Quote: It might be another reason to start with 1.g3 as c5 2.Bg2 Nc6 3.d3 e6/g6 allows White to try the Polar Bear (4.f4) or the Big Clamp (4.e4).
A great idea from MNb, promoter indeed of numerous incisive ideas! I play the Reti and occasionally the (Botvinnik) English, but I don't always feel wild about the options after 1 Nf3 c5 (only a matter of taste of course), so starting with 1 g3 and hoping for a Clamp after 1 …c5 certainly appeals.
Of course, White has to be prepared for various alternatives, including 1 g3 c5 2 Bg2 Nc6 3 d3 d5, when I guess the choice is between a KIA and a Reversed Leningrad (which I imagine is neither better nor worse for White than many/most other ‘Polar’ lines). Mr Movsziszian plays the flexible 4 Nd2 here, and I noticed that in the position reached after 4 …Nf6 (not the only move of course) 5 e4
e6, he’s tried 6 Nh3, which I’m not sure I’ve seen before! This seems uncommon, but looks to score well even if the sample is a small one … But then, is it any good? And meanwhile, if White does try a KIA (via any move order) can he avoid the lines that don’t appeal to MNb (or others)? Maybe White’s chances are better in the Rev. Leningrad? – I’ve never played it so have no view. Anyway, thanks for this suggestion, MNb, scourge (in another Forum thread), I notice, of the Closed Sicilian!