Roman's Lab: The Dynamic Catalan Chess Opening DVD The Catalan is a sophisticated positional chess opening that gives White great winning chances. White plays 1.d4, 2.c4 - and then fianchettoes the King's Bishop on g2. Here Roman and Rybka give you improved lines and novelties in this opening repertoire for White. The Catalan is played on the highest level because of the initiative White gets out of the opening. If you like playing an opening that gives active play, the Catalan chess opening is for you.