[%c_effect c7;square;c7;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Black's plan becomes clear. He wants to retreat the bishop to f8, protect the king, and bring the knight to c5.
1. e2e4  1... e7e5  2. g1f3  2... b8c6  3. f1b5  3... g8f6 The Berlin Defense, widely considered Black's most reliable option against 1.e4, makes its first appearance in this duel. This is impressive, as a feature of world championship matches is that the openings are usually repeated. This is yet another feature that makes this match unique. 4. d2d3  4... f8c5  5. c2c3  5... e8g8  6. e1g1  6... d7d5  7. b1d2  7... d5e4  8. d3e4  8... a7a5 All of this is a critical variation of the Anti-Berlin and was played in an important game of the Candidates Tournament. The idea of this move is to gain space on the queenside and prevent b2-b4. 9. a2a4 A good option, fixing the pawn structure on the queenside. 9... d8e7  10. d1c2  10... c6b8 [%c_effect b8;square;b8;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] This is a typical maneuver, improving the knight's position. The pawn will go to c6, and the knight can choose whether to go to a6 or d7. 11. f1e1  11... f8d8 Not the easiest move to play since Black has natural alternatives, but Ding surely was still following his preparation. 12. h2h3 A typical move, avoiding problems with Bg4 or Ng4. 12... h7h6  13. d2f1  13... c7c6  14. b5c4  14... b8a6 [%c_effect a6;square;a6;type;Interesting;persistent;true] A surprising route for the knight, as Nd7-b6 is a simple alternative. But Ding's plan is more active and better. 15. f1g3 