Top-Level Repertoire against the Catalan Opening (3h and 40min) 

GM Michael Roiz     November 27, 2023

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Content  (74 Articles)

Introduction and Free Preview  Free
Strategy Booster  Closed
Video Introduction  Closed
Chapter 1 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 1 - 5.Nc3 - Without 7.0-0  Closed
Chapter 1 - Memory Booster  Closed
Chapter 2 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 2 - 7...Nc6 - Minor Lines  Closed
Chapter 2 - Memory Booster  Closed
Chapter 3 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 3 - 7...Nc6 8.a3  Closed
Chapter 3 - Memory Booster  Closed
Chapter 4 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 4 - 7...Nc6 8.Bg5  Closed
Chapter 4 - Memory Booster  Closed
Chapter 5 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 5 - 7...Nc6 8.Qa4  Closed
Chapter 5 - Memory Booster  Closed
Chapter 6 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 6 - 5.Nbd2 dxc4 - Without 6.Bg2  Closed
Chapter 6 - Memory Booster  Closed
Chapter 7 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 7 - 5.Nbd2 dxc4 - 6.Bg2 b5 - Without 7.0-0  Closed
Chapter 7 - Memory Booster  Closed
Chapter 8 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 8 - 6.Bg2 b5 7.0-0 - 7...0-0 Without 8.a4  Closed
Chapter 8 - Memory Booster  Closed
Chapter 9 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 9 - 5.Nbd2 dxc4 6.Bg2 - 6...b5 7.0-0 0-0 8.a4  Closed
Chapter 9 - Memory Booster  Closed
Chapter 10 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 10 - 5.Bd2 a5 - 7.0-0 dxc4 - Minor Options  Closed
Chapter 10 - Memory Booster  Closed
Chapter 11 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 11 - 7...dxc4 8.Nc3  Closed
Chapter 11 - Memory Booster  Closed
Chapter 12 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 12 - 7.0-0 dxc4 8.e3  Closed
Chapter 12 - Memory Booster  Closed
Chapter 13 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 13 - 7.0-0 dxc4 8.Bg5  Closed
Chapter 13 - Memory Booster  Closed
Chapter 14 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 14 - 7.0-0 dxc4 8.Qc2 Main Line  Closed
Chapter 14 - Memory Booster  Closed
Chapter 15 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 15 - 7.Qc2 c5 - Minor Options  Closed
Chapter 15 - Memory Booster  Closed
Chapter 16 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 16 - 7.Qc2 c5 8.dxc5  Closed
Chapter 16 - Memory Booster  Closed
Chapter 17 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 17 - 7.Qc2 c5 8.cxd5 Minor Options  Closed
Chapter 17 - Memory Booster  Closed
Chapter 18 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 18 - 7.Qc2 c5 8.cxd5 - 13.Nc3  Closed
Chapter 18 - Memory Booster  Closed
Chapter 19 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 19 - 7.Qc2 c5 8.cxd5 - 13.Rc1  Closed
Chapter 19 - Memory Booster  Closed
Chapter 20 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 20 - 6.Bg2 0-0 7.a3  Closed
Chapter 20 - Memory Booster  Closed
Chapter 21 - Video Lecture  Closed
Chapter 21 - 6.Bg2 0-0 7.Qc1  Closed
Chapter 21 - Memory Booster  Closed
Must-Know Positions  Closed
Position 1  Closed
Position 2  Closed
Position 3  Closed
Position 4  Closed
Position 5  Closed
Position 6  Closed
Test Section  Closed

79.00 EUR

Top-Level Repertoire against the Catalan Opening

GM-Michael-Roiz-8a59770cef

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+.

Catalan-Opening-1-1d38ce658d

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.

Catalan-Opening-1-cf5b88d068

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

Catalan-Opening-2-927f86c8e2

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

Catalan-Opening-3-9e2be067ab

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

Catalan-Opening-4-282b14450a

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

Catalan-Opening-5-0037c42778

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

Chess Viewer Q9OG1X57SAF68YAZ6MXFGB6DQP8DF8FU

SAMPLE VIDEO