1. d2d4  1... g8f6  2. c2c4  2... e7e6  3. g1f3  3... d7d5  4. b1c3  4... f8b4  5. d1a4 Gukesh repeats the move that he used successfully in round six against Sargissian. 5... b8c6  6. e2e3  6... e8g8  7. c1d2  7... a7a5 Abdusattorov deviates quite early. This move is not very popular, although it is very reasonable. The idea behind supporting the b4-bishop is to prepare the ...Nc6-e7 maneuver. 8. a2a3  8... b4c3  9. d2c3  9... c6e7  10. a4c2  10... b7b6 Black has given up his dark-square bishop, so his strategy is to fight for the light-square complex. With his last move, he prepares to hit the c4-pawn with ...Ba6. 11. b2b3 A typical prophylactic move that strengthens the c4-pawn. 11... c8a6  12. a3a4 This move is consistent with Gukesh's general strategy to preserve control over the light squares in the center. Its drawback is that Black can exploit the weakening of the b4-square.