E07

Catalan Opening: Closed

Key moves: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3

The Catalan Opening combines the Queen's Gambit with a kingside fianchetto. White builds a strong positional bind, especially along the long diagonal. The resulting positions are strategically rich and favour patient, technical play.

History & Notable Players

Named after the Catalonia region of Spain where it was first played in 1929. It became Vladimir Kramnik's main weapon and is now one of the most popular openings at the top level.

Best Games

Khalifman, Alexander vs Nisipeanu, Liviu Dieter1-0
FIDE-Wch k.o. g/25+10 • 1999★ Notable
Krasenkow, Michal vs Short, Nigel D0-1
FIDE-Wch k.o. • 1997★ Notable
Topalov, Veselin vs Kramnik, Vladimir0-1
Linares 14th • 1997★ Notable
Kasimdzhanov, Rustam vs Naumann, Alexander1-0
Wch U16 • 1995★ Notable
Kasumov, R. vs Svidler, Peter1/2-1/2
Wch U16 • 1992★ Notable
Gelfand, Boris vs Timman, Jan H0-1
Tilburg • 1990★ Notable
Panno, Oscar vs Tal, Mihail1/2-1/2
WchT U26 • 1958★ Notable
Navara,D vs Wang Hao1/2-1/2
Jerusalem FIDE Grand Prix • 2019
Wojtaszek,R vs Adams,Mi1/2-1/2
48th Biel GM 2015 • 2015
Grischuk,A vs Leko,P1/2-1/2
World Blitz • 2009
Vallejo Pons,F vs Aronian,L1/2-1/2
Amber Blindfold • 2006
Korchnoi,V vs Portisch,L1-0
II Gyorgy Marx Mem • 2004
Korchnoi,V vs Polgar,S1-0
Schuhplattler Veterans vs Ladies • 2000
Topalov,V vs Kasparov,G1/2-1/2
Bosna SuperGM • 2000
Kramnik,V vs Lputian,S1-0
Corus • 2000
Fischer, Robert James vs Spassky, Boris V1/2-1/2
St Stefan/Belgrade m • 1992
Kortschnoj, Viktor vs Kuijf, Marinus1/2-1/2
Tilburg • 1992
Khalifman, Alexander vs Donchenko, Anatoly G1-0
Moscow Tal mem • 1992
Anand, Viswanathan vs Portisch, Lajos0-1
Hoogovens • 1990
Gelfand, Boris vs Gurevich, Mikhail1/2-1/2
Manila Interzonal • 1990

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