The Catalan opening video series of Chessdom.com by GM Henrik Danielsen continue with yet another popular and effective set of tactics for your rapid and blitz games.
In episodes 3 and 4, GM Danielsen takes a look at the move a4 for White. Knowing the theory can give good advantage to either side. An example of how to play from the black side is the game Kramnik – Giri from Norway Chess 2014 (replay) where the opening was 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. g3 Be7 5. Bg2 O-O 6. O-O dc4 7. Qc2 a6 8. a4
More videos: Sicilian with 6. f4 by GM Petrov part 1 and a Sicilian with f4 live blitz game
Catalan Opening with a4 (part 1)
The Catalan is a chess opening where White adopts a combination of the Queen’s Gambit and Réti Opening: White plays d4 and c4 and fianchettoes the white bishop on g2. The Ne5! is a surprising weapon that can earn steady advantage in blitz games. GM Danielsen takes a deep look at the Ne5 as theoretical knowledge is required from both sides when it appears on the board.
Catalan Opening with Ne5 (part 1)
Catalan Opening with Ne5 (part 2)
