Reversed Sicilian: Reversed Dragon with 3.g3 d5 is variation 2 of 6 in the English Opening course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO A22). It runs 25 moves and begins 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. g3 d5 4. cxd5 Nxd5 …. Black plays an Open Sicilian Dragon with colours reversed. White uses the extra tempo for a quick queenside expansion with a3, b4 and b5, aiming at the c6 knight and the e5 pawn. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. c4 – Takes control of d5 and keeps the central pawns flexible.
1... e5 – Black occupies the centre, aiming for a reversed Sicilian.
2. Nc3 – Develops and controls d5 and e4.
2... Nf6 – Develops and prepares ...d5 to take the centre.
3. g3 – Fianchettoes at once so the bishop on g2 will hit d5 and b7.
3... d5 – The Reversed Dragon: Black frees the position with a central pawn break.
4. cxd5 – Exchanges the c-pawn for Black's d-pawn, opening the c-file and the long diagonal.
4... Nxd5 – Recaptures with the knight, which is now exposed on the long diagonal.
5. Bg2 – Develops with pressure on the d5 knight; Black must decide where to put it.
5... Nb6 – Retreats to safety and keeps an eye on c4 and d5.
6. Nf3 – Develops and attacks e5, so Black must keep defending it.
6... Nc6 – Defends e5 and develops.
7. O-O – White castles; the king is safe and the f1 rook can later support f4.
7... Be7 – A modest development that prepares castling.
8. a3 – Prepares b4 so White can gain queenside space and chase the c6 knight, the classic Sicilian plan in reverse.
8... O-O – Black castles and waits to see White's plan.
The lesson goes on for 9 more moves, each with its explanation.
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