B97
Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Poisoned Pawn Accepted
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 Variation119B96 - Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation330B98 - Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation33B99 - Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Main Line143
Best Games
Caruana,F vs Vachier Lagrave,M1-0
FIDE Candidates 2020 • 2021★ Notable
Tabatabaei,M vs Erigaisi,Arjun1-0
PNWCC Bullet (1+1) 2020 • 2020★ Notable
Sevian,Samuel vs Erigaisi,Arjun1-0
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 12 • 2020★ Notable
Dominguez Perez,L vs Raja,H1-0
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 8 • 2020★ Notable
Caruana,F vs Nakamura,Hi1-0
5th Norway Chess 2017 • 2017★ Notable
Nakamura,Hi vs Nepomniachtchi,I1-0
Moscow Grand Prix 2017 • 2017★ Notable
Radjabov,T vs Grischuk,A1/2-1/2
Moscow Grand Prix 2017 • 2017★ Notable
Karjakin,Sergey vs Anand,V1/2-1/2
8th Tal Memorial • 2013★ Notable
Ivanchuk,V vs Grischuk,A1-0
19th Amber Rapid • 2010★ Notable
Ivanchuk,V vs Carlsen,M1-0
19th Amber Rapid • 2010★ Notable
Anand,V vs Nepomniachtchi,I0-1
14th WCh-Rapid Prelim • 2009★ Notable
Kamsky,G vs Vallejo Pons,F0-1
WCC Places 9-12 • 2005★ Notable
Kamsky,G vs Sakaev,K1-0
WCC Places 9-16 • 2005★ Notable
Kamsky,G vs Smirin,I0-1
WCC • 2005★ Notable
Kamsky,G vs Smirin,I1/2-1/2
WCC • 2005★ Notable
Navara, David vs Areshchenko, Olexandr0-1
Wch U14 • 1999★ Notable
Short, Nigel D vs Kasparov, Gary0-1
PCA-World Championship • 1993★ Notable
Ljubojevic, Ljubomir vs Portisch, Lajos1-0
Reggio Emilia91 Top15 • 1991★ Notable
Ivanchuk, Vassily vs Kasparov, Gary0-1
Linares • 1990★ Notable
Timman, Jan H vs Ljubojevic, Ljubomir1/2-1/2
Tilburg • 1986★ Notable