1. d2d4  1... g8f6  2. c2c4  2... e7e6  3. b1c3  3... d7d5  4. c4d5  4... f6d5 So needed to hold in this game  in order to wrap up the match, and his choice is the very well analyzed  Improved Tarrasch Defense. 5. e2e4  5... d5c3  6. b2c3  6... c7c5  7. a1b1 Nepomniachtchi  decided to keep as many pieces as he can on board, for the aforementioned  reason. 7... f8e7  8. g1f3  8... e8g8  9. h2h4 In the spirit of the Grunfeld Defense. Up to here the  players followed another game of So, versus Ding Liren. 9... b7b6 This is considered to be a side line. 10. h4h5  10... h7h6  11. f1d3  11... c5d4  12. c3d4  12... b8c6 So plays in a similar fashion as in his game  against Ding. Fun fact: Nb8-c6 was a novelty there as well. 13. d3e2  13... c8b7  14. h1h3 The rook is lifted from the other side this time! 14... a8c8  15. h3g3  15... g8h8 Necessary prophylaxis. 16. a2a3 Whereas this one  was not mandatory. 16... c6a5 The knight is ready to chase the enemy bishop from the long  diagonal. And not only that... 17. e2d3  17... a5c4 Pressing the white pieces in time. Nepomniachtchi  desperately needs open files and diagonals. 18. e1f1  18... c4d6 The end of an excellent knight maneuver. The knight is not  only putting pressure on the e4-pawn but is ready to help his own king and even counterattack. 19. d4d5 At last White opens the diagonals, but this  idea is flawed with the super-knight around. 19... e6d5  20. c1b2 It seems as White threats are serious, however: 20... d5e4 was apparently a move that Nepomniachtchi had  underestimated. No wonder, allowing the capture of the most important  defensive pawn with a check is hardly ever a good idea. But here, it  works! 21. b2g7  21... h8h7  22. g7f8  22... e7f8  23. g3g4  23... e4d3 The attack is over before it even started. 24. g4d4  24... c8c3  25. d1d2  25... d8c7 Now watch out how practical So is. First he gets rid of the  potential attackers. 26. d2f4  26... b7f3  27. g2f3  27... c3c4  28. b1d1  28... c4d4  29. f4d4 