The Bumblebee

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 in White's strategy, and Black's reaction to the provocative 3.c4!?, defines the nature of the coming conflict.
However, regardless of what stance Black takes-up after 3.c4!?, White will put his plan into action.
White is steering Black into a Sicilian with reversed colours.
After 3...dxc4 we enter the Bumblebee line. Alternatively Black can employ a number of methods of defending his central pawn on d5, in which case White can still get his inverted Sicilian in lines that the author has christened The Maginot Line Variations.
If you love to play the Sicilian then this is an opening that you absolutely must explore.
Black will be surprised by White's first two moves and will be even more surprised to find himself in a Sicilian with reversed colours.
There is little to no theory in these lines of play.
Black's opening preparations for meeting the well trodden paths of 1.e4 or 1.d4 will be redundant from move one.
The second player will be thrown onto his own resources from the get-go, and will have to spend valuable time in his efforts to navigate the dangerous mine-field that White is sowing.
Here indeed is an opening that stings.
With the investment of a little bit of time you will be well prepared to meet Black in an a highly unusual setting and place Black in a virtually unknown landscape of White's choosing.
Black will be drawn into an arena that will place him on the tip of your sword.