Preparing ...Bc6 and ...Nd7 in order to improve the bishop and step up the pressure on the e5-pawn.

In contrast, 1...Nb4? runs into 2.Nd6+! cxd6 3.Qxb4 with a clear white advantage – Karpov.

2.Nd4 Bc6 3.Nf6 Qc5! , preventing 4 Nh5, with a more comfortable game.

After 4.Nxd7 Rxd7 Black has a long-term edge thanks to the weak e5-pawn, so White opts to transform the position.

Before being eliminated, the bishop snatches a pawn.

Thanks to a slight material advantage and safer king, Black is better.

White keeps the d5-square under control, without worrying about the doubled c-pawns.

2...Qb7 seems more active, intending ...Rad8 and ...d6-d5.

From now on the ...d6-d5 break can be discarded, and Black is also suffering from a backward pawn on d6.

Having a firm grip on the centre, White starts an attack.