My Catalan - Complete Guide for White (9h Video Running Time) 

GM Ioannis Papaioannou     May 2, 2023

Labels:

PGN Download Video Content


Content  (157 Articles)

Introduction and Free Preview  Free
Content  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 1 - Video Lecture  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 1 - Model Game 1  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 1 - Model Game 2  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 1 - Model Game 3  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 1 - Model Game 4  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 1 - Model Game 5  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 1 - Model Game 6  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 1 - Model Game 7  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 1 - Model Game 8  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 1 - Model Game 9  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 1 - Model Game 10  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 1 - Model Game 11  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 1 - Model Game 12  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 2 - Video Lecture  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 2 - Model Game 1  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 2 - Model Game 2  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 2 - Model Game 3  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 2 - Model Game 4  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 2 - Model Game 5  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 2 - Model Game 6  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 2 - Model Game 7  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 2 - Model Game 8  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 2 - Model Game 9  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 2 - Model Game 10  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 2 - Model Game 11  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 2 - Model Game 12  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 2 - Model Game 13  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 2 - Model Game 14  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 2 - Model Game 15  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 2 - Model Game 16  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 2 - Model Game 17  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 2 - Model Game 18  Closed
Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 2 - Model Game 19  Closed
Lines with 4...dxc4 - Video Lecture  Closed
Lines with 4...dxc4 - Model Game 1  Closed
Lines with 4...dxc4 - Model Game 2  Closed
Lines with 4...dxc4 - Model Game 3  Closed
Lines with 4...dxc4 - Model Game 4  Closed
Lines with 4...dxc4 - Model Game 5  Closed
Lines with 4...dxc4 - Model Game 6  Closed
Lines with 4...dxc4 - Model Game 7  Closed
Lines with 4...dxc4 - Model Game 8  Closed
Lines with 4...dxc4 - Model Game 9  Closed
Lines with 4...dxc4 - Model Game 10  Closed
Lines with 4...dxc4 - Model Game 11  Closed
Lines with 4...dxc4 - Model Game 12  Closed
Lines with 4...dxc4 - Model Game 13  Closed
Lines with 4...dxc4 - Model Game 14  Closed
Lines with 4...dxc4 - Model Game 15  Closed
Lines with 4...dxc4 - Model Game 16  Closed
Lines with 4...dxc4 - Model Game 17  Closed
Lines with 4...dxc4 - Model Game 18  Closed
Lines with 4...dxc4 - Model Game 19  Closed
Lines with 4...dxc4 - Model Game 20  Closed
Lines with 4...dxc4 - Model Game 21  Closed
Lines with 4...dxc4 - Model Game 22  Closed
Lines with 4...dxc4 - Model Game 23  Closed
Lines with 4...dxc4 - Model Game 24  Closed
Lines with 4...dxc4 - Model Game 25  Closed
Lines with 4...dxc4 - Model Game 26  Closed
Lines with 4...dxc4 - Model Game 27  Closed
Open Catalan - Video Lecture  Closed
Open Catalan - Model Game 1  Closed
Open Catalan - Model Game 2  Closed
Open Catalan - Model Game 3  Closed
Open Catalan - Model Game 4  Closed
Open Catalan - Model Game 5  Closed
Open Catalan - Model Game 6  Closed
Open Catalan - Model Game 7  Closed
Open Catalan - Model Game 8  Closed
Open Catalan - Model Game 9  Closed
Open Catalan - Model Game 10  Closed
Open Catalan - Model Game 11  Closed
Open Catalan - Model Game 12  Closed
Open Catalan - Model Game 13  Closed
Open Catalan - Model Game 14  Closed
Open Catalan - Model Game 15  Closed
Open Catalan - Model Game 16  Closed
Open Catalan - Model Game 17  Closed
Open Catalan - Model Game 18  Closed
Open Catalan - Model Game 19  Closed
Open Catalan - Model Game 20  Closed
Open Catalan - Model Game 21  Closed
Open Catalan - Model Game 22  Closed
Open Catalan - Model Game 23  Closed
Open Catalan - Model Game 24  Closed
Open Catalan - Model Game 25  Closed
Open Catalan - Model Game 26  Closed
Open Catalan - Model Game 27  Closed
Open Catalan - Model Game 28  Closed
Open Catalan - Model Game 29  Closed
Open Catalan - Model Game 30  Closed
Open Catalan - Model Game 31  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Video Lecture  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 1  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 2  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 3  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 4  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 5  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 6  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 7  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 8  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 9  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 10  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 11  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 12  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 13  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 14  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 15  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 16  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 17  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 18  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 19  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 20  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 21  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 22  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 23  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 24  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 25  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 26  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 27  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 28  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 29  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 30  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 31  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 32  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 33  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 34  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 35  Closed
Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+ - Model Game 36  Closed
Rare Lines and Ideas for Both Sides - Video Lecture  Closed
Rare Lines and Ideas for Both Sides - Model Game 1  Closed
Rare Lines and Ideas for Both Sides - Model Game 2  Closed
Rare Lines and Ideas for Both Sides - Model Game 3  Closed
Rare Lines and Ideas for Both Sides - Model Game 4  Closed
Rare Lines and Ideas for Both Sides - Model Game 5  Closed
Rare Lines and Ideas for Both Sides - Model Game 6  Closed
Rare Lines and Ideas for Both Sides - Model Game 7  Closed
Rare Lines and Ideas for Both Sides - Model Game 8  Closed
Rare Lines and Ideas for Both Sides - Model Game 9  Closed
Rare Lines and Ideas for Both Sides - Model Game 10  Closed
Rare Lines and Ideas for Both Sides - Model Game 11  Closed
Rare Lines and Ideas for Both Sides - Model Game 12  Closed
Rare Lines and Ideas for Both Sides - Model Game 13  Closed
Rare Lines and Ideas for Both Sides - Model Game 14  Closed
Rare Lines and Ideas for Both Sides - Model Game 15  Closed
Rare Lines and Ideas for Both Sides - Model Game 16  Closed
Rare Lines and Ideas for Both Sides - Model Game 17  Closed
Rare Lines and Ideas for Both Sides - Model Game 18  Closed
Rare Lines and Ideas for Both Sides - Model Game 19  Closed
Rare Lines and Ideas for Both Sides - Model Game 20  Closed
Rare Lines and Ideas for Both Sides - Model Game 21  Closed
Rare Lines and Ideas for Both Sides - Model Game 22  Closed
Rare Lines and Ideas for Both Sides - Model Game 23  Closed
Q&A Session  Closed

