[%c_effect d7;square;d7;type;Mistake;persistent;true]
1. d2d4  1... g8f6  2. c2c4  2... e7e6  3. b1c3  3... f8b4  4. e2e3 Another interesting feature of this duel is that, contrary to what usually happens in matches, the openings are not being repeated, which makes the games even more fun. 4... e8g8  5. a2a3 A move Ding has never played and Nepomniachtchi has never faced, at least in the database I searched. But it's a hot line in current theory, so Nepomniachtchi was prepared. 5... b4c3  6. b2c3  6... d7d6  7. g1e2  7... c7c5  8. e2g3  8... b8c6  9. a1a2 [%c_effect a2;square;a2;type;Interesting;persistent;true] A very interesting idea that was played in two recent games. This can be called \"a mysterious rook move,\" something that is not uncommon in chess, and there's even a chapter in one of Dvoretsky's books with this title. But what is the point of this idea that Ding was clearly so proud of $2 White makes a useful move, since the rook can travel through the second rank, before committing himself to playing e3-e4, which is premature at this point. As I understand it from the press conference, this move came as no surprise to Nepomniachtchi. 9... b7b6 The most natural move and also a novelty. Again in the match, opening theory ends early. 10. e3e4  10... c8a6 Black follows the standard plan, based on an attack on the c4-pawn. 11. c1g5  11... h7h6  12. h2h4 [%c_effect h4;square;h4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The bishop is not going anywhere. This is all part of Ding's preparation. 12... h6g5 A good move and possibly also prepared beforehand. 13. h4g5  13... g7g6  14. g5f6  14... d8f6  15. e4e5 [%c_effect e5;square;e5;type;Interesting;persistent;true] A very interesting and bold idea, sacrificing a pawn in order free the e4-square for the knight. It's not the first time that Ding plays a creative pawn sacrifice in this match. 15... d6e5  16. d4d5  16... c6e7 This is a difficult moment of the game, as both players have many options on every move. 17. d5d6  17... e7f5  18. g3e4  18... f6d8 [%c_effect d8;square;d8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The right square. It's important to keep an eye on the d5-pawn and on the h4-square. 19. d1d3  19... g8g7 [%c_effect g7;square;g7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] 20. g2g4  20... a6b7 [%c_effect b7;square;b7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Black's two last moves are forced. 21. h1h3  21... f5h4 Black has two worthy options. 22. g4g5  22... b7e4 [%c_effect e4;square;e4;type;Blunder;persistent;true] A blunder that leads to a lost position. 23. d3e4  23... h4f5  24. a2d2 [%c_effect d2;square;d2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This move was missed by Nepomniachtchi. 24... f8h8  25. h3h8  25... d8h8 