MNb wrote on 05/01/10 at 15:06:38:


I agree that it is an appealing line for those who play the KID or the Leningrad. Otherwise, one cannot simply force a reversed Closed Sicilian. This is the best attempt that I could find:

1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. g3 g6 5. d4! ed4 6. Nd4 Bg7 7. Bg2 O-O 8. O-O Re8 9. Nc2 d6 10. Qd2. Here is a comment from ChessPublishing:
"White has the slightly better pawn structure, with a space advantage conferred by control of the d5-square. His plan is to fianchetto his c1-bishop and stifle Black's activity before gradually increasing the pressure. Black's aim is to generate counterplay, using ideas such as ...a7-a5-a4, tactics along the a1-h8 diagonal, and probing jumps with his knights. Black often equalizes by forcing White to make small concessions, or trading several minor pieces to simplify his task."

The reversed Classical Dragon seems to be a more achievable line for those who do not play the KID or Leningrad Dutch. If White plays g3, Black can choose the reversed Classical Dragon. White does not have to play g3. He can play e3, or e4, or an early d4 instead. All are reasonable, but I think g3 is best.

I have never been able to figure out if the King's Knight belongs to e7 or to f6. The latter feels more natural to me, also allowing the plan ...h6, g5, Nc6-e7-g6, but I would not consider that as a decisive argument.

It's perfectly playable, but Black has to be careful with his move order and also not play inflexibly (i.e. an identical setup irrespective of White's moves). 

You can also play 1.c4 e5 2.g3 f5 3.Bg2 Nf6 4.Nc3 d6 5.d3 Be7 with a Grand Prix except that Black's light-squared bishop is on e2 instead of c5/b4, and Black has the option of ...c6/...d5, playing a 'Big Clamp' reversed. I've had great results with this setup in blitz although I wouldn't be surprised if White had a route to an advantage against this setup which doesn't involve a quick d4.

Indeed it's a standard sort of thing, though it isn't always possible for Black to play that way.