Indian defenses

Catalan Opening

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3

The Catalan Opening starts with 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 and is catalogued under ECO E00, in the indian defenses half of the book. The catalog indexes 32 lines inside it, grouped into 15 named variations.

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Current setup

Move ideas

  1. 1.d4

    Takes central space with a protected pawn and frees the queen’s bishop.

    Idea: Build a stable center that supports a broad positional setup.

  2. 1Nf6

    Develops a knight and prevents White from occupying e4 unchallenged.

    Idea: Keep the central pawns flexible and choose an Indian setup after White commits.

  3. 2.c4

    Advances the c-pawn to gain queenside space and control new squares.

    Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.

  4. 2e6

    Advances to e6 to claim central space and control nearby key squares.

    Idea: Give the pieces room to develop behind a durable central foothold.

  5. 3.g3

    Advances the g-pawn to gain kingside space and control new squares.

    Idea: Create useful wing space while keeping the central structure flexible.

  6. 3Bb4+

    Develops the bishop to b4, bringing it into the game, forcing the king to answer a check.

    Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.

  7. 4.Bd2

    Develops the bishop to d2, bringing it into the game.

    Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.

  8. 4Be7

    Repositions the bishop to e7, where it influences a new part of the board.

    Idea: Improve the piece’s activity and support the next stage of the plan.

  9. 5.Bg2

    Develops the bishop to g2, bringing it into the game.

    Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.

  10. 5d5

    Advances to d5 to claim central space and control nearby key squares.

    Idea: Give the pieces room to develop behind a durable central foothold.

  11. 6.Nf3

    Develops the knight to f3, bringing it into the game.

    Idea: Improve piece coordination and clear the back rank for castling and the rooks.

  12. 6O-O

    Tucks the king away and activates the rook in a single move.

    Idea: Finish kingside development so the central pieces can coordinate safely.

  13. 7.O-O

    Tucks the king away and activates the rook in a single move.

    Idea: Finish kingside development so the central pieces can coordinate safely.

Book continuations

Waiting for Lichess game popularity.

0 moves
This is the end of the indexed line.

Named variations

Each line below is an indexed entry under Catalan Opening. Open one to load it on the board and keep exploring from that position.

ECO groups openings by the structures they lead to, so these families tend to share plans with the Catalan Opening.