1. d2d4  1... g8f6  2. c2c4  2... e7e6  3. g1f3  3... d7d5  4. b1c3  4... f8e7  5. c1g5  5... h7h6  6. g5h4  6... d5c4 [%c_effect c4;square;c4;type;Interesting;persistent;true] This same variation was played in the second game of the match. 7. e2e3  7... c7c5  8. f1c4  8... c5d4  9. e3d4 More ambitious than 9... e8g8  10. e1g1  10... b8c6 Giri played this position in an important classical game in 2023. 11. f1e1  11... f6h5 A typical device in such positions, played in order to exchange bishops and simplify the position. 12. h4e7  12... c6e7  13. f3e5  13... h5f6  14. a2a4 This mysterious pawn move is a prepared opening novelty. 14... a7a6 What's the meaning of the last two moves $2 It's not so easy to explain, although the computer likes both. White's a4 is useful to gain space with a4-a5 in some lines and maybe a rook lift with Ra3, heading to the kingside. Giri's move is also not easy to understand at first sight. One subtle point might be that now the a7-square is available for the rook in case Black plays ...b6 and White replies with Qf3. 15. h2h4 Another surprising pawn push on the flank $1 Abasov's play has a very modern feel. The point of this move will soon become clear. 15... c8d7 Of course Black has other options. 16. g2g4 [%c_effect g4;square;g4;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] That's it. A plan that is not very common in positions with an isolated queen pawn, since the attack is most often developed with pieces and not with pawns. Classical rules state that usually the center needs to be closed in order for a pawn storm to be successful. That's why I think Abasov's idea has a modern feel. Or maybe this is just the bravery of someone who desperately needs to win. 16... e7c6 A good move, although Black needs to follow with utmost precision. White also has a dangerous attack after other natural moves: 17. g4g5  17... h6g5 [%c_effect g5;square;g5;type;Mistake;persistent;true] This already leads to disaster. Black shouldn't exchange pawns. 18. h4g5  18... c6e5  19. e1e5  19... f6h7  20. d1h5 [%c_effect h5;square;h5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] White has a decisive attack. 20... a8c8  21. c4d3 [%c_effect d3;square;d3;type;Mistake;persistent;true] The wrong square, allowing Black to breathe. 21... f7f5 [%c_effect f5;square;f5;type;GreatFind;persistent;true] The worst is over for Giri. 22. g5f6  22... h7f6  23. h5h4  23... g8f7 A sensible move that will work well, but it's not the most accurate. 24. a1e1 24.Qg3 or 24. d5 (both moves transpose to the same variation) are very dangerous for Black. 24... f8h8  25. h4g5  25... h8h6  26. e1e3 [%c_effect e3;square;e3;type;Mistake;persistent;true] White is in trouble now. 26.Ne4 or 26.Be4 keeps the game equal.