Theoria
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Catalan Opening

Closed, Sokolsky Variation

E09positionalsolid

  1. 1.d4Nf6
  2. 2.c4e6
  3. 3.g3d5
  4. 4.Bg2Be7
  5. 5.Nf3O-O
  6. 6.O-ONbd7
  7. 7.Qc2c6
  8. 8.Nbd2b6
  9. 9.b3a5
  10. 10.Bb2Ba6

No game statistics for this position yet.

A Closed Catalan line in which Black develops the queen's bishop to a6 after ...b6 and ...a5, pressuring c4 in a slow double-fianchetto struggle.

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About the Sokolsky Variation

The Sokolsky Variation arises from the Closed Catalan Main Line after 8. Nbd2 b6 9. b3 a5 10. Bb2 Ba6. Rather than placing the light-squared bishop on b7, where it would face the d5-pawn, Black puts it on a6 to bear on c4 and discourage White's e2-e4 break. The move ...a5 gains queenside space and can prepare ...a4 against the b3-pawn. With both of White's bishops fianchettoed, the play is slow and maneuvering.

Popular continuations

No continuations known for this position yet.