1. e2e4  1... e7e5 So far, a very classical match. 2. g1f3  2... b8c6  3. f1c4 Aronian's choice is the Italian instead of the Ruy Lopez. 3... f8c5 The most aggressive development of the bishop. 4. d2d3  4... g8f6  5. e1g1  5... d7d6  6. c2c3  6... a7a6  7. a2a4 Nowadays, this advance is more popular than 7.Bb3. 7... c5a7  8. b1a3 A flexible development and one more route for the knight to reach the f5-outpost. 8... c6e7  9. a3c2  9... e7g6 Both sides are nicely re-deploying their knights. 10. c1e3  10... a7e3  11. c2e3  11... e8g8  12. a4a5 Now, in the case of the hypothetical swap of d-pawns, White's pawn structure will be always somewhat better. 12... c7c6  13. c4b3  13... h7h6  14. b3c2  14... f8e8  15. f1e1 Both sides are shifting their troops toward the center, where the opening outcome will be finally determined. 15... d8c7 Played after more than half an hour of thought $1 Apparently, Nakamura was carefully checking if his active play will work. 16. d3d4 The only way to question Black's strategy. If Black does not strike in the center, White will. 16... e5d4 This is more or less forced positionally, as mentioned above. 17. d1d4  17... c6c5 Nakamura's play is very aggressive but risky. If Aronian could manage to fix the weaknesses, Black would suffer till the end of the game. 18. d4d2 This obvious retreat does not promise White anything. 18... c8g4 An equalizer. 19. e3g4  19... f6g4  20. d2d1 Aronian admits his mistake, but the given tempo can be used by his opponent. 20... b7b5 Once again demonstrating activity. 21. a5b6  21... c7b6  22. f3d2 Aronian does not see any advantage for himself and opts for a draw. 22... b6b2 Carefully calculated, as always. 23. d2c4  23... b2c3  24. c4b6  24... a8b8  25. b6d5  25... c3b2 The only square, but sufficient. The queen needs to stick to the white bishop. 26. a1b1 