1. e2e4 Nepomniachtchi returns to his favorite move after failing to gain an advantage in the third game with the queen's pawn. 1... e7e5 It's hard to imagine Ding playing anything against 1.e4 in the match other than 1...e5. 2. g1f3  2... b8c6  3. f1b5  3... a7a6  4. b5a4  4... g8f6  5. e1g1  5... f8e7  6. d2d3 The Ruy Lopez is the most classic of all chess openings and I was curious to know what ideas Nepomniachtchi had prepared for the match. 6.Bxc6 was played in the first game and gave him an edge, but it was a one-game attempt and worked well for that purpose. 6.Re1 was the chosen move in the match against Carlsen. 6.d3 is a popular and modern option. 6... b7b5  7. a4b3  7... d7d6  8. c2c3  8... e8g8  9. h2h3  9... c8b7 In these Ruy Lopez positions there are many possible plans for both sides, with many details and subtleties. 10. a2a4 [%c_effect a4;square;a4;type;Interesting;persistent;true] A rare move, played by Firouzja last year. 10... c6a5  11. b3a2 This is the idea, now the bishop can stay on the dangerous diagonal. 11... c7c5  12. c1g5 A new move. Nepomniachtchi certainly has a good stock of ideas in the opening against his opponent's more predictable choice. 12... h7h6 A curious move, as White probably wants to take on f6 anyway. 13. g5f6  13... e7f6 