[%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.
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 