1. e2e4  1... c7c5  2. g1f3  2... e7e6  3. d2d4  3... c5d4  4. f3d4  4... b8c6  5. b1c3  5... d8c7  6. c3b5 [%c_effect b5;square;b5;type;Interesting;persistent;true] As far as I know, this is the first time that Vachier-Lagrave has played this move, a recent attempt with few games yet, at least compared to the huge theory that exists in the Taimanov Variation. Firouzja, on the other had, faced this move in the Candidates Tournament. 6... c7b8  7. f1d3  7... a7a6  8. d4c6  8... b7c6 It seems that this capture is the best, at least that's the computer's opinion, and most GMs agree with it. 9. b5d4  9... f8d6 A move only played once before. 10. d4f3  10... g8e7  11. b2b3 A new move. It's useful for White to delay castling because one of the possible plans involves h4-h5. 11... e7g6  12. c1b2  12... f7f6  13. h2h4 [%c_effect h4;square;h4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] 13... g6f4  14. g2g3 [%c_effect g3;square;g3;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] 14... d6b4  15. e1f1  15... f4d3  16. d1d3  16... d7d5 [%c_effect d5;square;d5;type;Inaccuracy;persistent;true] This move allows White to close the center, reducing the potential of the dangerous light-squared bishop. 17. e4e5  17... e8g8  18. h4h5  18... f6f5 [%c_effect f5;square;f5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] 19. h5h6  19... g7g6  20. f1g2  20... a6a5  21. c2c4  21... c8a6  22. h1d1  22... b4e7  23. d3c2  23... b8b7  24. c4c5 [%c_effect c5;square;c5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] Again, the best decision is to close the position. 24... f5f4  25. g3g4  25... b7b4  26. a1c1  26... a5a4 In a way, Firouzja and Vachier-Lagrave have very similar playing styles. Both are always activating the pieces and trying to attack something. It's no surprise that the pieces keep flying during this game, as neither of them wants to give up the initiative. 27. d1d4 [%c_effect d4;square;d4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The right piece to put on d4. 27... a4b3  28. a2b3  28... b4b7  29. c1a1  29... a6b5  30. a1a8  30... b7a8  31. b2c1  31... g6g5 