E09

Catalan Opening: Closed, Main Line

Key moves: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3

The Catalan Opening combines the Queen's Gambit with a kingside fianchetto. White builds a strong positional bind, especially along the long diagonal. The resulting positions are strategically rich and favour patient, technical play.

History & Notable Players

Named after the Catalonia region of Spain where it was first played in 1929. It became Vladimir Kramnik's main weapon and is now one of the most popular openings at the top level.

Best Games

Erigaisi,Arjun vs Tang,Andrew1-0
PNWCC Bullet (1+1) 2020 • 2020★ Notable
Li Zunian vs Jussupow, Artur1-0
WchT U26 • 1983★ Notable
Grischuk,A vs Firouzja,Alireza0-1
chess.com SpeedChess 2024 • 2024
So,W vs Firouzja,Alireza1-0
PRO League Group Stage • 2020
Aronian,L vs Tiviakov,S1/2-1/2
Corus A • 2006
Gelfand,B vs Adams,Mi1-0
Corus A • 2006
Kortschnoj, Viktor vs Kamsky, Gata0-1
Amber-blind 3rd • 1994
Tal, Mihail vs Lputian, Smbat G1/2-1/2
Manila Interzonal • 1990
Najdorf, Miguel vs Larsen, Bent0-1
Buenos Aires • 1980
Ribli, Zoltan vs Larsen, Bent1/2-1/2
Tilburg • 1978
Geller, Efim P vs Larsen, Bent0-1
Copenhagen cm-3pl • 1966
Woodward,Andy vs Caruana,F0-1
US Chess Masters 2024 • 2024
Duda,J vs Zhizmer,Y1-0
Titled Tue 16th Apr Late • 2024
Maghsoodloo,Parham vs Gukesh,D1/2-1/2
6th Prague Masters 2024 • 2024
Crevatin,Leo vs Firouzja,Alireza0-1
Titled Tue 13th Dec Late • 2022
Averjanov,A vs Kamsky,G0-1
Titled Tue 22nd Nov Early • 2022
Vachier Lagrave,M vs Gledura,B1-0
Chess.com RCC Wk11 Swiss • 2022
Carlsen,M vs Tang,Andrew1/2-1/2
Carlsen-Tang Bullet 2021 • 2021
Erigaisi,Arjun vs Keinanen,Toivo1-0
Chess.com Bullet Open 2 • 2020
Kazakouski,Valery vs Firouzja,Alireza0-1
Titled Tuesday 20th Oct • 2020

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