1. e2e4  1... c7c5  2. g1f3  2... e7e6  3. d2d4  3... c5d4  4. f3d4  4... a7a6 The Paulsen Variation of the Sicilian is not a frequent guest in strong tournaments anymore. It's not that there's something particularly bad with it. It's just that other options are simply better. 5. f1d3  5... g8f6  6. e1g1  6... d8c7  7. c2c4  7... d7d6  8. b1c3  8... b8d7 Black's opening choice is playable but passive. There's no doubt White has the advantage in this so-called \"hedgehog\" setup. 9. a2a4 A rare move. 9... d7e5  10. b2b3  10... e5d3  11. d1d3  11... f8e7  12. f1d1 A positional plan. White can also play for an attack advancing the pawn to f4 and later to f5. For this plan, the rook is useful on its initial square.