Now White's pieces are ready for a decisive assault and extreme measures are necessary.
1. d2d4  1... g8f6  2. c2c4  2... e7e6  3. g1f3  3... d7d5  4. b1c3  4... f8b4  5. c1g5  5... h7h6  6. g5f6  6... d8f6  7. e2e3  7... e8g8  8. a1c1  8... d5c4  9. f1c4  9... c7c5  10. e1g1 This is a popular line of the Ragozin Defense, played in hundreds of games, including the highest level. As is often the case, the white player needs to show a new idea in these variations, as the known paths lead to equality. That's exactly what Giri will do in this game. 10... c5d4  11. c3e4  11... f6e7  12. a2a3  12... b4a5  13. e3d4 This rare capture was tried in two high-profile games in 2022. We have a position on the board with one of the most important structures in chess, the isolated queen's pawn. Every good chess player needs to know how to play this type of position. Roughly summarized, White has more space and more active pieces, but needs to play quickly to build up some attack before Black finishes development. 13... f8d8  14. c1c2 A very interesting theoretical novelty. White intends to develop the rook on the second rank, either on d2 or e2. These are the most dangerous novelties, the ones that don't appear in a tactical, forced variation, moves that aren't the computer's first choices. The idea will work as a charm. 14... c8d7 The question is how Black should finish development. Other attempts are also possible. 15. c2e2  15... d7c6  16. d1c2 Suddenly the position becomes dangerous for Black. Themes with the knight jumping to g5 begin to appear. White might even support this plan by playing h2-h4. The x-ray of the rook with the queen on e7 is also cause for concern. 16... a5b6 The first clear mistake.