1. d2d4  1... g8f6  2. c1f4 In the decisive game of the mini-match, Carlsen chooses  his beloved London System. 2... d7d5  3. e2e3  3... c8g4  4. f2f3 There is still  plenty of room for investigation in this line. A bit more than a hundred  games have been played so far. 4... g4d7  5. g2g4 The logical follow-up.  White is not only gaining space; he is also safeguarding his bishop from  the possible trade after the Nf6-h5 maneuver. 5... c7c5  6. c2c3  6... d8b6  7. d1b3  7... e7e6  8. b1d2  8... c5c4  9. b3c2  9... f8d6 As weird as this might sound, this obvious move leads to major difficulties for Black. It is, however, difficult to suggest a good plan  for Black. 10. f4d6  10... b6d6  11. e3e4  11... d6c7 Now it all ends in... a French Defense. 12. e4e5  12... f6g8  13. g1e2 The perfect French Defense arose for White. He has  managed to trade the opponent's good bishop and is already expanding on  the kingside with full speed. 13... b8c6  14. f3f4  14... h7h5 Aronian is trying to somehow block the position. 15. g4h5 White needs files for his pieces. 15... h8h5  16. h1g1  16... e8f8  17. d2f3  17... g8e7  18. e2g3  18... h5h6  19. c2d2  19... b7b5  20. a2a3  20... a7a5  21. h2h4  21... f7f5  22. f1e2 A solid development. 22... c6d8  23. e1f2  23... a5a4 Aronian believes that his fortifications are solid enough, but this impression is wrong. 24. g1g2  24... d8f7  25. a1g1 In reality, Carlsen's position is strategically won. He consistently brings his pieces to their optimal squares and then  prepares a sacrifice that will destroy the opponent's pawn chain. 25... h6h8  26. h4h5  26... f7h6  27. f3g5  27... a8a6  28. g3f1  28... d7e8  29. f1e3  29... e7g8  30. e2f3  30... c7e7  31. f2e1 Sending the king into a  safe place before the final storm. This is the reason why Aronian did not  have to lock the queenside. 31... e8f7  32. e1d1  32... a6a7  33. d1c1  33... a7d7  34. e3d5 The time has come. 34... d7d5 