This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Catalan Opening
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. g3 d5
FEN: rnbqkb1r/ppp2ppp/4pn2/3p4/2PP4/6P1/PP2PP1P/RNBQKBNR w KQkq - 0 4
The Catalan Opening is characterized by White's fianchetto of the light-squared bishop with 3.g3. This bishop aims at the long diagonal, putting pressure on Black's center, particularly the d5 pawn. The setup combines elements of the Queen's Gambit with a kingside fianchetto, creating a flexible and positional foundation.
From White's perspective, the Catalan is generally an attacking and positional opening. White aims to exert long-term pressure on Black's center and queenside, often targeting the d5 pawn and the c4–d5 squares. Black usually plays more defensively at first, striving to hold the center and neutralize White's bishop pressure.
Regarding the center, the Catalan Opening does attack the center indirectly. White challenges Black's central pawn on d5 through pressure from the bishop on g2 and control of the c4 and d4 squares, rather than immediate pawn confrontation.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Catalan Opening, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 11 - Move #5 black
You can also discover how top players used Catalan Opening to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.