79.00 EUR

 

My Catalan - Complete Guide for White

GM-Ioannis-Papaioannou-33b9a5b0fb
 
The camp of GM Papaioannou - My Catalan - Complete Guide for White is already a digital product. 

This product includes all the videos from the workshop as well as the PGN file related to the training sessions. Overall, the material consists of 9 hours of video and a PGN database which includes 149 files! 

You will find the following lectures:

✅ Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 1

✅ Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 2

✅ Lines with 4...dxc4

✅ Open Catalan

✅ Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+

✅ Rare Lines and Ideas for Both Sides

Now, we shall take a look at the different lectures.

Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 1

In the first lecture, you will find examples of two of the most popular and important Catalan strategical ideas for White.

1. Open centre - Black plays c7-c5 followed by dxc5 or cxd4.

Open-Centre-Typical-Position-e256921351

The so-called Open center is one of the cornerstones of Catalan. White is trying to put pressure on Black's queenside (mainly because of his superior g2-bishop) and in the center.

2. No pawn breaks

No-Pawn-Breaks-08701586b8

Those positions are usually much better for White. Black failed to play c7-c5 or e6-e5 breaks and his position is unpleasant. White has a space advantage, more active pieces and many ways to increase the pressure.

Below, you shall see one of the model games.

Chess Viewer 65AJLL1UYPCFDDV9L9HM7HPOSWDY2VNN

Typical Catalan Strategies - Part 2

In the second lecture, GM Papaioannou covers four typical strategical ideas for White.

1.c4-c5 Strategy

c4-c5-Strategy-a894c153bd

The first typical strategy the author covers in this lecture is the advance c4-c5 for White. In the model games, you will often find the specific positions you can achieve when you face an unprepared opponent. White manages to advance the e2-e4 break and then tries to block Black's light-squared bishop by playing c4-c5.

