more pressure on d4.
11. 6. Nbd2 The knight goes to d2, keeping c3 for the pawn and heading toward e5 or f3.
12. 6… Bd6 Black offers to trade off White's good bishop.
13. 7. Bg3 White keeps the bishop; if Black trades, White's h-pawn opens the h-file.
14. 7… O-O Black castles.
15. 8. Bd3 The last piece comes out, aiming at Black's king. White castles next.

The plan from here

Build the same solid pyramid every game, castle, then attack on the kingside with Ne5 or e4.