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.
Top Players in this Opening
Related Openings
B90 - Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation3225B91 - Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Zagreb Variation280B92 - Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Opocensky Variation852B93 - Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Amsterdam Variation252B94 - Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation273B95 - Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation119B97 - Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Poisoned Pawn Accepted255B98 - Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation33B99 - Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Main Line143
Best Games
Firouzja,Alireza vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek1-0
Saint Louis Rapid 2024 2024Notable
Pichot,A vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek1-0
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 12 2020Notable
Giri,A vs Vantika,Agrawal1-0
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 11 2020Notable
Divya,Deshmukh vs Karjakin,Sergey0-1
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 9 2020Notable
Anand,V vs Nepomniachtchi,I1/2-1/2
81st Tata Steel GpA 2019Notable
Caruana,F vs Nakamura,Hi1-0
8th London Classic 2016 2016Notable
Ivanchuk,V vs Dominguez Perez,L1/2-1/2
19th Amber Blindfold 2010Notable
Anand,V vs Kramnik,V1/2-1/2
WCh 2008Notable
Ponomariov,R vs Karjakin,Sergey0-1
Tal Memorial Blitz 2008Notable
So,W vs Arun Prasad,S1-0
WCh-Junior 2008Notable
Radjabov,T vs Dominguez,L1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO 2004Notable
Khalifman,A vs Lautier,J1/2-1/2
FIDE WCh KO 2001Notable
Leko,P vs Gelfand,B0-1
Amber Rapidplay 2001Notable
Leko,P vs Ivanchuk,V1-0
Amber Blindfold 2001Notable
Nisipeanu, Liviu Dieter vs Shirov, Alexei1/2-1/2
FIDE-Wch k.o. 1999Notable
Adams, Michael vs Anand, Viswanathan1/2-1/2
Linares 14th 1997Notable
Topalov, Veselin vs Anand, Viswanathan1-0
Dortmund 1997Notable
Navara, David vs Fama, Ariel1/2-1/2
Wch U10 1994Notable
Beliavsky, Alexander G vs Gelfand, Boris1/2-1/2
Linares 1994Notable
Kamsky, Gata vs Gelfand, Boris0-1
Linares 1993Notable