Dear Chess Friends! 

Najdorf Variation is one of the most frequently used lines in Sicilian Defense. This opening became popular after a huge number of strong GMs started playing it successfully. Bobby Fischer and Garry Kasparov were among them. Najdorf is also popular nowadays – Carlsen, Grishchuk, Ding Liren, Vachier-Lagrave and Aronian play it regularly.

Why do chess players like this opening? Well, there are several reasons. First of all, it’s a complex opening which offers good winning chances for both sides. Secondly, according to the main theory Black is able to equalize the position in Najdorf Variation, but it doesn’t mean that they can’t lose the game.

Najdorf is a well-studied opening. You can find tons of videos, courses and books devoted to the exact move order of this variation. That’s why, I can’t explain all the theory in this short video, but at least I will explain typical plans for both sides: White & Black. This how you will learn what plans to apply and what to expect from your opponent after you played 10-15 moves according to the theory.

1) White Plan: A passed on the Queenside

2) Black Plan: Good Bishop vs Bad Bishop

3) White Plan: The control over the d5-square

4) Black Plan: A Breakout in the Center

In this video you learned typical plans which you should follow in Najdorf Variation. I’m sure now you understand such positions better and can implement your new knowledge in your own games and score more points within this variation.

Thank you for watching and make sure to like this video, subscribe to my Youtube channel and share it with your friends - chess players, so they can learn How to Play in Najdorf Sicilian. If you know any other typical ideas and plans to apply in Najdorf, please, share it into the comment section below this video.

Best Regards,

FM Viktor Neustroev