The Catalan is on display in Round 9 of the 2022 Tata Steel Masters
Featured is the game between Magnus Carlsen and Shakhriyar Mamedyarov from the 2022 Tata Steel Masters tournament. The opening is Catalan where Carlsen gambit's a pawn for positional compensation. After Mamedyarov's 4th, dxc4, Carlsen obtains a central majority. In time, that majority is set into motion with Carlsen soon playing a favorite move of AlphaZero's. This game is excellent material for the chess teachers of the world who are looking for instructive examples for students (Intermediate+) on the topics of pawn structure, move order, and timing.
Magnus Carlsen vs Shakhriyar Mamedyarov | 2022 Tata Steel Masters, Round 9
Question 1 of 3: What way is best to recapture on d2?
Hint: It would be nice if white can conveniently collect the pawn on c4.
https://lichess.org/study/3ObrWJv5/xGjr7j4S#16
Question 2 of 3: Why is it bad for black to play Qxd5?
Hint: Discoveries are often deadly.
https://lichess.org/study/3ObrWJv5/9WRY0rm7#30
Question 3 of 3: What is the primary function of b3?
Hint: None
https://lichess.org/study/3ObrWJv5/k2kCS9ow#41
Closing words
I thank you in advance for any likes and/or follows you may give. If you have any questions or comments, I would prefer they be directed to the video's comments section on YouTube. I hope you have, in some way, benefited from this post. Thank you for taking the time to read. Be well... -Jerry
