Another good move, preventing Nc5 and making the b7-square available for the king.
1. e2e4  1... e7e5  2. g1f3  2... b8c6  3. f1b5  3... g8f6  4. e1g1  4... f6e4  5. d2d4  5... e4d6  6. b5c6  6... d7c6  7. d4e5  7... d6f5  8. d1d8  8... e8d8  9. b1c3 It was already clear before the Candidates Tournament began that opening preparation would be a strong point for two-time champion Nepomniachtchi. He continues to generate many new ideas in the Ruy Lopez, this time deciding to face the infamous Berlin Defense ending. Perhaps the outcome of the position on the board is not that spectacular, but he managed to get a big time advantage and continued to play quickly, creating serious practical problems for Vidit. 9... c8d7 There are many possible plans for Black, but this one is fashionable. 10. h2h3 A move that is always useful, giving air to the king and supporting the advance of the pawn to g4; after all, pushing the majority is usually the only way for White to fight for an advantage. 10... h7h6 Likewise a useful move, preventing White's knight from going to g5 and also preparing g7-g5 in some cases. 11. g2g4 This move is seldom played. Nepomniachtchi has a new idea in his pocket. 11... f5e7  12. f3h2 [%cal df2f4][%c_arrow f2f4;keyPressed;none;from;f2;opacity;0.8;to;f4;persistent;false] This is the theoretical novelty. Its appearance is primitive and rudimentary: White simply removes the knight to advance the f4-pawn. If it is not the refutation of the Berlin, it at least creates new problems in a position certainly well-known to the white player. Vidit started spending a lot of time now. 12... g7g5 [%c_effect g5;square;g5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] There are certainly many other alternatives, but I like this move, anticipating White's advance and breaking his pawn structure. The position becomes sharp. 13. f2f4  13... g5f4  14. c1f4  14... d7e6 The bishop is well-placed here, protecting the pawn on f7. 15. c3e4 