Nakamura/LittleJohn Novelty in Sicilian Rauzer

can you guess what Nakamura and his well known second Kris LittleJohn prepared for this game ?

Even if you use Stockfish or LeelaChessZero, you won't immediately find the idea. But the novelty worked in game 4 today.

Here my rough analysis : Nakamura-Dubov Game 4 Magnus Chess Tour Finals 

what do you think of the preparation in the opening ?

In the game, Dubov had to win so he refused to exchange queens which favored White. If it was game 1, I think Nakamura preparation was not to take on f6 but retreats with 16 Be3 and plays g2-g4 next after provoking h6. Dubov never had a chance in this game at all. 

Very interesting. Playing such a novelty must already give one a psychological edge at such a high level.

i agree littlejohn is good

hmmm