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  15. f3f6  15... g7f6  16. c7a8  16... e4d6  17. c4d5  17... e6d5  18. f2f3 [%c_effect f3;square;f3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] An accurate move, taking the e4-square from Black's knight. 18... d6f5  19. a8c7  19... d5d4  20. f1b5 [%c_effect b5;square;b5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] An inaccuracy that gives Black saving chances. 20... f5e3  21. d1d2  21... c8d7 [%c_effect d7;square;d7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Preparing 22...Rc8. 22. h1e1 [%c_effect e1;square;e1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] 22... h8c8  23. e1e3  23... c8c7  24. e3e4  24... d4c3 [%c_effect c3;square;c3;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] This makes White's life easier. 25. d2d6  25... f6g7  26. e4e3  26... a7a6  27. b5a4 [%c_effect a4;square;a4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] 27... d7e6  28. a4c6  28... b7c6  29. e3c3  29... e6a2  30. c3c6  30... c7e7  31. c6a6  31... e7e2  32. d6d2 