Top-Level Catalan Repertoire for White - Part 2
We are happy to inform you that the second (and final) part of Cheparinov's Catalan project is already released! In this huge database, you will find out how to deal with Black's most challenging lines against the Catalan.
True to his analytical approach, GM Cheparinov provides in-depth top-level analysis. As always, you will find a number of important new ideas and directions. While it's not possible to memorize every single line, you should pay attention to the general concepts and ideas.
The database consists of 24 theoretical chapters, 24 interactive test positions, a Memory Booster, and a Video Version (11.5h Running Time)
Now, we will briefly present some of the highlights of the course.
The first 11 chapters feature the position arising after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.g3 Bb4+
Many Catalan expers consider this move to be Black's strongest reaction to the Catalan. Against this line, Cheparinov suggests 5.Bd2 which has always been considered as White's main option. In response to 5.Bd2, Black usually retreats to e7. It goes without saying that Cheparinov pays a lot of attention to the important deviations 5...Bd6 and 5...a5.
For instance, against 5...a5, which became quite popular recently, the author suggests 6.Bg2 0-0 7.Qc1!?
In the analysis, Cheparinov shows why the queen is often useful on the diagonal c1-h6. Long story short, White's last move makes the advance ...c7-c5 less attractive.
After the moves 5...Be7 6.Bg2 we reach one of the most important Catalan tabiyas.
In the chapters dedicated to this system, Cheparinov provides in-depth explanations of Black's different move orders and concepts. Generally speaking, Black can postpone castling, play without ...c7-c6, or delay ...Nbd7. In all these cases, White should react in the most precise way. Such type of a knowledge will make you a true Catalan expert.
The main move order is 6...0-0 7.0-0 Nbd7 8.Qc2
At this point, Black can either try to prepare ...f7-f5 with 8...Ne4 or play ...c7-c6 followed by ...b7-b6. Obviously, Cheparinov examines both options.
After covering different type of Stonewall setups, Cheparinov goes for the absolute main line arising after the moves 8...c6 9.Bf4 b6 10.Nbd2 Nh5, when his suggestions is 11.e3
Due to the efforts of Anish Giri, this little pawn move became one of White's main tries in this position. It turns out that the structure arising after ...Nxf4 exf4 is quite playable for White due to his good central control and the semi-open e-file. If Black delays taking the bishop, he should always reckon with ideas such as cxd5 followed by Bc7. At the same time, White is ready to secure the dark-squared bishop by means of h2-h4. Further analysis proves that White can create a lot of practical problems in this line.
The remaining part of the database is dedicated to the position arising after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.g3 Be7 5.Bg2 0-0 6.0-0
This is by far the most popular position in the entire Catalan. Black's most common choice in this position is 6...dxc4. It goes without saying that Cheparinov covers all rare options on move 6 as well as the Closed Catalan arising after 6...c6.
It's important to point out that against the absolute main line occurring after 6...dxc4 7.Qc2 a6, Cheparinov suggests 8.a4
After capturing on c4, Cheparinov goes for the setups based on Bg5. The play in this line is usually based on plans and ideas. Cheparinov shows how White can put his opponent under positional pressure in these classical structures.
You will also see how to play against the latest novelty of Caruana - 8...Nc6 9.Qxc4 Na5 10.Qc2 b6 11.Ne5 Bb7 12.Bxb7 Nxb7 13.Nc6 Qd7!?
In this position, Cheparinov suggests 14.Rd1 Rfc8 15.b3! which is much stronger by the move 15.Bg5 tried by Ding Liren.
In the database, you will find detailed analysis of all Black's deviations on the way to this position, including the topical 7...b5.
All in all, after studying this database, you will be able to play the Catalan at any level!
FREE CHAPTER
FREE VIDEO