there could be holes in my analysis here, as it is rather hasty. someone else could point out the nuances, and move orders and such. but i think this is a legitimate try for white.
How to play agains early e5 on London
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In hindsight I guess 6.Nf3 is necessary. Nc6 looks kinda weak after that to me, blocking the c-pawn.
nc6 on move 5 doesn't look so bad for me. as far as i can see white can't really stop the e5 break in the long run without having to exchange too many pieces.
Why do you care if they get to e5? What can they do from there? If you know the answer to these questions you can better see what they are actually doing.
Not saying this move is the best one, but it's intuitive and doesn't seem to have any clear punishment. If you want to see possible moves there are openings databases to see what gets played at the higher levels. Or check a computer. Even learn->analysis should offer plenty of solid choices. I don't think there is any one move that is ahead enough to be forced. There are probably many normal looking moves that will do fine even if they get to e5.
That said, I'd say you're overthinking this. There are guidelines, but these nuances aren't what will determine your games at the 800s. Even if your opponent gets to e5, they still have to justify it. This is more moves of one opening line than is probably necessary to think down. There are far more points to be had from hanging pieces, etc. These are the fights you need to focus on first.
Hi,
I am a new player trying out the London system where we are not supposed to let the opponent get to e5... But in this game they move the pawn protected by the Knight. Any idea what should be played here as white?