The Catalan Open is named after a tournament played there in Catalonia, Spain in 1929. In this opening White plays d4, c4 as in the Queen’s Gambit, but then moves to play g3 on the kingside bishop’s fiancé.
After its debut in Catalonia, this opening was taken to a higher level by many famous grandmasters in the decades that followed. It was played by former world champions Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen. Those following the 2024 World Chess Championship will remember that D Gukesh of India played against Ding Liren of China in Game 9.
These are White’s moves on the board in a typical Catalan opening: 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. (Courtesy: Lichess)
When playing the Catalan, White maintains a strong center with d4, c4 and a light-squared bishop facing Black’s queenside along the long diagonal. Depending on Black’s responses, there are mainly two variations in Catalan
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Open Catalan: In this Black plays d5, and then takes the c4 pawn, trying to create an imbalance for White on the next move. It can then give up an extra pawn or try to capture it with reinforcements such as b5, a6. White advantage in development. Generally, the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 d5 4.Bg2 dxc4 will play out.
Closed Catalan: Black does not capture the c4 pawn early but instead concentrates on keeping a strong pawn center. This move may not lead to as intense a game as in an open variation. Here’s how moves often pan out: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 d5 4.Bg2 Be7
Catalan remains a favorite with many players because it gives control over central squares and for long-term positional advantages.