Catalan Opening — Three Repertoires for Black
Round 2 of the Autumn Challenge 2025 Begins
The votes have been counted, and Modern Chess proudly announced the top three finalists of the Autumn Challenge: GM Daniel Dardha, GM Felix Blohberger, and GM David Gavrilescu.
After an intense first round where seven grandmasters competed with their repertoires against the London System and Jobava London, the chess community has spoken. Now, these three elite players present their weapons against one of the most sophisticated openings in modern chess — the Catalan Opening.
This is not simply the next step in the competition. It's an opportunity to arm yourself with three distinct, practical, and deeply analyzed anti-Catalan systems, each reflecting the unique style and preparation philosophy of its author.
What You Get in This Course
Catalan Opening — Three Repertoires for Black delivers complete coverage against the Catalan, featuring:
- 9 theoretical chapters with rigorous analysis from three different perspectives
- Video Version with a running time of 3 hours and 23 minutes
- Memory Booster for efficient retention
Each grandmaster brings a different approach to fighting the Catalan, ensuring you have multiple tools depending on your style and the demands of the position.
The Roadmap of Variations
GM Daniel Dardha — The Nc6-Bd6 System
Dardha presents a rare and sophisticated setup based on 4...Nc6 5.Bg2 Bd6, challenging White's typical plans from an unexpected angle.
- Chapter 1: 7th move sidelines (7.Qc2, 7.c5, 7.e3, 7.a3, and others)
- Chapter 2: 7.Nc3 / cxd5 / Bg5 — handling White's flexible approaches
- Chapter 3: 7.b3 and 7.Nbd2 — the critical main lines
This system allows Black to keep the structure intact with ...Bd6 and ...Nc6, avoiding many of White's typical Catalan plans while maintaining flexibility for ...dxc4 and ...e5 breaks.
GM Felix Blohberger — The 6...a5 Surprise Weapon
Blohberger advocates for 6...a5, a modern and rare continuation popularized by Magnus Carlsen and validated by engine analysis.
- Chapter 1: Overview and main ideas behind 6...a5
- Chapter 2: 7th move alternatives (7.Nc3, 7.Bf4, 7.Nbd2, and sidelines)
- Chapter 3: 7.Qc2 a4! — the critical main line
The beauty of this system lies in its flexibility: Black gains queenside space, prevents White's b3 fianchetto in many lines, and can adopt either a closed setup with ...c6 and ...b6, or the sharp ...a4 advance that leads to unbalanced positions with practical winning chances.
GM David Gavrilescu — The 5...Bd7 Paradox
Staying true to his promise of "something rare, something strange," Gavrilescu delivers 5...Bd7, a line championed by super-GM Arjun Erigaisi.
- Chapter 1: 5.Qa4+ and sidelines — handling early deviations
- Chapter 2: 6.Ne5 part 1 (10.Qa4, 10.Nbd2, and related lines)
- Chapter 3: 6.Ne5 part 2 (10.Nc3 — the main line with ...O-O-O!)
This provocative system challenges the Catalan's central philosophy by developing the bishop to d7, then trading it for White's key Bg2. The resulting positions are sharp, concrete, and often feature opposite-side castling with mutual attacks — perfect for ambitious players seeking complexity.
How Round 2 Voting Works
By purchasing this course, you receive your second voting code to determine the ultimate winner of the Autumn Challenge.
Within 24 hours after your order, you will receive by email your unique 7-digit voting code. Enter this code at https://chessmega.com/voting/ to cast your vote for your favorite repertoire. Each code can only be used once.
⚠️ Voting for Round 2 closes on 15.10.2025 at 23:59 Paris time.
Challenge Timeline — Final Stage
01.10.2025 → Release of Catalan Opening — Three Repertoires for Black + Voting opens (Round 2)
15.10.2025 → Voting closes (Round 2) at 23:59 Paris time
16.10.2025 → Live YouTube Show: Final results & Winner announcement
25.11.2025 → Winner's course released (free for everyone who voted in both rounds)
Why You Should Join Round 2
- Master the Catalan from three distinct perspectives — solid, sharp, and sophisticated
- Cast your vote to crown the Autumn Challenge champion
- Watch the live finale with expert commentary and analysis
- Get the winner's final course completely free if you voted in both rounds
The Autumn Challenge has reached its decisive stage. Three grandmasters remain. Three different philosophies. One winner.
Get your course, receive your voting code, and decide who becomes the champion.
The outcome is in your hands.