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: Open, Classical Main Line
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. g3 d5 4. Bg2 dxc4 5. Nf3 Be7 6. O-O O-O 7. Qc2 a6
Description: The Catalan Opening is known for White’s fianchettoed bishop on g2, which exerts long-term pressure on the center and Black’s queenside. In the Open Catalan, Black captures the pawn on c4 early, aiming to hold onto it and challenge White’s central control. The Classical Main Line continues with solid development from both sides. The move 7...a6 by Black prepares b5 to support the pawn chain and prevent White's Nb5 or Bb4 ideas.
Characteristics of 7...a6: This move is a typical preparatory move in the Catalan, aiming to secure the queenside and create counterplay. It stops White’s pieces from jumping into b5 and supports a potential ...b5 push, which challenges White’s grip on the c4 pawn.
Attacking or Defensive: As White, the play is more positional and strategic, focusing on pressure against Black’s center and queenside weaknesses—leaning towards an attacking stance over time. Black’s setup is more defensive early on, aiming to consolidate the extra pawn and counterattack when the opportunity arises.
Control of the Center: The Catalan is a center-focused opening. White aims to control the center with pawns and pieces, especially through pressure on the d5 square, while Black contests the center indirectly by capturing on c4 and preparing counterplay on the queenside.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Catalan: Open, Classical Main Line, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 1 - Move #25 black
You can also discover how top players used Catalan: Open, Classical Main Line to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.