Catalan Opening

White combines a Queen's Gambit centre with a kingside fianchetto, aiming the g2-bishop down the long diagonal at Black's queenside. It gives lasting positional pressure and is a favourite of elite grandmasters.

• Fianchetto to g2 for long-term pressure on the long diagonal
• Recapture on c4 and squeeze if Black grabs the gambit pawn
• Combine central control with slow queenside pressure
• Aim for a durable positional bind rather than early tactics