Catalan Opening: Closed (E07)

The Closed is a variation of the Catalan Opening, catalogued as ECO E07. The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. g3 d5 4. Bg2 Be7 5. Nf3 O-O 6. O-O Nbd7, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move after six moves. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank.

On the Catalan Opening generally: A sophisticated system combining Queen's Gambit ideas with a fianchettoed king's bishop.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Catalan Opening: Closed — position after Nbd7 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. g3 d5 4. Bg2 Be7 5. Nf3 O-O 6. O-O Nbd7

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1d4Nf6
2c4e6
3g3d5
4Bg2Be7
5Nf3O-O
6O-ONbd7

ECO: E07

Stockfish: +0.49 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Catalan Opening lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Closed?

The Closed goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. g3 d5 4. Bg2 Be7 5. Nf3 O-O 6. O-O Nbd7. It is a variation of the Catalan Opening and is catalogued as ECO E07.

What is the ECO code for the Closed?

The Closed is ECO E07. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Catalan Opening.

Is the Closed good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. g3 d5 4. Bg2 Be7 5. Nf3 O-O 6. O-O Nbd7 at +0.49 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Closed lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on d5), and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move. Both kings have castled kingside, so play tends to shift to the centre and the opposite flank.