Once again, as we have seen in the three previous Volumes, 1.d3 proves its versatile nature. In this Volume we consider the impact of 1.d3 d5 and 2.a3.
White invites Black to enter a reversed Sicilian set-up with 2...e5 3.c4. The mainline of which I have christened the Bumblebee. Black enjoys initial success in pushing White's queen around, but White side-steps Black's short lived bullying, and consolidates his position.
White arrives at a situation which boasts typical Sicilian landmarks such as the half-open c-file and the small pawn centre with pawns abreast on e3 and d3. These aspects will be familiar to all Sicilian lovers. If you play the Sicilian with the Black pieces then as White you will be well within your comfort zone. If you love to roll out 1...c5 against White's 1.e4 then this is definitely an opening that you should explore.
Black is not, however, obliged to accept White's offer of a reversed Sicilian, and can meet 3.c4 with 3...d4. In this line White can transpose to a reversed Benoni, a further demonstration of the chameleon like characteristics of 1.d3.
White can avoid the sharp lines encountered in The Bumblebee, and still arrive at a reversed Sicilian, with 3.Nf3 or 3.g3. These two moves also allow White to play a reversed Benoni.
Regardless of which fork /s the road takes this volume provides a carefully crafted approach that is supported by two databases.
Based on the wealth of knowledge contained in the two databases, and the author's own experience, this Volume demonstrates how White can take Black into an unconventional arena of White's choosing.
White's 1.d3 followed by 2.a3 effectively spins a web that the second player will be sucked into.
Without theory to guide him Black will be floundering in White's well prepared and sticky gossamer lines in the reversed Sicilian or reversed Benoni.
White, however, will be well prepared and will be able to dictate the future nature of the game, which in turn, will provide White with every chance of obtaining the full point.
