Play the Catalan – Part 2 – 2025 Edition + PGN December 17, 2025

Coverage Map: The Classical Catalan Battlegrounds

7 Units, each divided into multiple chapters covering distinct variations:

Unit 1: 6th Move Sidelines

• 6…h6 (Praggnanandhaa’s weapon against Ding)
• 6…Nc6
• 6…Ne4
• 6…b6 systems

Unit 2: Classical Closed Catalan

• 6…Nbd7 7.Qc2 c6 8.Nbd2 with e4 ideas

Unit 3: Modern Closed Catalan

• 6…c6 7.Qc2 b6 (flexible, concrete approaches)
• 7…c6 system (So-Mamedyarov, Candidates 2018)

Unit 4: The 6…a5 Complex

• 7.Qc2 c6 (traditional approach)
• 7…Nc6 (ambitious modern line)
• 7…a4 (Blohberger’s recommendation)
• 7…Nbd7 (current main line: Murzin, Maghsodloo, Hakobyan)

Unit 5: The 7…a6 Main Line

• Classical 7.Qc2 a6 structures
• 7…b6 (featuring Giri-Predke, European Teams 2025)

Unit 6: The 7…b5 System

• Concrete, forcing continuation

Units 7: Deep Dives into Critical Subvariations

• Specialized lines and advanced ideas within the main systems

Course Features

Beyond the theoretical content, the course provides comprehensive training tools designed for serious study:

• 40 test positions to sharpen your tactical and positional judgment
• Basso’s 15-minute introductory video distilling the course’s core concepts
• Memory Booster for efficient retention of key variations
• To Go Version of every unit for quick study
• Complete video instruction walking through the critical ideas