Annotated Chess Game 7649370 by Willzzz

1. c4
English Opening
1... g6
Only the 5th most common reply, but I liked the look of the line.
2. g3 Bf8g7 3. Bf1g2 e5 4. e4 d6 5. Nb1c3 Nb8c6 6. Ng1e2 Ng8e7 7. d3 O-O 8. O-O
Apart from his initial move the pieces are a mirror image of each other.
8... Bc8e6 9. Nc3d5
He grabs a nice central outpost for his knight.
9... a6
This move takes us off the beaten path, most of my pieces are developed, I am waiting to see what he will do.
10. a4
I wasn't expecting this move, not entirely sure what his plan was, starting a pawnstorm?
10... f5
Threatening to half open the f-file and also allows the rook to help defend f6 after I play Qd7.
11. Bc1d2
Be3 is a far more common move, is he looking to support his advancing pawns on the queenside?
11... Qd8d7
Connects the rooks and supports the bishop.
12. Ra1b1
More support for the b-pawn?