Evans and Friends Vol.2 - Early Sidelines

IM Andrew Martin begins where it matters most: the Two Knights Defense, which you'll meet roughly half the time you reach for 4.b4. His choice here is 4.d3 – the move today's elite prefer. It won't promise an advantage out of the opening, but it produces a rich, closed-Lopez-style middlegame full of pieces and play, ideal for outplaying strong opposition. Little theory to memorize; plans and manoeuvres instead, including attacking schemes where White leaves the king in the centre and storms the kingside.