Grigor Grigorov continues the Repertoire Builder series in May 2026 — Repertoire Builder: Réti for White – Fundamental Structures after 1.Nf3 c5 2.c4.
This camp marks the fourth stage of the six-month Opening Builder journey, designed for players who want to build a real, durable repertoire — not a collection of memorized lines. The focus remains on understanding structures, plans, and decision-making from the very first move.
May 2026 – Fundamental Structures after 1.Nf3 c5 2.c4
This month, the focus shifts to one of the most flexible and strategically rich complexes in modern chess — the English Opening structures arising after 1.Nf3 c5 2.c4. These positions cover symmetrical setups, Hedgehog formations, and Maroczy-type structures, all of which are central to the 1.Nf3 repertoire and require deep structural understanding rather than concrete preparation.
Theory is kept intentionally light — only what is required to reach the right kinds of middlegame positions. The emphasis is not on memorizing sequences, but on understanding the typical plans for both sides: when to push, when to maneuver, how to handle the d5-square, and how to navigate the slow, restrictive nature of these positions.
A central idea of Opening Builder is that openings are not an isolated phase. They are a gateway to the middlegame. By focusing on fundamental structures from the very start, you learn to enter the middlegame with clarity, confidence, and a clear sense of direction.
The structures covered this month — Hedgehog, symmetrical English, and Maroczy formations — are among the most enduring in chess. A player who understands them well gains a versatile, lifelong tool that transfers across many openings and remains relevant regardless of theoretical fashion.
The Six-Month Opening Builder Structure
February – Fundamental Structures after 1.Nf3 d5 2.g3
March – Fundamental Structures after 1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 Flexible transpositions toward Catalan and Queen's Gambit structures, with a focus on move-order subtleties and recurring plans.
April – Fundamental Structures after 1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 King's Indian and Grünfeld-related structures, emphasizing pawn breaks, piece placement, and strategic conflicts rather than heavy theory.
May – Fundamental Structures after 1.Nf3 c5 2.c4 English Opening structures, including symmetrical setups, Hedgehog positions, and Maroczy-type formations.
June & July – Repertoire Construction Phase With a strong structural foundation in place, the final phase focuses on:
This phase transforms understanding into a ready-to-play system suitable for long-term competitive use.
🛠 Technical Details
✓ Dates: 12.05.2026 and 19.05.2026
✓ Platform: Zoom
✓ Coach: GM Grigor Grigorov
📅 Program
12.05.2026 – Paris | New York 🕒 17:30 – 19:00 | 11:30 – 13:00 – Fundamental Structures after 1.Nf3 c5 2.c4 – Part 1 🕒 19:30 – 21:00 | 13:30 – 15:00 – Fundamental Structures after 1.Nf3 c5 2.c4 – Part 2
19.05.2026 – Paris | New York 🕒 17:30 – 19:00 | 11:30 – 13:00 – Fundamental Structures after 1.Nf3 c5 2.c4 – Part 3 🕒 19:30 – 21:00 | 13:30 – 15:00 – Fundamental Structures after 1.Nf3 c5 2.c4 – Part 4 🕒 21:00 – 21:30 | 15:00 – 15:30 – Q&A with GM Grigor Grigorov
🎁 Participants Receive:
🔥 Why Opening Builder Matters
Opening Builder is not about "winning the opening." It is about entering the middlegame with understanding — knowing what you are playing for and why your position makes sense.
By the end of six months, participants do not simply know lines. They possess a living repertoire, grounded in structures, adaptable to change, and resilient against theoretical trends.
This is opening preparation — the Modern Chess way.
This event is completed.