1. b2b3 The Larsen Variation shows up from time to time in elite games, although only in tournaments with rapid time controls. It seems they don't consider this starting move reliable enough for a classical game. 1... d7d5  2. c1b2  2... c7c5  3. e2e3  3... a7a6 [%c_effect a6;square;a6;type;Interesting;persistent;true] This move is meant to avoid the pin on the c6-knight. 4. g1f3  4... b8c6  5. d2d4  5... g8f6  6. d4c5 [%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;Interesting;persistent;true] Taking the c5-pawn in these positions is always a difficult move for me, even more so when the plan is to play a3-b4, moving the b-pawn once more. But the world champion knows what he's doing. 6... e7e6  7. a2a3  7... f8c5  8. b3b4  8... c5a7  9. b1d2  9... e8g8  10. c2c4  10... d5c4 