1. e2e4  1... e7e6  2. d2d4  2... d7d5  3. b1c3  3... f8b4  4. e4e5  4... c7c5  5. a2a3  5... b4c3  6. b2c3  6... g8e7  7. h2h4  7... d8c7  8. h4h5 The logical follow-up. Vachier-Lagrave came prepared for the game and was the first one to deviate from the earlier game of Nepomniachtchi. 8... h7h6  9. a1b1  9... b7b6  10. d1g4  10... h8g8  11. f1b5  11... e8f8 A novelty, played a-tempo. 12. b5d3  12... c8a6 Executing the main idea of the line: to trade the poor  bishop. However, as everything in life, this comes with a certain price.  In this case, the wobbling position of Black's king and his poor  coordination. 13. d4c5  13... a6d3  14. c2d3  14... b8d7  15. d3d4  15... b6c5  16. g4d1 Vachier-Lagrave was still in his preparation. The  queen threatens to seize the queenside, so Black's next move is forced. 16... c7a5  17. c1d2  17... a8b8  18. g1e2 The critical moment of the game and perhaps the tournament.  Black's position is difficult as he has to worry about both flanks. Above  all, however, stands the problem of his king's safety and piece  coordination. 18... c5c4 "I don't think this was the right plan. Closing the center makes sense, but I do not think he is in time"  (Vachier-Lagrave). 19. e1g1  19... b8b6  20. d1c2  20... g8h8  21. a3a4  21... f8e8 It seems as Nepomniachtchi is in time: his king will soon  reach a safe haven on the queenside and his pieces can start slowly  getting out. However, here came the move of the tournament (at least so  far). 22. b1b4 "A very strong idea" (Vachier-Lagrave). This is not the common a la Petrosian exchange sacrifice. 22... e7c6  23. f2f4 The  point. White plays on "his" flank while the other wing remains sealed. And in order to win the exchange Nepomniachtchi will have to part with his key kingside defender. 23... c6e7 This might have been a very tough  decision to make. Alas, the alternative is no better. 24. f1b1  24... f7f5 The point behind the knight retreat. Black has his kingside  squares covered. However, after: 25. b4b5  25... a5a6  26. d2c1 White managed to bring almost every piece to an optimal position. 26... e8f7  Nepomniachtchi is in a hurry to bring on the reserves, but comes short by  one move. 27. c1a3  27... h8b8 "Every move of his is forced" (Vachier-Lagrave). 28. a3e7  28... f7e7  29. g2g4 The bitter reality. While bringing forces on the  queenside, Black weakened his kingside again. 29... b6b5  30. a4b5  30... b8b5  31. g4f5 