Kovalev is getting ready for his opponent's main  resource.
1. e2e4  1... c7c5  2. g1f3  2... d7d6  3. f1b5 The Moscow variation was especially popular  today at the IOM. 3... c8d7  4. b5d7  4... d8d7  5. c2c4 A very solid approach  against the world champion. 5... e7e5  6. b1c3  6... b8c6  7. d2d3  7... f8e7  8. a2a3  8... e7d8 Black's setup is somewhat artificial, but since the center is  clamped, he can afford to play slowly. 9. e1g1  9... g8e7  10. b2b4  10... e8g8  11. b4c5 Simple and good. 11... d6c5  12. c3d5  12... e7g6  13. c1e3  13... b7b6 