Play the Catalan

The Catalan is a sophisticated opening system which is popular at all levels of chess, and is an excellent choice for players who are keen to improve their overall understanding of the game. In recent years it has been catapulted into the limelight by the former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik, who has revitalized it with many new ideas. He has utilized the Catalan with enormous success against the world`s strongest players - on occasion making it look like a forced win for White!

In this book, Grandmaster Nigel Davies presents a major study of this important opening. Using illustrative games and drawing upon his wealth of personal experience with the Catalan, Davies provides a reliable and dynamic repertoire for White, covers the main plans for both sides, and tackles crucial modern day issues such as move orders.

Grandmaster analysis of a world-class opening

Provides coverage of all the main lines

Highlights essential tactical and positional ideas

Nigel Davies is a Grandmaster, a winner of numerous international tournaments and a former British Rapidplay Champion. He`s a renowned coaching expert and is the author of many successful books. Previous works for Everyman Chess include his Gambiteer series and the highly acclaimed Play 1 e4 e5!.

CONTENTS

The Main Line

1 Main Line with 10.Bd2

2 Main Line with 10 Bf4 and Others

3 Main Line with 8 a4

4 Main Line with 7 Ne5 and Others

5 Main Line with 6 Qc2 and 6 Nc3

The Closed Catalan

6 Closed Catalan with 7 Qc2

7 Closed Catalan with 7 Nc3

8 Closed Catalan with 4...Bb4+

The Open Catalan

9 Open Catalan with 5...Bb4+

10 Open Catalan with 5...c5

11 Open Catalan with 5...Nc6

12 Open Catalan with 5...a6

13 Open Catalan with 5...b5 and Others

14 Open Catalan with 5 Qa4+

• Casa editrice Everyman Chess
• Code 5991
• Anno 2009
• Pagine p. 192
• Isbn 9781857445916