context: 1. e2e4  1... e7e5  2. g1f3  2... b8c6  3. f1c4  3... f8c5  4. a2a4 In the open sea that is the theory of the Italian Opening, this move is a breath of fresh air, albeit a small one, since the positions are so similar that only those who have studied dozens of hours can begin to understand the subtle differences. In my database, this is only the 13th most popular move. To give you an idea, even 4.Bxf7+ has more games played (although I didn't check for double games or games played on blitz; that would be too much). 4... g8f6  5. d2d3 As I wrote before, 4.a4 is a very small breath of fresh air. After 5.d3 we're back to hundreds of games, although this is better than the customary thousands. To be fair, many transpositions are still possible. 5... d7d6  6. a4a5 Following the principle, Whoever says A must say B. Or, paraphrasing it: If you play a4, you must play a5. 6... c5b4 The position is finally gaining independent value. 7. c1d2  7... b4d2  8. b1d2  8... e8g8  9. e1g1  9... c6e7 The thematic maneuver is new in this position. 10. c2c3  10... e7g6  11. f1e1  11... h7h6 Gukesh is preparing Nh7-g5, exchanging a pair of knights. The computer suggests another plan: 12. d3d4  12... f6h7  13. e1e3 A good move, since the rook is useful on the third rank. There are options of equal value, the position of a \"slow\" character, meaning that many plans are possible. 13... h7g5  14. f3g5  14... d8g5  15. g2g3 Restricting Black's knight. 15... c8g4 This is inaccurate due to White's surprising reply. Black can keep only a small disadvantage, normal in opening play, with many moves. 16. h2h4 Black now must place the queen in a dangerous square or go to a worse endgame. 16... g5h5 The best decision. 17. d1b3  17... a8b8  18. d2f1 Preparing Nh2 and then Be2. Black's queen is in danger. 18... g6e7 Releasing the g6-square for the queen. 19. f1h2  19... g4d7  20. c4e2 Black's pieces are forced back; everything starts to go wrong.