Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation
ECO B90-B99advanced
The Najdorf arises after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 and is widely regarded as the gold standard of Sicilian systems — the favorite of Fischer and Kasparov. The modest 5...a6 prevents Nb5 and Bb5+ ideas and keeps every plan available: ...e5 striking the center, ...e6 transposing to Scheveningen structures, and queenside expansion with ...b5. White's sixth-move choice (6.Be3, 6.Bg5, 6.Be2, 6.f3) defines entire bodies of theory.
Main line
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Bg5 e6 7.f4 Be7
Diagram shows the position after 6 half-moves of the main line. On SpeakChess you can drill this line move by move — the trainer plays the other side and corrects you instantly, then spaced repetition schedules each variation so you review it right before you would forget it.
Win rates by rating
Results from real online games, measured after the line shown in each row. Most opening sites show one aggregate number — how an opening scores depends heavily on who is playing it.
| Rating | Games | White wins | Draws | Black wins | Position after |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 400-600 | 60 | 51.7% | 8.3% | 40% | 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 |
| 600-800 | 27 | 40.7% | 0% | 59.3% | 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 |
| 800-1000 | 27 | 40.7% | 0% | 59.3% | 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Bg5 e6 |
| 1000-1200 | 193 | 45.1% | 3.6% | 51.3% | 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Bg5 e6 |
| 1200-1400 | 707 | 44% | 2.4% | 53.6% | 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Bg5 e6 |
Most played continuations (1200-1400 rating)
After 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Bg5 e6:
- Bd3 — played 26.3% of the time (White wins 43%, draws 1.6%, Black wins 55.4%)
- Bc4 — played 16.5% of the time (White wins 38.5%, draws 1.7%, Black wins 59.8%)
- Bxf6 — played 11.7% of the time (White wins 49.4%, draws 0%, Black wins 50.6%)
Related openings
Frequently asked questions
What is the point of 5...a6 in the Najdorf?
It takes away the b5 square from White's knights and bishop, preparing ...e5 without allowing Nb5 hitting d6, and supports ...b5 gaining queenside space. It is a rare case of a quiet pawn move being the most flexible and ambitious option available.
Is the Najdorf too theoretical for amateurs?
The English Attack (6.Be3 with f3, Qd2, 0-0-0) and 6.Bg5 lines are genuinely heavy theory. But at club level most games leave known paths early, and the Najdorf's core plans — pressure on e4, the ...b5-b4 storm, the timely ...d5 break — win games on understanding. Start with one setup against each White sixth move.
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