1. e2e4  1... e7e5  2. g1f3  2... b8c6  3. f1b5  3... a7a6  4. b5a4  4... g8f6  5. e1g1  5... f8e7  6. d2d3  6... b7b5  7. a4b3  7... d7d6  8. c2c3 Nepomniachtchi returns to the variation he employed in the fifth game of the match. 8... e8g8  9. h2h3  9... c8b7  10. c1e3 This natural development move is rare and has never been played in grandmaster games. It deviates from conventional opening theory at the same moment as in their previous duel in this line. 10... c6a5  11. b3c2  11... c7c5 This is the standard Spanish plan. 12. b1d2  12... f8e8  13. a2a4 This move is officially a novelty. Once again we see one of the hallmarks of this match: a battle outside the most well-known opening lines. It's quite a feat to find a new position in the Ruy Lopez so early without playing any eccentric move. 13... h7h6 A usual move, avoiding a possible pin with the bishop on g5 after the planned Be7-f8. 14. d3d4 It's debatable whether it's better to capture on b5 before playing this. 14... e5d4 [%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true]