Classical Variation, New York Variation

The New York Variation, 8. h3, rules out the bishop sortie ...Bg4. This denies Black the exchange of the light-squared bishop for the f3-knight, a trade that would ease the cramp and loosen White's hold on e5. Black almost always castles with 8...O-O, while 8...a6, preparing ...b5, is a minor alternative. Engines give White a slight edge, and White scores well in Lichess games.