2. Black manages to play c6(c7) - c5

Black-Plays-...c6-c5-e7418f4a98

In some cases Black suceeds to advance c6-c5, but still needs to work hard for equality. White's main idea is to occupy the long diagonal (h1-a8) and to double the rooks on the open d-file

3. White sacrifices a pawn for long-term compensation

Catalan-Compensation-0bba4c1b6c

The next strategy is the typical pawn sacrifice in Catalan. Often, Black took the c4-pawn and defended it by a6-b5 or c6-b5. In this case, White shouldn't try to win the pawn back but plays a b2-b3 break to sacrifice a pawn, but open diagonals and files. White always has long-term compensation for the material, and the positions are hazardous for Black. 

4.The Nd3 strategy

Nd3-Strategy-a14d1f7629

Maneuvering the knight to d3 and entering an endgame with a Nd3 versus Black's dark-squared bishop is a very common theme in Catalan.

Below, you can see one of the model games.

Chess Viewer 46O5HRLH64ZRAOQS8NPGDAZK0NXIOT5I

Lines with 4...dxc4

In this lecture, GM Papaioannou deals with the variations arising after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 dxc4

Lines-with-4...dxc4-093605eb43

We can say that this is Black's most concrete way of fighting against the Catalan. Therefore, this is the lecture with the biggest theoretical overload in the entire camp. That being said, White still can play, mainly relying on his understanding. Papaioannou has carefully crafted a selection of lines in which minimal theoretical knowledge is required. Additionally, he gives preference to risk-free positions with small advantage. 

Below, you can take a look at one of the suggested lines.

Chess Viewer AZB7LSZBY9NBMOIE3U77V1NS8YI1EYCU

Open Catalan

On the diagram, you can see the starting position of the Open Catalan.

Open-Catalan-6bbd0026de

Capturing the pawn with 6...dxc4 leads to the Open Catalan, and it's good to note that the move 4...dxc4 is very different from this variation and they rarely transpose. The line with 6...dxc4 is very popular for Black at the high level because Black has a healthy position with easy development. However, Black is always slightly passive but hopes to equalize and make a draw. White can continue in many different ways in this position.

Papaioannou's suggestion is based on the line 7.Qc2 a6 8.a4

Open-Catalan-Main-Line-69477dd44c

Obviously, GM Papaioannou covers 7...b6 and 7...b5 as well. In the position on the diagram, White can play for a slight edge by mainly relying on his understanding. The theory is really not that important. Papaioannou provides a wonderfull explanation of all the typical positional and tactical ideas.

Below, you shall see one of the model games.

Chess Viewer DEI97VIZAFT6KJE3YDFPL4EP3DPTJVE9

Closed Catalan with and without ...Bb4+

The pure form of the Closed Catalan arises after 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 0-0 6.0-0 c6

Closed-Catalan-without-Bb4-0ed972bee0

The Closed Catalan is a collective term for all the variations in which Black refrains from playing ...dxc4 early in the opening. From a logical point of view, it makes perfect sense: White's light-squared bishop does not look very strong as long as Black's central pawn chain safely blocks it. However, one can argue that a single minor piece that keeps the opponent's pawn centre in check is quite an achiever. And strategically, White has a clear plan to gain more space, add pressure to Black's centre and increase the power of the Catalan bishop by playing e2-e4. On the other hand, Black has the problem of his own light-squared bishop to solve, which may have difficulty finding employment.

Black can also start with 4...Bb4+ 5.Bd2 Be7

Closed-Catalan-with-Bb4-742529c2e9

We reach may be the most solid and reliable system for Black in the Catalan Opening, but it is also somewhat passive, making it not everyone's taste. White has several ways to fight for a small advantage. The one recommended here is the most direct: Qc2, followed by Bf4 and Nbd2, trying to reach a position from the lines without checking with the mild inconvenience that the dark-squared bishop has been developed somewhat prematurely. For players who prefer to spend less time learning theory, there is also an easier alternative: Qc2, followed by Bg5 and a quick e2-e4. This will later be called the "lazy variation".

Below, you can take a look at one of the model games.

Chess Viewer GV6XR0NS3TNEHX7SFZ1VHB8XZZAT2GZ0

Rare Lines and Ideas for Both Sides

The subject of this last lecture will be four different lines that are rarely played and relatively unknown and unexplored. Three of these four will show promising alternatives for the white player, who may be interested in learning less theory or neutralising a well-prepared opponent while still keeping the game on Catalan territory.

Below, you can take a look at one very interesting alternative to the main line.

Chess Viewer SCVRCP59VOQL4IRDK5WU13KOXMSO8ZKP