Hikaru once again switches it up, deciding to fianchetto his bishop early to potentially gain control over the light squares in the middlegame.
Erigaisi maintains an advantage out of the opening, but Hikaru's setup is solid.
After getting all his pieces developed, Hikaru now challenges Erigaisi's control over the dark squares in the middle of the board. His decision will result in a lot of pieces getting liquidated, but Erigaisi should maintain a small initiative due to having pressure against Hikaru's king.
The main difference in the position is the placements of the knights and bishop, giving Erigaisi a clear advantage due to Hikaru's pieces being more passive. While the advantage isn't massive, Erigaisi's position remains promising.
Hikaru opts to move his pawn to solidify his light squares in the center, but this comes at the cost of creating long-term weaknesses in his pawn structure.
While Hikaru has gained immediate pressure due to his strong knight, Erigaisi has the opportunity to break down Hikaru's grip by pressuring his pawns in the center. Once his grip breaks, Hikaru may struggle to keep his position together!
Hikaru has managed to maintain control over his pawn by tactical means for now, but it remains a clear weakness. The game hangs in the balance as both players are going for aggressive play, and this could easily swing either way.
Erigaisi blocks Hikaru's bishop with his knight, but this opens up for a possibility to sacrifice a piece! Will Hikaru go for it?
Hikaru goes for it, sacrificing his knight to break open Erigaisi's position. While Erigaisi will be up a minor piece, his king may now end up in serious danger!
Erigaisi has managed to keep his king safe for now, but Hikaru has gained two pawns for his efforts. Erigaisi has the objective advantage due to Hikaru's risky play, but Erigaisi's king remains a clear target!
Hikaru has a single move to win material now! Erigaisi's rook is vulnerable to tactics, and Hikaru will gain a winning advantage if he finds the right way forward!
Hikaru doesn't find it and blunders right back! The only move that would win was threatening Erigaisi's rook with his bishop, creating undefenable threats.
Erigaisi takes it right back!!
After failing to make use of a single chance to win the game, Hikaru's attack quickly fizzles out. Being material up and having secured his king, Erigaisi successfully defends against Hikaru's threats, giving him a trivially winning endgame and forcing Hikaru to resign.
We're still even after five rounds of play, meaning the last game will decide it all!