White's first two moves in this opening - 1.d3 and 2.a3 look very timid, but this is far removed from the truth. White adopts an unconventional style, and invites Black to take the centre-ground, but this is a gift from White and is all part and parcel of his plan. Black most often obliges and seizes the centre with 1...d5 and 2...e5, and then White lashes out with 3.c4 ? This is a pivotal point...