Why do significantly more masters play 1) d4 , d5 2) c4 , c6 3) Nf3 , ... instead of 3) Nc3?
Good question, I think more masters play Nf3 because first, white then has a higher win rate. Second, Nf3 speeds up castling. Third, for example white does play Nc3. Nc3 is a good developing move but you don't just want to develop you also want to use that piece after development as soon as possible. For example you played Nc3 to try and capture the d5 but the queen also defends the d5 square. Or you might do Nc3 to move the e pawn to e4, but black can play Bf5 and easily prevent white to moving that pawn to e4 and get a good bishop, doing two things at the same time.
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