1. c2c4 After the unsuccessful result in an attempt to take the game to more exotic terrain in the second game, Ding chooses the English Open, one of his favorites. 1... g8f6  2. b1c3  2... e7e5  3. g1f3  3... b8c6  4. e2e3  4... f8b4  5. d1c2  5... b4c3 This is the move considered most accurate by theory. 6. b2c3 [%c_effect c3;square;c3;type;Interesting;persistent;true] An interesting move. It seems exotic to capture with the pawn. After all what is the queen on c2 for $2 But the idea is now to play with e3-e4 and try to assert the strength of the center with the pair of bishops. 6... d7d6  7. e3e4  7... e8g8  8. f1e2  8... f6h5 A normal reaction, activating the knight. The Ne7-g6 plan is also interesting and has been tried in two recent games. 9. d2d4  9... h5f4 A rare move that changes the character of the position. This type of change is very difficult to evaluate, but my computer is not very happy with this move, despite the high probability that it's still Nepomniachtchi's preparation. Ding, in turn, said at the press conference that he was out of preparation after this, which is curious since in the only game it was tried, his coach was playing White. 10. c1f4  10... e5f4 White has lost the advantage of the bishop pair, but now has an imposing pawn center. 11. e1g1  11... d8f6  12. f1e1  12... f8e8 A critical moment. 13. e2d3 [%c_effect d3;square;d3;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] This move doesn't seem to me to be the most accurate. White has a few alternatives. 13... c8g4 [%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] 14. f3d2  14... c6a5 [%c_effect a5;square;a5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] A natural plan in these structures and is normally played in the Nimzo-Indian Defense. The idea is to play b6 and then c5. Here, however, it's not the most accurate. 15. c4c5 [%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;Interesting;persistent;true] A brave decision, this is a long-term pawn sacrifice in order to get mobility for the central pawns. It's even more commendable if we consider that White has other safer (and maybe even better) possibilities. 15... d6c5  16. e4e5  16... f6h6  17. d4d5 The center pawn pair certainly commands respect, but Black is solid. 17... a8d8  18. c3c4  18... b7b6  19. h2h3  19... g4h5 The right square, so the white knight cannot return to f3. 20. d3e4 [%c_effect e4;square;e4;type;Interesting;persistent;true] An interesting plan: get the bishop to f3 in order to double rooks on the e-file. 20... e8e7 It's not easy to find a plan for Black, so Nepomniachtchi decides to double on the e-file, a good decision. 21. c2c3  21... d8e8  22. e4f3  22... a5b7  23. e1e2  23... f7f6 This move is not forced, but it's interesting to bring the knight, although the pawn on e6 is unpleasant. 24. e5e6 Forced. 24... b7d6  25. a1e1  25... d6f5  26. f3h5  26... h6h5  27. e2e4  27... h5h6  28. c3f3  28... f5d4 [%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;Mistake;persistent;true] That move is the only serious mistake of the game, and from now on the final result is never in doubt. 29. e4d4 [%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Nepomniachtchi clearly underestimated the strength of this fine exchange sacrifice. 29... c5d4  30. d2b3 The knight captures the d4-pawn, and the position becomes a strategic massacre. 30... g7g5  31. b3d4  31... h6g6 Trying to keep the knight from jumping to f5. 32. g2g4 [%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] What a beautiful move to execute. Aesthetic and efficient. The knight secures its place on f5. 32... f4g3  33. f2g3  33... h7h5  34. d4f5 White's position is so beautiful that it makes you want to take a picture of it. 34... e7h7  35. f3e4  35... g8h8  36. e6e7  36... g6f7  37. d5d6 The pawns perform the final work. 37... c7d6  38. f5d6  38... f7g8  39. d6e8 