1. d2d4  1... g8f6  2. c2c4  2... e7e6  3. b1c3  3... f8b4  4. d1c2  4... e8g8  5. e2e4  5... c7c5 [%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;Interesting;persistent;true] A risky move. Black's most reputable move is 5...d5, with long forced lines that usually lead to a draw. Aronian is a very creative player, and sometimes he shows interesting and deep ideas in the opening. 6. e4e5  6... c5d4  7. a2a3 [%c_effect a3;square;a3;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] I played this position with White back in 1997, when I wasn't even a grandmaster. I remember spending hours one afternoon analyzing this position with my coach at the time, GM Gilberto Milos. 7... b4a5  8. e5f6  8... d4c3  9. b2b4  9... a5c7  10. f6g7  10... f8e8 The computer doesn't like Black's position too much, but Aronian was playing fast and surely knew all this, so it was a calculated risk. 11. g1f3 [%c_effect f3;square;f3;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] A new move in this position, but there's a transposition later. 11... d7d5 [%c_effect d5;square;d5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] 12. c2c3  12... e6e5 [%c_effect e5;square;e5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Black has to exploit his better development. 13. c4d5  13... e5e4  14. f3d4  14... c7e5  15. c1b2  15... b8d7 The knight prepares a journey to capture the d5-pawn. 16. f1b5 [%c_effect b5;square;b5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Stopping the knight's journey. 16... a7a6  17. b5d7 [%c_effect d7;square;d7;type;Mistake;persistent;true] Black has easy play after this capture. 17... c8d7  18. e1g1 Nominally Black is two pawns down, but the g7-pawn will be captured at any moment, and the d5-pawn is also a potential target. Furthermore, the bishop pair is dangerous, and Black has a development advantage. 18... d8h4 [%c_effect h4;square;h4;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] Not the best way. 19. g2g3  19... h4h3  20. f2f4 [%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] White has to gain some space before getting mated on the light squares. 20... e5f6  21. c3e3  21... d7g4  22. f1f2  22... a8d8  23. d4b3 I've written this many times: Whenever your opponent has the pair of bishops, it's a good idea to exchange one of them. 23... d8d5 [%c_effect d5;square;d5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] An excellent tactical shot, leaving the f6-bishop unprotected. 24. a1e1 [%c_effect e1;square;e1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] An excellent defensive reaction. Both players show great skill. 24... f6b2  25. f2b2  25... h3h6  26. b2d2  26... h6d6  27. d2d5  27... d6d5  28. b3d2  28... g4f5 After all the previous tension, the game has arrived in a position of material balance (since the g7-pawn will be captured) where a draw is the most likely result. 29. d2f1 The knight wants to go to e3. 29... f5h3  30. f1d2  30... e8e6 Refusing the tacit draw offer. 31. e1c1  31... g8g7 