Catalan Opening: Closed, Botvinnik Variation

ECO E07

Move order

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. g3 d5 4. Bg2 Be7 5. Nf3 O-O 6. O-O Nbd7 7. Nc3 c6 8. Qd3

Catalan Opening: Closed, Botvinnik Variation (E07)abcdefgh12345678

Ideas

ECO E covers Indian defenses and related systems where Black fianchettoes or pressures the center from the flanks. White builds a pawn center and keeps the position more closed than after 1. e4. This entry tracks a longer branch in the opening tree. Use the diagram and SAN list to recognize the tabiya, then try the line against Maia to explore typical plans in practice.

Play this opening against Maia