1. e2e4  1... e7e6  2. d2d4  2... d7d5  3. b1c3  3... f8b4  4. e4e5  4... c7c5  5. a2a3  5... b4c3  6. b2c3  6... g8e7  7. d1g4  7... d8c7  8. f1d3  8... c7a5 Rapport repeats the same variation from his game against Vachier-Lagrave, in which he achieved a good position from the opening. 9. c1d2  9... c5c4  10. d3e2  10... h8g8  11. a3a4  11... b8c6  12. g4h3 I suggested this move in my analysis of the above-mentioned game, but I thought Rapport's idea was to sacrifice the h-pawn. 12... h7h6 [%c_effect h6;square;h6;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] 13. e2h5 [%c_effect h5;square;h5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The bishop is placed on an active square, preventing Black from castling queenside and freeing the e2-square for the knight. If Black plays g7-g6, weaknesses on the dark squares are created. 13... c8d7  14. g1e2  14... g7g6 This move is ultimately a necessary evil, as it's the only way to castle. 15. h5g4 [%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] A curious move. Why didn't Carlsen immediately return the bishop to f3, as the vast majority of humanity would do $2 Playing such subtle moves is one of the many reasons why he is so special. 15... h6h5 White's previous move was designed to provoke this advance. 16. g4f3  16... e7f5 [%c_effect f5;square;f5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] 17. g2g4 [%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] 17... h5g4  18. f3g4  18... e8c8  19. g4f5 [%c_effect f5;square;f5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Changing the strategic nature of the position is often difficult in chess, so the moves g4 and now Bxf5 may not be the easiest for many players. By looking at the board objectively, however, we can see that Black has a miserable position strategically: too many weaknesses on the dark squares and no active plan. 19... e6f5  20. d2g5  20... d8e8  21. e1d2 [%c_effect d2;square;d2;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The white king finds a surprisingly safe haven in the middle of the board. White's plan now is relatively simple: place the queen on f3 and advance the h-pawn. 21... g8h8  22. h3f3 The bad light-squared bishop in the French Defense is once again one of the reasons for tragedy. 22... c6d8 [%c_effect d8;square;d8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The only chance is to activate the knight by the placing it on e6. 23. g5f6  23... h8h6  24. h2h4  24... d8e6  25. h4h5 [%c_effect h5;square;h5;type;Mistake;persistent;true] This sharpens the game, but it isn't the best. 25... g6g5 [%c_effect g5;square;g5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] 26. a1e1 [%c_effect e1;square;e1;type;Brilliant;persistent;true] This is another very difficult move that it's not easy to understand until we go deeper into the position. This type of move is much more beautiful than a simple combination, which is a pure mathematical question. Here, though, is the true art of chess: moves that can only be understood after much reflection and that involve a hidden idea to prevent an opponent's plan. 26... f5f4 [%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;Mistake;persistent;true] The position is very difficult to play and it's hard for Black not to make a mistake. 27. e1g1 [%c_effect g1;square;g1;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The pawns on the kingside are too vulnerable. 27... e8g8 This loses by force, but it's difficult to make recommendations. 28. e2f4 [%c_effect f4;square;f4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] 28... h6f6 [%c_effect f6;square;f6;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Rapport is up to the challenge and fights with great resilience.