Nepomniachtchi chooses the second most popular move, immediately hitting the center and inviting exchanges.
1. d2d4  1... g8f6  2. c2c4  2... e7e6  3. b1c3  3... f8b4  4. e2e3  4... e8g8  5. c1d2 Once again a new opening is played in the match. 5... d7d5  6. a2a3 A somewhat offbeat move order, but it has been played by Ding and other elite players. 6.Nf3 is more popular. 6... b4e7  7. g1f3 