Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation
ECO B98 · Sicilian Defense · tactical · advanced
The Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation (B98) is a tactical chess opening in the Sicilian Defense family, played by Black. It arises after the moves 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Bg5 e6 7. f4 Be7. The most played Sicilian line. Fischer and Kasparov excelled here. Recommended for advanced players.
Moves: 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Bg5 e6 7. f4 Be7
About this opening
The Najdorf Variation (5...a6) is the theoretical summit of the Sicilian. The modest pawn move ...a6 controls b5, prepares ...e5 or ...e6 and queenside counterplay, all while keeping great flexibility. White replies with the English Attack (Be3, f3, g4) or 6.Bg5. The favorite weapon of Bobby Fischer and Garry Kasparov, the Najdorf is among the most dissected openings in history.