The so-called Colle system. Nihal loves such kind of position, especially with White, where he can play his little moves moving the position up slowly.
Carlsen takes his time developing the knight, preferring to decide on it based on Nihal's next move. Still, the position must be near-level with the regular token advantage for white here.
Nihal has got nothing out of the opening here, and there will be a period of lengthy cat-and-mouse game now, each side waiting to see if the other comes up with an active plan.
Black's long-term problem is his central pawn structure, which will take a long time to untangle. Till then, White can proclaim a token advantage. The question is, if White is going to come up with any pawn offensive, the only way to offset the monotony of such positions.
Not a big one, but a strange placement of the black queen. Doesn't it obstruct many of his pieces?
Bravo! Nihal decides not to repeat moves and settle for a draw but decides to fight on. With the black pawn structure in the center being harmless, he is totally justified in his decision to continue the game.
Carlsen has comfortably equalized now, and his pawn phalanx in the center might even give him hopes of developing an initiative. White's pawn majority on the queenside may be an asset, but not in the middlegame.
Both the sides have stationed all their pieces actively. The question is, who will blink first!?
Magnus's exchange of a pair of pawns on the queenside might have brought him some relief, but it also means he will have to think twice before entering any endgame. It will be an easy task for White to create a passed pawn there.
Nihal allows Carlsen to take over the initiative, underestimating the power of Black's central pawn
Though White's rooks look good on paper, Magnus can easily shut them off their influence, by placing the black knight on an advanced square. It is advantage Carlsen now!
Magnus has a stable advantage now, and it is going to be difficult to withstand his pressure. White's main problem is his piece placement on the kingside, his bishop and knight having much of a role in the game.
A classic minority attack, and Carlsen will most certainly win White's extra pawn on the queenside. White will have to find a way to initiate counterplay, rather than defend his position.
Nihal faces an uphill task to defend the game, especially with a few weaknesses on the kingside too.
A subtle mistake, allowing Black to further exchange pieces and get into a defined endgame. Carlsen on a roll here!
Carlsen plays accurately! Keeping all Black's pieces under threat, he emphasizes the power of his knight, which cannot be touched, and hence paralyzes White's position.
Frustrated by his passivity, Nihal gives up his rook, but the resultant endgame must be won for Magnus. A simple case of a blunder out of pressure rather than the position.
A copybook endgame, where Black's rook and king have to invade the white kingside. Will Nihal be able to execute his Mouse Magic against Carlsen!?
Carlsen wraps it up a with a neat win in the endgame! An excellent display on controlled play by Carlsen, who moves on to the lead with 1.5-0.5 from two games.