Catalan: 4...Bb4+

Before the first move

The Catalan Opening combines the space-gaining d4 and c4 push with a kingside fianchetto. By placing your bishop on g2, you exert long-term pressure on the center and the queenside. Black responds here with a quick check on b4, aiming to disrupt your development and force a decision regarding how you shield your king.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4. This move claims the center and opens paths for your queen and dark-squared bishop. It is the foundation of many strategic systems, allowing you to dictate the pace of the game from the very first move.

1... Nf6Black

Black replies Nf6, the most popular way to meet d4. This prevents the immediate e4 push and keeps the game in strategic waters. While Black could try the Englund Gambit with e5 or the English Defense with b6, the knight move is the most respected and versatile path.

Other paths here: Na6 (Australian Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense: Borg Gambit) · b6 (English Defense) · e5 (Englund Gambit)

2. c4White · your move

Advance your pawn to c4. This is the classic follow-up to d4, challenging Black's control of the center and preparing to develop your knight to c3. You are building a powerful pawn duo that puts immediate pressure on Black's position.

Other paths here: f4 (Canard Opening) · g4 (Indian Defense: Gibbins-Weidenhagen Gambit) · e4 (Indian Defense: Omega Gambit) · d5 (Indian Defense: Pawn Push Variation)

2... e6Black

Black plays e6, preparing to challenge the center with d5 while keeping the kingside solid. This is a very reliable choice. Black could also look at the Mexican Defense with Nc6 or the Queen's Indian Accelerated with b6, but e6 is the gold standard for stability.

Other paths here: g5 (Indian Defense: Medusa Gambit) · b5 (Indian Defense: Pyrenees Gambit) · a6 (Indian: 2.c4 a6) · Nc6 (Mexican Defense)

3. g3White · your move

Move your pawn to g3. This move defines the Catalan Opening. You are preparing to fianchetto your bishop to g2, where it will exert immense pressure along the h1-a8 diagonal, targeting Black's queenside for the rest of the game.

Other paths here: Qb3 (Indian Defense) · g4 (Indian Defense: Devin Gambit) · Bg5 (Indian Defense: Seirawan Attack) · a3 (Queen's Pawn: Anti-Nimzo-Indian)

3... d5Black

Black replies d5, meeting the Catalan head-on. This is the most principled response, though Black can also try the Hungarian Gambit with e5 or the sharper c5. By playing d5, Black ensures they won't be pushed around in the center easily.

Other paths here: e5 (Catalan Opening: Hungarian Gambit) · Bb4+ (Catalan: 3...Bb4+) · c5 (Catalan: 3...c5) · c6 (Catalan: 3...c6)

4. Bg2White · your move

Develop your bishop to g2. This is the centerpiece of your strategy. From this square, the bishop breathes fire down the long diagonal, making it difficult for Black to develop their queenside pieces comfortably while providing great safety for your king.

Other paths here: Nf3 (Catalan: 4.Nf3)

4... Bb4+Black

Black plays Bb4+, a sharp and modern way to handle the Catalan. By checking the king, you force White to choose between blocking with the bishop or the knight. This is often preferred over the more passive Be7 or the Open Catalan with dxc4.

Other paths here: c5 (Catalan: 4...c5) · c6 (Catalan: 4...c6) · dxc4 (Catalan Opening: Open Defense) · Be7 (Catalan: Closed)

Where you stand

The position is rich with strategic depth. White must now decide how to block the check on b4, usually with Bd2 or Nbd2. If White plays Bd2, Black often trades bishops or retreats to e7, leading to a battle where White has more space but Black remains very solid. Both sides will focus on completing development and controlling the central tension.

• c1-d2 Block the check and challenge the bishop
• g1-f3 Develop the knight and prepare to castle
• b4-e7 Retreat the bishop after disrupting White's flow
• e8-g8 Get the king to safety quickly