This is a difficult moment of the game, as both players have many options on every move.
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. 11. c1g5  11... h7h6  12. h2h4 [%c_effect h4;square;h4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The bishop is not going anywhere. This is all part of Ding's preparation. 12... h6g5 A good move and possibly also prepared beforehand. 13. h4g5  13... g7g6  14. g5f6  14... d8f6  15. e4e5 [%c_effect e5;square;e5;type;Interesting;persistent;true] A very interesting and bold idea, sacrificing a pawn in order free the e4-square for the knight. It's not the first time that Ding plays a creative pawn sacrifice in this match. 15... d6e5  16. d4d5 