Chess: Understanding the Sicilian Defense
(Najdorf Variation) Part I

1 e4

Controlling the central square d5 plus
near-central square f5, and, opening
up a diagonal for both the Queen and
f1 bishop.

1 ... c5

The d4 and b4 squares are now under
Black's influence, and his Queen also
gets breathing space along the a5-d8
diagonal.

2 Nf3

White prepares for d4 so as to
challenge Black's hold on that
key square.

2 ... d6

Shielding e5 from a prospective
e4-e5 advance. Please remember,
the acquisition of e5 is a
critical theme for the defense.
This move also opens up a
diagonal for the c8 bishop.

3 d4 cxd4

By trading his c-pawn for White's
d-pawn, Black guarantees pressure
down the half open c-file and
chances to mold his central pawn
majority into a strong center.

4 Nxd4

In return, White gains a developmental
lead, the half open d-file and an edge
in space.

4 ... Nf6

The e4 pawn now needs protection,
and so White responds with:

5 Nc3

5 ... a6

Initiating the Najdorf Defense.

Black achieves two goals with
this move:
(i) He deters White's pieces from
intruding on the b5 square.
(ii) He prepares for the ... b5 break,
which, in turn, initiates queenside
action and makes room on b7 for the
c8 bishop.


chesssiciliannajdorfe-book2.blogspot.com

chesssiciliannajdorfe-book.blogspot.com

chesssiciliannajdorfelectronic-book.blogspot.com

chesssiciliannajdorf411.blogspot.com

chesssiciliannajdorf101.blogspot.com

chesssiciliannajdorfe-book1.blogspot.com


 Chess: Understanding the Sicilian Defense
(Najdorf Variation) Part V

1 e4 c5 2 Nf3 d6 3 d4 cxd4 4 Nxd4 Nf6 5 Nc3 a6
6 Be3 e5 7 Nb3 Be6 8 f3 Nbd7 Line (English Attack)

What's the game plan for White?

White intends to acquire and dominate the
vulnerable d5 square (Qd1-d2, O-O-O,
followed by a timely Nc3-d5). To augment
that objective, he also aims to destabilize
the f6 knight and subsequently eliminate its
d5 influence (g2-g4-g5/h2-h4/Rh1-g1). Finally,
he wants to avail himself of the c5 square
(Qd2-f2/Nb3-c5/Be3-c5), thanks to a more than
likely Rd1-Qd8 x-ray, which prevents ... dxc5.

The first notes (up to White's 5th apply equally to almost any open Sicilian.  5.......a6 defines it as a Najdorf, and John Emms in his Everyman's Chess book "Starting Out the Sicilian", calls it a "high class waiting move".  Black delays piece development, waiting for White to make commitments.

There are some "Najdorf lines which are in fact Schevenegens, and often one transposes into the other.

Black's plan to equalize, involves efforts to play either e5 or d5 advantageously, and White will attempt to prevent either of these.

White's three main choices are 6.Bg5, 6.Bd3, and 6.Be2.  The first two see White castling long, and the third quietly castling Kingside.  Obviously the opposite sides castling, and the half open c file for Black make for double edged play, but the Be2 system requires that Black get busy with counterplay or White will attack effectively from this system as well.

The Najdorf is likely the most played and most theorized variant of the Sicilian, and gives Black excellent chances to play for the full point.

A word of caution on the Poisoned Pawn variant.  It is very "theoretical", and tends to end in quite a few early draws, as going for the win can be very risky for either player, unless you've found something new.

The first notes (up to White's 5th apply equally to almost any open Sicilian.  5.......a6 defines it as a Najdorf, and John Emms in his Everyman's Chess book "Starting Out the Sicilian", calls it a "high class waiting move".  Black delays piece development, waiting for White to make commitments.

There are some "Najdorf lines which are in fact Scheveningens, and often one transposes into the other.

Black's plan to equalize, involves efforts to play either e5 or d5 advantageously, and White will attempt to prevent either of these.

White's three main choices are 6.Bg5, 6.Bd3, and 6.Be2.  The first two see White castling long, and the third quietly castling Kingside.  Obviously the opposite sides castling, and the half open c file for Black make for double edged play, but the Be2 system requires that Black get busy with counterplay or White will attack effectively from this system as well.

The Najdorf is likely the most played and most theorized variant of the Sicilian, and gives Black excellent chances to play for the full point.

A word of caution on the Poisoned Pawn variant.  It is very "theoretical", and tends to end in quite a few early draws, as going for the win can be very risky for either player, unless you've found something new.