Black was threatening to play f7-f5, forcing White to lose more time before developing the pieces.
1. c2c4  1... g8f6  2. b1c3  2... c7c5  3. g2g3  3... d7d5  4. c4d5  4... f6d5  5. f1g2  5... d5c7  6. b2b3 A rare choice. 6... e7e5 Black's natural reaction, achieving a pawn formation known as the \"Maroczy Bind.\" 7. c1b2  7... f8e7  8. a1c1 White's game is very concrete and based on a quick attack on the \"Maroczy's pawns,\" even if this comes at the price of neglecting the development of the kingside. 8... e8g8 The best reaction. When in doubt, just castle. 9. c3e4 This natural move is a novelty. Gukesh came well-prepared to this game. 9... b7b6 [%c_effect b6;square;b6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] An excellent reply. Volokitin is a very strong player, especially when he has the initiative. Sacrificing material for development is not a problem for him. 10. b2e5 Black's previous move was both a pawn sacrifice and an exchange sacrifice. It's better to accept the former than the latter. 10... c8b7 