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.
Opening Name: Catalan: 4.Nf3 Bb4+
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. g3 d5 4. Nf3 Bb4+
FEN: rnbqk2r/ppp2ppp/4pn2/3p4/1bPP4/5NP1/PP2PP1P/RNBQKB1R w KQkq - 2 5
The move 4...Bb4+ in the Catalan opening is a characteristic check that aims to disrupt White’s smooth development. By checking on b4, Black pins the knight on c3 indirectly (after White develops it) and tries to provoke weaknesses or gain time by forcing White to respond.
Characteristics: This check is a useful tactical resource for Black to challenge White’s setup early. It can lead to doubled pawns or structural concessions if White captures on b4 later, but also helps Black develop the bishop actively.
Attacking or Defensive: For Black, 4...Bb4+ is an active, somewhat attacking move that pressures White’s center and development. For White, the move is met with solid development and preparation to maintain central control, so White’s play remains balanced and positionally focused.
Control of the Center: The Catalan opening itself is centered around controlling the center with pawns on d4 and c4, supported by the fianchettoed bishop on g2. The move 4...Bb4+ does not directly attack the center but is aimed at disrupting White’s development and indirectly influencing central control by putting pressure on White’s queenside pieces.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Catalan: 4.Nf3 Bb4+, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 4 - Move #6 black
You can also discover how top players used Catalan: 4.Nf3 Bb4+ to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.