A clever move, avoiding White's Bb5.
1. d2d4  1... d7d5  2. c2c4  2... e7e6  3. b1c3  3... c7c5  4. c4d5  4... e6d5  5. g1f3  5... g8f6 Van Foreest is renowned for his creativity and fresh ideas in the opening. This version of the Tarrasch Defense, in which White can pin the f6-knight with Bg5, was formerly believed to be better for White, but he has his own ideas on the matter. 6. e2e3 Ivanchuk can play any position at a high level, so he decides not to check his opponent's preparation against the critical move.