Catalan Opening: Closed, Main Line

ECO E09

Move order

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. g3 Be7 5. Bg2 O-O 6. O-O Nbd7 7. Qc2 c6 8. Bf4 b6 9. Nbd2 Bb7 10. e4 dxe4 11. Nxe4 Nxe4 12. Qxe4

Catalan Opening: Closed, Main Line (E09)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