Catalan Opening · E06

Closed, after 1. c4, through 6... c6, line 2

1. c4 e6 2. Nf3 d5 3. g3 Nf6 4. Bg2 Be7 5. d4 O-O 6. O-O c6

White's kingside bishop takes the long diagonal. The g2 bishop plus c4 squeeze d5 from a distance: White plays a risk-free positional game where the long diagonal quietly wins endgames.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. c4 Fights for d5 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the English Opening.
• 1... e6 Supports the centre, adding control of d5. Theory calls this the Agincourt Defense.
• 2. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5.
• 2... d5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e4, and frees the bishop and queen.

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