1. d2d4  1... g8f6  2. c2c4  2... e7e6  3. g1f3  3... d7d5  4. b1c3  4... f8e7 The Queen's Gambit Declined is the most classic of all variations that start with the queen's pawn. It has stood the test of time and has been played by virtually every great chess player in history for about two centuries. Yes, sometimes it's not the most exciting defense, and if you need to win with Black, maybe it's not the most recommended—but we all have flaws, right $2 At the end of the day, there's no better defense than this. 5. c1f4  5... e8g8  6. e2e3  6... c7c5  7. d4c5  7... e7c5  8. c4d5  8... f6d5  9. c3d5  9... e6d5  10. f1d3  10... c5b4  11. f3d2  11... b8c6  12. e1g1  12... b4e7 This is a typical maneuver. Black takes the bishop to f6. 13. d1b3 A novelty that will not have much success. Interestingly, the queen, the piece that executes the first new move of the game, will be a constant concern for White during this game. 13... e7f6  14. a2a3  14... d8e7  15. a1c1  15... c8e6 Aronian probably confused his opening preparation since Black played natural moves and already has a comfortable position. 16. b3b5 Removing the queen from the x-ray. 16... a8c8 