1. d2d4  1... g8f6  2. c2c4  2... e7e6  3. b1c3 Of all the world champions, Carlsen is the one of with the most flexible opening repertoire. He can play anything. I wonder how his opponents prepare against him. 3... f8b4  4. g2g3 Not the most popular move against the Nimzo. 4... e8g8  5. f1g2  5... d7d5  6. a2a3  6... b4c3  7. b2c3  7... d5c4  8. g1f3  8... c7c5  9. e1g1 Carlsen uses his usual strategy of going for a sideline with not so much theory and not so much advantage either. This worked like a charm in his first-round game, but it's going to backfire in this game. I admired his cleverness when he won, and I am going to criticize the same strategy now that he lost, since, as we say jokingly, \"The same hands that clap are the ones that boo.\" 9... c5d4 9...Bd7 and 9...Nc6 are also possible. 10. d1d4 Already a new move. 10... b8c6  11. d4c4  11... e6e5 A good move, preparing to develop the bishop to an active square. 12. c1g5  12... h7h6  13. f1d1 It seems smart to play this before capturing the knight, but this move is wrong for tactical reasons. 13... c8e6 An accurate move. 14. d1d8 The best move to fight for equality. 14... e6c4  15. d8a8  15... f8a8  16. g5f6  16... g7f6 The opening phase is over, and the conclusion is clear: a sad outcome for Carlsen, who now must fight for a draw, after no more than 16 moves, without any winning chances whatsoever. This must have depressed him, as his play in this endgame is not up to his very high standards. 17. g1f1 A solid move. White can also sacrifice the e2-pawn in different ways with good drawing chances in all cases. 17... a8d8  18. f1e1  18... c6a5  19. a1d1  19... d8c8 It's necessary to keep the rooks in order to play for a win; otherwise, it will be much easier for White to protect his queenside weaknesses. 20. f3d2  20... c4e6  21. c3c4  21... e6c4  22. d2c4  22... c8c4  23. d1d8  23... g8g7  24. g2d5 Otherwise, Black closes off the bishop with e5-e4. 24... c4c7 Black is a pawn up, but with an active rook and bishop against knight, it should be possible for White to secure a draw. 25. d8a8  25... a7a6 