1. e2e4  1... c7c5  2. g1f3  2... e7e6 Abasov chooses this move order probably to avoid the fight in the Rossolimo Variation (2...Nc6 3.Bb5). 3. d2d4  3... c5d4  4. f3d4  4... b8c6  5. b1c3  5... g8f6  6. c1f4 [%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;Interesting;persistent;true] As I have written many times, I believe Caruana is the player with the best opening preparation in the world. He always comes with all sorts of ideas, be it a new plan, a forgotten move, or the 10th choice of the computer. Coupled with that, he has a fantastic memory and is able to replicate his analysis during the game. 6... f8b4  7. d4b5 [%c_effect b5;square;b5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] 7... f6e4 Abasov chooses the most critical line. 8. d1f3  8... d7d5  9. b5c7  9... e8f8 An interesting and double-edged position that has been discussed in important games in 2023. 10. e1c1 [%c_effect c1;square;c1;type;Interesting;persistent;true] It's possible that Abasov was caught by surprise by this move, which is not the most popular choice. 10... b4c3  11. b2c3  11... d8e7 [%c_effect e7;square;e7;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] Only the fourth most popular move. 11...g5, 11...e5 and 11...Rb8 are better. Of course it's easier to know this with the engines on and with access to the databases. Without having studied it beforehand, the position is very difficult to play. 12. c3c4 [%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] 12... e7f6 [%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] 13. c2c3 [%c_effect c3;square;c3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Caruana blitzed this move as well and mentioned in the interview that it had been played before in a girl's under-14 tournament where White played a great game. This is his level of preparation and memory. 13... g7g5  14. f4d6 [%c_effect d6;square;d6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Caruana also considered taking on d5, but the move played is much better. 14... f8g7 