So Short's "patent" is based on 3 games only, (ignoring the 2011 blitz game)
Ignoring databases for a moment, what are the reasons for 0-0 being better? Given that you can castle next move, and 7.Qb3 cuts out some possible responses for Black (including an immediate Nge7, although that didn't stop a 1600 playing it against me in a recent tournament lol!)
One possible reason may be the 7...Qe7 reply from black. However I've played both variations with success, but that may be the reason.
So Short's "patent" is based on 3 games only, (ignoring the 2011 blitz game)
Ignoring databases for a moment, what are the reasons for 0-0 being better? Given that you can castle next move, and 7.Qb3 cuts out some possible responses for Black (including an immediate Nge7, although that didn't stop a 1600 playing it against me in a recent tournament lol!)
I don't think 7.0-0 is "better" having now studied 7.Qb3 and of course our Greek comrade prefers the latter