B91
Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Zagreb Variation
Key moves: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6
The Najdorf Variation is perhaps the most theoretically important chess opening. The move 6...a6 is a multi-purpose prophylactic move that controls b5, prepares ...e5, and keeps maximum flexibility. It leads to extraordinarily complex positions.
History & Notable Players
Named after Miguel Najdorf, it became the ultimate weapon through Bobby Fischer and Garry Kasparov, arguably the two greatest players in chess history, both of whom made it their main opening.
Top Players in this Opening
Related Openings
B90 - Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation3225B92 - Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Opocensky Variation852B93 - Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Amsterdam Variation252B94 - Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation273B95 - Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation119B96 - Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation330B97 - Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Poisoned Pawn Accepted255B98 - Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation33B99 - Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Main Line143
Best Games
Le Quang Liem vs Aditya,Mittal1-0
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 11 • 2020★ Notable
Hong,Andrew vs Erigaisi,Arjun0-1
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 10 • 2020★ Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Nepomniachtchi,I1/2-1/2
9th London Classic 2017 • 2017★ Notable
Dominguez Perez,L vs Nepomniachtchi,I0-1
Saint Louis Blitz 2017 • 2017★ Notable
Adams,Mi vs Nepomniachtchi,I0-1
Moscow Grand Prix 2017 • 2017★ Notable
Karjakin,Sergey vs Nepomniachtchi,I1/2-1/2
79th Tata Steel GpA • 2017★ Notable
Giri,A vs Nepomniachtchi,I1-0
79th Tata Steel GpA • 2017★ Notable
Kramnik,V vs Giri,A1/2-1/2
8th London Classic 2016 • 2016★ Notable
Adams,Mi vs Giri,A1/2-1/2
42nd Olympiad 2016 • 2016★ Notable
Anand,V vs Giri,A1/2-1/2
5th Zurich CC Blitz • 2016★ Notable
Adams,Mi vs Grischuk,A1/2-1/2
7th London Classic 2015 • 2015★ Notable
Adams,Mi vs Navara,D1-0
48th Biel GM 2015 • 2015★ Notable
Carlsen,M vs Grischuk,A1-0
3rd Norway Chess 2015 • 2015★ Notable
Carlsen,M vs Anand,V1/2-1/2
73rd Tata Steel GMA • 2011★ Notable
Felgaer,R vs Gelfand,B1/2-1/2
WCC • 2005★ Notable
Kasparov, Gary vs Topalov, Veselin1/2-1/2
Linares • 1998★ Notable
Svidler, Peter vs Har Zvi, Ronen1/2-1/2
Wch U16 • 1992★ Notable
Kamsky, Gata vs Gelfand, Boris1-0
Tilburg • 1990★ Notable
Gukesh,D vs Nepomniachtchi,I1/2-1/2
World Blitz 2025 • 2025
Praggnanandhaa,R vs Rozen,Eytan1-0
15th London Classic Open • 2025