1. e4, e5; 2. Nf3, Nf6

Petrov's Defense, leading to an open game with a symmetrical pawn structure. If white can't use his advantage in development to gain space and the initiative, a draw often results.

3. d4, exd4; 4. e5, Ne4, 5. Qxd4, d5; 6. exd6ep, Nd6; 7. Bd3, Nc6; 8. Qf4, g6; 9. Nc3, Bg7; 10. Be3, Be6; 11. 0-0

or 11. 0-0-0, Qf6 (0-0, 12. Bc5!)

11...Qf6!

Now black either relieves the pressure by trading queens, or gains a much-needed tempo if white retreats with 12. Qa4.

12. Qf6, Bxf6; 13. Ng5!?

White uses his lead in development to try to gain the bishop pair and saddle black with a weak pawn.

13...0-0-0?

Black messes up by giving up the bishop pair and weaking his pawn structure. 13...Bd7 makes more sense. After 14. Rae1 0-0, 15. Bc1 h6, black can play Nd4 with the idea of ...c5 and equality.

14. Nxe6

White is better

14...fxe6; 15. Rfe1?!

Better would have been 15. Rde1!, followed by Bc1 and Ne4 with a big advantage.

15... a6; 16. Bc5, Rhe8; 17. Rab1, Bg7; 18. Ne4, Nxe4; 19. Bxe4, Nd4; 20. c3, Nb5; 21. Bf3?!

21. a4!, followed by b4 and b5 would have opened lines on the queenside for white while maintaining pressure on the center, creating a dangerous initiative. Now black gets to advance his e-pawn, making it more secure and gaining some space in the center.

21...e5!

Now white has only a small edge.

22. Be3?! Bf6!; 23. Rbd1, Nd6; 24 Bd5, Nf5!

An excellent outpost for the knight.

25. Bc5, Nd6?

Black loses the thread of the game, unnecessarily removing the knight from its outpost. He should begin a minority attack on the kingside with 25...h5!

26. g4!?