Top-Level Repertoire against the Catalan Opening
We are happy to announce another fascinating course by GM Michael Roiz - Top-Level Repertoire against the Catalan Opening. In this database, GM Roiz provides full repertoire for Black based on 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.g3 Bb4+.
This line has been established as one of the most respectable weapons against the Catalan Opening. So far, White hasn't found a promising way to fight for an advantage. Roiz's current repertoire is both solid and ambitious. Hence, Black can play it against opponents of any level.
This course comes with two additional elements: Strategy Booster (including 20 highly important interactive test positions) and a special section called Must-Know Positions. The section Must-Know Positions features an extensive explanation of 6 fundamental positions for this line of the Catalan Opening.
Additionally, you will find 21 theoretical chapters, 15 interactive test positions, a Memory Booster, and a Video Version (3h and 40 min).
Let's get back to the initial position.
In this position, White has three choices: 5.Nc3, 5.Nbd2, and 5.Bd2 which is the main preference of the Catalan Opening players.
The first 5 chapters of the database are dedicated to 5.Nc3. The most active way of development In comparison to 5.Nbd2, White leaves his bishop unblocked and takes control over the d5 and e4 squares. On the downside, it makes it tougher for White to regain the pawn after ...dxc4.
The main line goes 5...0-0 6.Bg2 dxc4
Capturing the pawn is the most ambitious and logical reaction. Black is ready to answer 7.0-0 with 7...Nc6 when an important Catalan Opening tabiya occurs. As it becomes clear from the annotations to chapters 1-5, White is unable to prove anything against this setup.
The following four chapters are dedicated to 5.Nbd2
An ambitious and somewhat risky choice. White blocks his dark-quared bishop and leaves the c4-pawn hanging. On the other hand, the b4-bishop isn't placed well, and White is ready to take the upper hand in the centre with e2-e4.
Black's most natural and ambitious response is 5...dxc4. The most important crossroads in this line arises after 6.Bg2 b5
In this position, White has tried different ways of proving compensation for the pawn. As you will see in the analysis, this line is very risky for White. In many cases, Black can fight for a win. Even though this approach is considered interesting for White, I don't think it fits into the spirit of the Catalan Opening players.
The remaining 12 chapters examine the position arising after 5.Bd2 a5
On the board, we see one of the most important Catalan Opening tabiyas nowadays. White has tried numerous continuations and move orders in the fight for a slight advantage. Roiz analyzes this line in great detail. In the dedicated chapters, you will find many novelties that will definitely take your opponent out of his comfort zone. Additionally, you will get valuable insights on some fundamental pawn structures.
SAMPLE CHAPTER
SAMPLE VIDEO