1. e2e4  1... c7c5  2. g1f3  2... d7d6  3. d2d4  3... c5d4  4. f3d4  4... g8f6  5. b1c3  5... b8c6 The Classical Variation of the Sicilian is very popular again and, if we think about it, it is one of the most reliable, taking into account the opening principles of chess such as prioritizing development, starting with the knights. That said, following these principles is no guarantee of not getting mated in the Sicilian, as we shall see. 6. c1g5 The Richter-Rauzer Variation is the best and most popular option against the Classical Sicilian. 6... e7e6  7. d1d2  7... a7a6 This system is the most played in the elite right now, surpassing 7...Be7 followed by 8...0-0, which was played a lot by Kramnik in the '90s. 8. e1c1  8... c8d7 Here White needs to decide whether to play with 9.f4 (the most popular move) or 9.f3, following the English Attack plan. This last option seems to me to be the most dangerous for Black and is Carlsen's choice. 9. f2f3  9... c6d4 This capture is played by almost everyone these days. 10. d2d4  10... f8e7  11. c1b1 [%c_effect b1;square;b1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] As I always say: you are never far wrong playing Kb1 after long castling. This move is always important sooner or later, so why not start with it $2 11... b7b5  12. h2h4  12... a8b8 [%c_effect b8;square;b8;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] 13. g2g4  13... b5b4  14. c3e2 My impression is that White's attack on the kingside arrives much faster than Black's on the queenside. 14... a6a5  15. e2g3  15... d8c7 The development of the queen on c7, so natural a few moves ago, is new in this position. A correspondence game followed with 15...0-0. 16. g5e3 A thematic move, taking the bishop out of the pawns' way. 16... b8c8  17. h1h2  17... d6d5 A desperate attempt to complicate the game. 18. e4e5  18... e8g8 This is the idea. 19. f1a6 [%c_effect a6;square;a6;type;Interesting;persistent;true] An elegant move. 19... c8a8 