Jul 12, 2010

US Junior Championship: Sicilian Moscow Variation

After avoiding outright disaster in Round 1, Robson strikes back with the Black pieces in Round 2.  If you play the Sicilian Najdorf, you have to be prepared to deal with 3.Bb5+.  Here, Robson plays the "solid" choice, 3...Bd7, undoubtedly expecting to outplay his outweighed opponent in the long term.  Compare this game to G23, where Carlsen plays the less safe but more dynamic 3...Nd7.