Catalan Opening (for White)

The Catalan Opening (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3) combines the Queen's Gambit with a fianchettoed bishop. The g2 bishop weighs on the whole long diagonal, all the way to b7 and the a8 rook: it is a favorite weapon of many world champions.

The principle

White often offers the c4 pawn: if Black takes it, the g2 bishop and the queen press on Black's queenside, and White wins it back with better development.

The main line

3...d5 4.Bg2 Be7 5.Nf3 O-O 6.O-O dxc4 7.Qc2 a6 8.Qxc4 b5 9.Qc2 Bb7 10.Bd2. Black takes the pawn, then White regains it with the queen; Black has fianchettoed the bishop to contest the long diagonal.

Main variations

• Open Catalan: 4...dxc4 5.Nf3 c5 6.O-O Nc6 7.Qa4 Bd7 8.Qxc4 b5. Black takes at once and strikes in the center with the c-pawn.
• Closed Catalan: 6.O-O c6 7.Qc2 b6 8.Bf4 Ba6. Black keeps the d5 pawn and develops the c8 bishop on the other diagonal.
• Bishop check: 3...Bb4+ 4.Bd2 Be7 5.Bg2 d5 6.Nf3 O-O 7.O-O c6. Black disturbs the c1 bishop before settling in solidly.

Typical mistakes

With White, rushing to regain the c4 pawn instead of finishing development. With Black, clinging to the extra pawn at all costs: the queenside weakens and the g2 bishop takes advantage.

Coach's advice

The Catalan rewards patience: positional play, lasting pressure and little risk. Click the colored moves to follow each line, then ask me your questions.

Main line

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 d5 4.Bg2 Be7 5.Nf3 O-O 6.O-O dxc4 7.Qc2 a6 8.Qxc4 b5 9.Qc2 Bb7 10.Bd2