Dink Heckler wrote on 09/20/12 at 14:43:47:
Yes, I mean 'hinders'...but this is such a broad topic that has been discussed in many forum threads, so I don't want to derail your thread by getting too deeply into it here. Some posters seem to feel very strongly about the topic, and there have been a few fights...
I think in general you would be better off playing an opening that pursues more concrete objectives. This helps one to improve. Form plan ---> execute plan ---->prevent opponent executing his plan; that's good chess. Shuffling your pieces around delicately pretending you have an edge Catalan-style will not do much for your chess, in my opinion.
I couldn't disagree more. Sure, I'm not that strong of a player, but I started playing the Catalan at 1600 or so and I don't think it's stunted my development. I'm now rated 2189, which is pretty good considering I came to the game as a college student, joined the military, have worked a full time job, etc. etc. in all that time.
The idea that the Catalan involves "shuffling your pieces around pretending you have an edge" is ridiculous. The idea that it is overly-refined is ludicrous. Are there refined ways of playing? Of course. Are there straightforward ones? Of course. Do many lines of the Ruy Lopez involve "shuffling your pieces around pretending you have an edge?" Of course; that's called playing chess in an equalish position. Does the Catalan allow you to "form plan ---> execute plan ---->prevent opponent executing his plan?" Of course.
I really don't understand why some people think that some openings are so crazily sophisticated or something that they will stunt your chess development; I really don't get it. Yes I think that everyone needs some experience in Open positions, and yes I think that some openings are so extremely theoretical and tactical (like the Botvinnik Semi-Slav) that they're probably best suited for later on in your chess development, but at least 90% of all "normal" openings are suited for everyone. By the way, I think the Semi-Slav is perfectly fine for players rated under 2000--you just need to pick and choose which lines you play a little wisely.
You're playing chess, for God's sake. Fianchettoing a Bishop happens, it's good, quick development that influences the center. Where does this notion that the Catalan is uber-sophisticated come from? Do you feel the same way about the King's Indian, The Queen's Indian, The Nimzo with 4.e3 b6, The Colle-Zukertort, The Benoni, The Grunfeld, The King's Indian Attack, The Closed Sicilian, The Sicilian Dragon...????