Sicilian Najdorf

ECO B90–B99 · Level: Advanced · Also known as: Najdorf, İngiliz Saldırısı

The Najdorf is the most famous and deepest Sicilian line. The move 5...a6 controls b5 and gives Black a flexible, counter-attacking structure.

Position at the end of the main line

Main line

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6

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History

Named after the Polish-Argentine master Miguel Najdorf, it was the main weapon of Fischer and Kasparov and still features in world championship matches.

White's plan

  • English Attack: Be3, f3, Qd2, long castling and a g4-g5 kingside pawn storm.
  • 6.Bg5 main line: sharp, calculation-heavy tactical play.
  • The calmer 6.Be2 leads to positional play.

Black's plan

  • Stake a claim in the centre with ...e5 and fight for d5.
  • Fast queenside counterplay with ...b5-b4.
  • Pressure down the c-file against a king that castled long.

Key variations

English Attack

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be3 e5 7.Nb3 Be6 8.f3

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6.Bg5 main line

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Bg5 e6 7.f4

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Classical 6.Be2

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be2 e5 7.Nb3 Be7 8.O-O

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Who should play it?

For experienced players who love calculation and are ready to study serious theory.

Frequently asked questions

Why does Black play 5...a6 in the Najdorf?

It keeps White's pieces out of b5 and prepares the ...e5 and ...b5 plans.

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Related openings

  • Sicilian Defence — The Sicilian Defence (1.e4 c5) contests the centre from the flank with the c-pawn, creating unbalanced positions with real winning chances.
  • Sicilian Dragon — In the Dragon, Black fianchettoes the bishop on g7, where it breathes fire down the long diagonal at White's queenside.

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