Catalan Refined – Full Repertoire for White after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 Video + PGN HQ May 2, 2025

The camp Catalan Refined – Full Repertoire for White after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 is now available as a digital product! This comprehensive course includes all the videos from the camp as well as the PGN file related to the training sessions. The material consists of 10.5 hours of video and a PGN database with 172 files!

In the current course, you’ll find the following lectures:

✅3…c5 4.d5 – Repertoire against the Benoni – Part 1

✅3…c5 4.d5 – Repertoire against the Benoni – Part 2

✅3…Bb4+ 4.Bd2 – Fight the Bogo-Indian – Part 1

✅3…Bb4+ 4.Bd2 – Fight the Bogo-Indian – Part 2

✅3…d5 – Master the Catalan – Part 1

✅3…d5 – Master the Catalan – Part 2

✅3…d5 – Master the Catalan – Part 3

Besides providing you with a reliable repertoire for White, this course by Papaioannou will improve your overall chess understanding. As we know, the Spanish Game is the cornerstone of the chess strategy!

Now, we shall take a look at the different lectures.

3…c5 4.d5 – Repertoire against the Benoni – Part 1

In this opening lecture, GM Ioannis Papaioannou lays the groundwork for White’s fight against the Modern Benoni—a combative and structurally imbalanced defense that can catch unprepared players off guard.

The critical tabiya is reached after:
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 c5 4.d5 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.Nc3 g6 7.Bg2 Bg7 8.Nf3 0-0 9.0-0

Rather than diving into concrete lines from the start, Papaioannou begins with what truly matters—understanding the strategic and tactical landscape of the position. According to him, mastering this first is essential before memorizing variations.

He outlines three main philosophies for playing with White:

1. The “Old Plan” – Relying on Nd2 setups with central pawn advances like e4 and f4. While classical, modern practice shows Black finds good counterplay here.

2. The Modern Trend – Aiming for Bf4, then reacting flexibly depending on Black’s setup.

3. Papaioannou’s Preferred Approach – Using flexible waiting moves like Re1, h3, or a4 to remain non-committal and sidestep heavy theory, while preparing for an eventual central breakthrough on your terms.

🎯 This lecture doesn’t just teach lines—it builds your strategic intuition against one of Black’s most dangerous setups. By the end of it, you’ll have a practical framework for navigating the Modern Benoni from either side of the board.