The Sicilian Defense

Najdorf variation

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The Najdorf variation of the Sicilian Defense is one of the most popular versions of the Sicilian Defense. This line was named after the Polish-Argentinian GM Miguel Najdorf, but owes its popularity to the late great Bobby Fischer. Both Fischer and Kasparov have played and created many Najdorf lines. One of the most popular being the Poisoned Pawn variation which Fischer utilized with great success.

The defining move in the Najdorf is 5. … a6 which comes after: 1. e4 c5  2. Nf3 d6  3. d4 cxd4  4. Nxd4 Nf6  5. Nc3

This move has multiple purposes. First it prevents white from beginning the Keres Attack with g4. It also denies white’s bishop access to the b5 square. Had white been allowed Bb5, then he would probably end up being able to trade of this bishop for a knight or black’s light squared bishop. This situation would slightly favor white as he could then play to block in Black’s dark bishop and place a knight on d5.

After the move 5. … a6 there are a number of possible continuations. Most of these involve the following ideas for black: An early b5 advance, Bb7, Nd7 (sometimes followed by Nb6), Qc7 or Qb6 (as in the Poisoned Pawn variation), e6 or e5, Be7. Black often tries to utilize the central thrust d5 as well, breaking up white’s center.

An excellent example of this particular line of the Sicilian Defense is the infamous Fischer vs. Tal, at the 1959 Candidates Tournament which can be found here

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