1. e2e4 Round two of the Candidates was a quieter affair than round one, though there were some missed chances. The most notable game was between Nepo and Caruana, since they had jumped out to an early lead by winning the previous day. 1... e7e5  2. g1f3  2... b8c6  3. f1c4  3... g8f6  4. d2d3  4... f8c5  5. e1g1  5... d7d6  6. c2c3  6... a7a6  7. a2a4  7... c5a7  8. f1e1  8... h7h6  9. b1d2  9... g7g5 The first surprise. This move is far from unheard of and has been played dozens of times, including a Magnus game, but it was not supposed to have the best reputation as of late. I have noticed that in the last couple years, Caruana has been more willing to play somewhat shakier looking lines with the Black pieces for practical value, and this game it nearly paid dividends. 10. b2b4  10... f6g4 In general, Nh7 is considered to be best, but I can't imagine Caruana going for this line if he did not have some new idea to change the current state of theory. 11. e1e2  11... d8f6  12. d1e1  12... f6g7  13. d2f1  13... e8g8  14. f1g3  14... c6e7 Up to here, Nepo has been playing the best moves, including the odd-looking Qe1. I suspect he was still in preparation. Now though, the machine evaluations start to drop, and Black's position looks more playable. 15. d3d4 Of course this is the most principled, but it also involves a fair amount of risk. 15... e5d4  16. c3d4 Funnily enough, this incredibly natural and obvious recapture seems to be a mistake! White will lose his d-pawn anyway, and it would have been better to get the bishop to b2 directly. 16... e7c6 White will lose d4 and will have to show his compensation. It should be there, but something in Nepo's play in the coming moves left a bit to be desired. 17. a1a3  17... c6d4  18. f3d4  18... a7d4  19. h2h3  19... g4e5  20. c4a2 