1. e2e4  1... e7e5  2. g1f3  2... b8c6  3. d2d4 Vachier-Lagrave is a principled chess player, and he rarely deviates from his favorite Ruy Lopez, but there's a time for everything. The Scotch Opening is a very good alternative and has been played many times by Kasparov, no less. 3... e5d4  4. f3d4  4... g8f6 This is the most ambitious move. The more solid 4...Bc5 is equally popular. 5. d4c6  5... b7c6  6. e4e5  6... d8e7  7. d1e2  7... f6d5  8. h2h4 The second most popular move. This curious pawn push supports a possible Bg5 and also a rook lift on h3. 8... e7e6 There are three alternatives that are nearly as popular. The move played in the game opens the path for the dark-squared bishop. 9. b1d2  9... d5b4 This is probably not the most accurate. 10. d2f3  10... c8a6  11. c2c4  11... c6c5 Vacating the c6-square for the knight. 12. a2a3  12... b4c6  13. c1d2 The bishop heads to c3, supporting the e5-pawn. 13... f8e7  14. d2c3  14... f7f6 A new move. 15. e1c1  15... e8c8  16. e5f6  16... e6e2  17. f1e2  17... e7f6  18. c3f6  18... g7f6 The endgame is slightly better for White due to the better pawn structure. As a general rule, the fewer pawn islands you have, the better. 19. h1e1  19... d7d6  20. c1d2 Always remember to centralize the king in the endgame. The monarch is going to be well placed on c3.