The Catalan Opening was named after Catalonia in Spain after this opening was played in a tournament held there in 1929. In this White plays d4, c4 as in the Queen’s Gambit, but continues to play g3 for fianchetto the kingside bishop.
After it started in Catalonia, this opening was taken to a higher level by many famous grandmothers over the decades. It has been played several times by former world champions Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen. Those following the 2024 World Chess Championship will note that India’s D Gukesh played it in Game 9 against China’s Ding Liren.
This is White’s move on the board in the typical Catalan opener: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3
Catalan opening in chess. Gukesh used the Catalan variant against Ding Liren in Game 9 of the World Chess Championship. (Thanks: Lichess)
While playing the Catalan, White maintains a strong center with d4, c4 and has a light squared bishop staring down Black’s queen along the long diagonal. Depending on the answers of the blacks, Catalan has two variations
READ MORE: After criticism, Gukesh and Ding Liren draw in Game 9 of World Chess Championship
Open Catalan: In this Black plays d5, and in the next move he takes the c4 pawn trying to create an imbalance for White. It may then discard an additional pawn or try to hold on to it with confirmations such as b5, a6. White benefits in development. Generally, the move will play 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 d5 4.Bg2 dxc4
Closed Catalan: Black does not take the c4 pawn early but instead focuses on maintaining a strong pawn center. This movement may not lead to sharp play as in the Open variation. Here’s how the motion usually comes out: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 d5 4.Bg2 Be7
The Catalan remains a favorite with many players because of the control it offers over the center squares and the long-term benefits of positioning.