New: The Catalan, an opening repertoire for life Vol.1 - Open Catalan by Jan Werle
Unlock the full potential of the Open Catalan in this in-depth course designed for both aspiring and experienced players. In this volume, we dive deep into the various critical lines that arise after dxc4, examining Black's most popular and challenging setups, including 5...c5, 5...a6 with 6...b5, and the flexible Nc6. Each variation is thoroughly explored to give you a complete understanding of the positions you’ll face and how to navigate them. Grab this new Fritztrainer if you have not got it yet. Now you can study chess on any device either via streaming or on ChessBase Book. Photo: ChessBase
The Catalan, an opening repertoire for life Vol.1 - Open Catalan
This course goes beyond simple move memorisation. It’s packed with strategic insights and clear explanations of the key ideas and plans that guide the opening and transition into the middlegame. Whether Black chooses a solid setup, or an aggressive setup, you’ll be equipped with the tools to handle any response confidently.

What sets this course apart is the interactive approach we offer to enhance your learning experience:
• Theoretical Videos: Learn the core strategies of the Open Catalan through clear and engaging explanations that break down even the most complex positions.
• In-depth Analysis: Dive into the nuances of each variation with detailed analysis that highlights both common traps and critical plans. • Model Games: Study carefully selected games from top-level play to see how grandmasters employ these lines in practice.
• Practical Exercises: Reinforce your knowledge with carefully designed exercises that challenge your understanding and help you master the key ideas in each position.
• Annotated Files: Access detailed, annotated files to support your study and allow you to revisit key concepts at your own pace.
Whether you are new to the Catalan, or a seasoned player looking to refine your repertoire, this course is an indispensable resource. It provides a structured yet flexible approach, enabling you to adapt the opening to your style, whether you prefer dynamic or positional play.
Learn to not only respond to your opponent’s moves but also take control of the game with well-timed strategies and powerful plans. With the expertise and depth of analysis included in this course, you'll be able to transform your understanding of the Open Catalan and incorporate these powerful lines into your repertoire.
• Video running time: 9 hours 30 minutes
System Requirements
Minimum: Dual Core, 2 GB RAM, Windows 10 or higher, DirectX 11 graphics card with 256 MB RAM, Windows Media Player 9, ChessBase 14/Fritz 16 or included Reader and internet access for program activation.
Recommended: PC Intel i5 (Quadcore), 4 GB RAM, Windows 10, DirectX11, graphics card with 512 MB RAM or more, 100% DirectX10-compatible sound card, Windows Media Player 11 and internet access for program activation.
Mac OSX
Minimum: MacOS "Yosemite" 10.10
Streaming
ChessBase Book, iPad, Tablet, any computer or smartphone
About Jan Werle

GM Jan Werle is a professional chess trainer, coach and author. In 2008, he became EU-champion in Liverpool and reached his peak rating of 2607. Hereafter finished his law studies obtaining two master law degrees (civil and commercial law) before he commenced with his job as a lawyer. However, his main passion, chess, prevailed and led to a comeback. He is, inter alia, giving chess lessons online to pupils worldwide (werlechessschool@hotmail.com), but also in schools. He enjoys to help and teach his students and to watch them improve. He combines the teaching with the playing of tournaments, keeping up his own level.
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