How to Build A Custom Repertoire, Part 2
Step-by-step GM guide on how to create an opening repertoire using Lichess
In Part 1, we discussed a simple way to build a custom repertoire using Lichess.
I recommended a rare setup vs the Advance Caro-Kann 3…c5!?
Today, we will discuss the White repertoire, specifically my recommendation for “Old Man” chess, the Catalan.
As I already mentioned, Magnus Carlsen took up the Catalan to defeat Nepo in his 2021 World Championship Match. He has since used it quite successfully: both to defeat Caruana in a crucial last-round game at Norway Chess 2025, and against Firouzja during the finals of the Esports World Cup 2025. By the way, here’s a cool tactic that Carlsen unleashed on Firouzja.
White to play and win:
The answer is a killer 28.Nb8!! It shuts off the rooks and Black’s a8-rook is trapped. Please note that taking on b8 will force Black to give up his queen with …Qf8 due to back-rank issues. Black had to give up an exchange, and eventually lost.
For this post, I again chose the 1400-1600 rating range, and noticed that Black’s most common reply to the Catalan is the Tarrasch Defense 4…c5:
Black strikes the center, but the drawback is they will get a longterm weakness, the Isolated Queen Pawn (IQP). I already explained why I don’t recommend playing with an IQP from this member game analysis post.
Remember, Old Man Chess is about getting static advantages and then converting them. This is exactly what happens here as after just 12 moves (!) White is going to win the d-pawn. The engine is jumping with joy, giving us +1 advantage already:
The top move 12…Bc7 scores a whopping 82% win rate for us! I’ll take it :)
The Catalan vs Tarrasch GM Recipe:
Create an IQP, a permanent weakness in Black’s camp.
Finish development on the kingside.
Expand on the queenside with a3+b4 & Na4.
Attack and eventually win the d-pawn.
Here’s the video, where I explain everything step by step:
Paid members can download the PGN from the Openings Vault right away.
If you enjoyed this video, you will love playing the Old Man Chess repertoire — I’ve already done the heavy lifting by filtering out the engine noise and curating the exact lines I use with my private students.
Save yourself hours of study time and get the practical files you need to win.
When you upgrade, you get instant access to:
The 2026 Tournament Starter Kit: My complete “Old Man” repertoire designed to be learned in just 40 minutes with full video and the PGN.
The Openings Vault: The Catalan vs Tarrasch PGN & Advance Caro-Kann 3…c5 PGN as well as the permanent library of “Gambit Killers” to help you stop falling for common club-level traps.
The Tournament Survival Guide: My 1-page PDF of gold nuggets from 35+ years of OTB play.
P.S. Please try these steps for some of your own openings and let me know in the comments below.