B94

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

Erigaisi,Arjun vs Navara,D1/2-1/2
56th Biel GM 2023 • 2023★ Notable
Dominguez Perez,L vs Martinez Alcantara,Jose Eduardo1-0
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 8 • 2020★ Notable
Dominguez Perez,L vs Hong,Andrew1-0
PNWCC Online Blitz JP 8 • 2020★ Notable
Carlsen,M vs Svidler,P1/2-1/2
51st Biel GM 2018 • 2018★ Notable
Morozevich,A vs Grischuk,A0-1
Tal Memorial Blitz 2014 • 2014★ Notable
Navara, David vs Tomba, Ivan1-0
Wch U12 • 1997★ Notable
Spassky, Boris V vs Petrosian, Tigran V1-0
World Championship 27th • 1969★ Notable
Tal, Mihail vs Larsen, Bent1-0
Portoroz Interzonal • 1958★ Notable
Tal, Mihail vs Kolarov, Atanas S1-0
WchT U26 • 1957★ Notable
Grischuk,A vs Firouzja,Alireza1/2-1/2
FIDE World Bl Team Final • 2025
Ponomariov,R vs Babadita,Andrei1-0
Grand Prix Bucharest 2025 • 2025
Praggnanandhaa,R vs Sarana,A1/2-1/2
45th Olympiad 2024 • 2024
Duda,J vs Aronian,L1-0
Chess.com Play-In Match Div 1 • 2024
Vidit,S vs Vachier Lagrave,M0-1
Tata Steel IND Rapid Open • 2023
Ter Sahakyan,S vs Dominguez Perez,L0-1
44th Olympiad 2022 • 2022
Maghsoodloo,Parham vs Navara,D1-0
Lindores Abbey Tal Mem • 2021
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Grischuk,A1-0
Opera Euro Rapid Prelim • 2021
Dominguez Perez,L vs Topalov,V1/2-1/2
Champions Showdown Rapid • 2019
Wei Yi vs Van Wely,L1-0
79th Tata Steel GpA • 2017
Duda,J vs Djukic,Ni1-0
42nd Olympiad 2016 • 2016

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