Play the Catalan – Part 4 + PGN February 15, 2026

The Catalan is a positional opening, yet its subtlest battles are decided by a single tempo. When Black plays 4…Bb4+ before retreating the bishop to d6, White’s bishop lands on d2 instead of staying on c1. This seemingly modest difference—one extra tempo with an already developed piece—creates a web of tactical and strategic nuances that separate preparation from improvisation. GM Alexey Dreev and GM Pier Luigi Basso’s Play the Catalan – Part 4 completes their comprehensive White repertoire by addressing precisely these modern defensive setups that have become the weapon of choice for elite players in recent years.