E00

Catalan Opening

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Overview

Catalan Opening is a top-level opening within the Indian Defenses family, catalogued as ECO E00 — a starting point from which dozens of named sub-variations branch out.

The Indian Defenses group covers Indian defences — hypermodern lines where Black challenges the centre with pieces rather than pawns.

Play reaches this position via 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. g3, after 5 plies of opening development.

The line splits into 4 documented sub-systems: Bogo-Indian Defense: Retreat Variation, Catalan Opening, Closed, Spassky Gambit, and others.

In total, the branch covers 29 sub-variations across all depths.

Explore the position on the interactive board, study its real-world results from Lichess, and challenge the engine when you are ready.

ECO code: E00
Group: Indian Defenses (E)
Plies: 5
Direct variations: 4
Total in subtree: 29

This overview is generated automatically from the opening's metadata. Know this line well? Write a description — submissions are reviewed before publishing.

Statistics from Lichess

1,472,571 games · White 51.4% / Draw 7.1% / Black 41.5%

Moves	Games	W / D / B
d5	751,492
Bb4+	337,649
c5	205,696
b6	57,401
Be7	49,275
c6	30,159
Nc6	10,474
g6	9,787

Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 01:14:52

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Variations (4)

Show all 29 sub-variations (full subtree)