B96

Sicilian Defense: Najdorf 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.

Best Games

Firouzja,Alireza vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek1-0
Saint Louis Rapid 2024 • 2024★ Notable
Pichot,A vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek1-0
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 12 • 2020★ Notable
Giri,A vs Vantika,Agrawal1-0
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 11 • 2020★ Notable
Divya,Deshmukh vs Karjakin,Sergey0-1
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 9 • 2020★ Notable
Anand,V vs Nepomniachtchi,I1/2-1/2
81st Tata Steel GpA • 2019★ Notable
Caruana,F vs Nakamura,Hi1-0
8th London Classic 2016 • 2016★ Notable
Ivanchuk,V vs Dominguez Perez,L1/2-1/2
19th Amber Blindfold • 2010★ Notable
Anand,V vs Kramnik,V1/2-1/2
WCh • 2008★ Notable
Ponomariov,R vs Karjakin,Sergey0-1
Tal Memorial Blitz • 2008★ Notable
So,W vs Arun Prasad,S1-0
WCh-Junior • 2008★ Notable
Radjabov,T vs Dominguez,L1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO • 2004★ Notable
Khalifman,A vs Lautier,J1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO • 2001★ Notable
Leko,P vs Gelfand,B0-1
Amber Rapidplay • 2001★ Notable
Leko,P vs Ivanchuk,V1-0
Amber Blindfold • 2001★ Notable
Nisipeanu, Liviu Dieter vs Shirov, Alexei1/2-1/2
FIDE-Wch k.o. • 1999★ Notable
Topalov, Veselin vs Anand, Viswanathan1-0
Dortmund • 1997★ Notable
Adams, Michael vs Anand, Viswanathan1/2-1/2
Linares 14th • 1997★ Notable
Beliavsky, Alexander G vs Gelfand, Boris1/2-1/2
Linares • 1994★ Notable
Navara, David vs Fama, Ariel1/2-1/2
Wch U10 • 1994★ Notable
Kamsky, Gata vs Gelfand, Boris0-1
Linares • 1993★ Notable

Explore More

All OpeningsAll Players