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: Closed
Moves: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. g3 d5 4. Bg2 Be7 5. Nf3
This position arises from the Closed Catalan, a solid and strategically rich opening where White fianchettoes the kingside bishop to g2. The characteristic feature of this opening is White’s focus on long-term pressure on the center and Black’s queenside, particularly targeting the d5 pawn with the bishop on g2 and c4 pawn.
From White’s perspective, this opening is primarily positional and attacking. White aims to control the center indirectly and prepare for pressure on Black's central pawns, often provoking weaknesses or creating open lines for the bishop and other pieces. Black, on the other hand, adopts a more defensive and solid setup, aiming to maintain the strong pawn center and complete development safely.
Regarding the center, White does not immediately occupy it with pawns but exerts indirect pressure on the center, especially on d5, using piece play and pawn tension. Black holds a classical pawn center, but must be cautious of White’s long-term pressure and potential pawn breaks.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Catalan Opening: Closed, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 6 - Move #9 black
You can also discover how top players used Catalan Opening: Closed to leverage key strategies to secure victories in these classic matchups.