B95

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

Celik, C. vs Navara, David0-1
Wch U14 • 1998★ Notable
Arencibia, Walter vs Ivanchuk, Vassily0-1
WchT 4th • 1997★ Notable
Smyslov, Vassily vs Portisch, Lajos0-1
Tilburg • 1979★ Notable
Svidler,P vs Nepomniachtchi,I0-1
Jerusalem Masters KO 2025 • 2025
Dominguez Perez,L vs Vachier Lagrave,M1/2-1/2
Saint Louis Rapid 2025 • 2025
Praggnanandhaa,R vs Wei Yi1/2-1/2
86th Tata Steel Masters • 2024
Praggnanandhaa,R vs Maghsoodloo,Parham1/2-1/2
86th Tata Steel Masters • 2024
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Carlsen,M1/2-1/2
AI Cup Div 1 W • 2023
Predke,A vs Vachier Lagrave,M0-1
FIDE Grand Prix 2 Pool D • 2022
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Abdusattorov,Nodirbek1-0
Titled Tuesday 26th May • 2020
Carlsen,M vs Giri,A1/2-1/2
Carlsen Inv Prelim • 2020
Carlsen,M vs Vachier Lagrave,M0-1
11th London Classic 2019 • 2019
Carlsen,M vs Vachier Lagrave,M1/2-1/2
11th London Classic 2019 • 2019
Nepomniachtchi,I vs Grischuk,A1-0
chess.com Speed 5m+1spm 2017 • 2018
Morozevich,A vs Shirov,A0-1
Fujitsu-Siemens Giants • 2000
Short,N vs Kasparov,G1/2-1/2
Bosna SuperGM • 2000
Timman, Jan H vs Kamsky, Gata0-1
Donner mem • 1996
Morozevich, Alexander vs Anand, Viswanathan0-1
PCA/Intel-GP • 1995
Spassky, Boris V vs Petrosian, Tigran V1/2-1/2
URS-ch22 • 1955
Geller, Efim P vs Spassky, Boris V0-1
Leningrad • 1954

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