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.