Skip to content
TheChessWorld.com
TheChessWorld Facebook TheChessWorld Twitter TheChessWorld Pinterest TheChessWorld YouTube
  • Start Here
  • Play
  • Learn
    • Training Techniques
    • Openings
    • Middlegame
    • Endgames
    • General Information
  • Tournaments
  • Academy
  • 21-Day Course
  • Store
    • TheChessWorld
    • TCW Academy
    • iChess
    • Chess-Teacher
    • Modern Chess
    • Roman Chess Lab
    • Foxy Chess
    • Grandmaster Magazine
    • ChessLecture
    • ICC
    • Rules Chess Strategies
    • Improve My Chess
    • Others
  • Contact
TheChessWorld.com
Close

5 Reasons to Play the Catalan

WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos
WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos
02.11.2020
Category: Openings
Tags: chess openings, kingside defenses, openings, The bishop, The Catalan, WGM Raluca Sgîrcea,
5 Reasons to Play the Catalan

Catalan is one of the most common opening choices for white. In earlier times, you could mostly see it at the top level. Today, it has slowly become very popular everywhere. Also, nowadays, it is one of the top choices at every level and is a usual guest at almost every tournament. The bishop on g2 is one of the key pieces in this opening, as it supports white’s main plans: the central break with e4 and the attack on the queenside.

It is a resourceful opening and, if you are thinking about giving it a try, here are some reasons why it could be the right choice for you.

1. Catalan is a solid, though far from boring opening

One interesting fact about Catalan is that it has a little for everybody. First of all, contrary to what most would expect from a closed opening, it has a lot of potential of becoming dynamic.

In fact, this potential comes precisely from the fact that players close the center. And, black’s counterplay on the queenside can be rather slow. Depending on black’s set-up, white can maneuver his pieces around and get ready to penetrate black’s kingside defenses. Many times, however, queens are traded off the board and the fight remains to be decided in the endgame.

If this is your forte, the Catalan has plenty to offer. This opening is also perfect for the players who like accumulating small advantages. And, it keeps them for a long time until the other side can finally convert them.

2. Many ways to play it

The Catalan is full of interesting ideas and the good news is that you don’t have to commit to any of them. You can easily make changes and play something new inside the same opening. Once you get to understand the ideas, the set-ups, and the plans in each type of position, it will be easy for you to juggle between them.

This way you can still surprise your opponents without having to make big changes in your repertoire.

3. Perhaps one of Catalan’s biggest qualities

You can reach the Catalan set-up from various move orders. Whether you start by 1.c4, 1.d4, or 1.Nf3, you can still transpose to the Catalan if you feel like it. This allows you to play with the move orders in order to reach the desired set-up, without letting your opponent know what your intentions are from the very beginning.

4. It is rather easy to play the opening

in the sense that, in spite of the labyrinth of variations you will find available, the situations where you have to rely on your memory only are not, in fact, so many.

The moves are often logical and you can easily guess them even if you don’t remember the theory exactly. Furthermore, if you study the resulting middlegames, see many games and understand the ideas, your work in learning this opening will be made much easier.

5. Catalan has a great legacy behind

It is always reassuring to know that great players such as Botvinnik, Kramnik, Kasparov, Aronian, Gelfand, or Andersson have chosen the same opening as you. This gives you plenty of quality games to study and get inspired by. For example, Andersson is famous for the way he handled the resulting endgames. His endgame technique is remarkable and, if you want to improve yours, his games are a great source of inspiration and not only for this opening.

As you can see, the Catalan [get your complete repertoire here] is a very promising opening that leads to interesting, resourceful positions. It is the kind of opening that allows you to play for a little advantage. You also slowly make progress in the position. It is more than just a reliable opening repertoire. It is the kind of opening that will help you improve your chess understanding as well.

Want to learn more about this topic? Make sure to read more on Dominating Weaknesses in This Opening and The Complete Guide.

THIS OPENING.

Find this post useful? Share it?
Become a Chess Player You've Meant to Be!
TCW Academy is the fast, fun & convenient way to become a MUCH better chess player.
Join Academy Today!

Related Posts

  • Dominating Weaknesses in the CatalanDominating Weaknesses in the Catalan
  • Attacking the King in the CatalanAttacking the King in the Catalan
  • What Opening Is the Best Fit for Me? [learn in 5 minutes]What Opening Is the Best Fit for Me? [learn in 5 minutes]
Related Products
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Login
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Join the FREE Road to 2200 Masterclass (and learn how to Attack Like a Chess Master)
We value your privacy
Supercharge Your Chess in 21 Days!
Join Academy Today!
TheChessWorld.com
http://pogonina.com/
Company
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • F.A.Q.
  • Partnership
  • Blog
  • Grandmasters
  • Jobs
Chess Resources
  • TCW Academy
  • The Store
  • 21 Day Course
Top Resources
  • Opening Lab
  • Mastermind
  • Chess Mastery Series
  • Academy
100% Secure Purchase
Customer Support +1 (410) 656-9104
Email Us [email protected]
Contact Us
Facebook Twitter Mail Pinterest Youtube
Copyright 2007-2023 • TheChessWorld.com • All Rights Reserved
Cookie Policy | Acceptable Use Policy | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of all the cookies.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
wpDiscuz
wpDiscuz