I have followed the Khalifman/Kramnik repertoire, with 1.Nf3 and 2.c4 (followed with 3.g3).  This avoids 1.c4 e5 and the Grunfeld, though White does still need to have something ready for the KID.  In my experience, though, I have found it to be a rather effective way of seeing regular Catalans.  Recently, I have been exploring the Reti in order to better prepare a response to opponents who do not wish to play the Catalan...

Chess_Addict wrote on 04/23/08 at 12:43:05:


Can't Black play an early ...Bf5 and be fine here?  For instance, 1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.g3 c6 4.Bg2 Bf5.  Probably Black could also play 3...Bf5 in this move order, since White hasn't played c2-c4 yet.  

I also play the Catalan, but use it mostly as a substitute for the QGD, some lines of the Semi-Slav, and against the Nimzo move order.  For instance:
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3;
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 c6 4.Qc2 Nf6 5.g3;
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3, when there are some transpositional possibilities available into the Catalan, Benoni, English, etc.

"My" move order means that I still have to play against he Slav, QGA, etc.  But I like this better than trying to play a set "system" no matter what Black does.  If you want to maximize your chances of getting a real Catalan, probably 1.Nf3 and 2.c4 is the way to go, but you'll need to learn some English and Reti (which can be similar to Catalan) lines.

if u want to avoid QGA and slav-semislav problems u could try 1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.g3 and then c4. Only problem may 3...b5 but i don't think it will be played  too often and it shouldn't be that problem anyway.

Thanks Nyoke,

I just got The Catalan by Raetsky and Chetverik. This should help! What move orders do you use?

Tony

Black_Widow wrote on 04/20/08 at 00:04:46:


I used to play the English but really didn't like the symmetrical structures.
I'm playing 1d4 and 2Nf3. It's a handy way to cut down on my opponents choices.

TNich wrote on 04/19/08 at 20:17:53:


That sounds like a very wise decision to me... 

James Vigus wrote on 04/19/08 at 10:06:01:


Thanks James,

I was curious if some of the older books on the Catalan were worth while. I agree that the Slav is the perfect anti-Catalan weapon. It's no surprise that Kramnik plays both. I also play the Slav so maybe I'm following in the footsteps of a giant I don't have alot of faith in the Catalan setup if black can get his light squared bishop outside the pawnchain. 

Thanks for the recommendations