Originally posted by mipmcpt
thanks,i have decided on the Najdorf variation, what are the major principles behind this openning?
For Najdorf a good starting point is playing the Fischer-Sozin variation for a while against a white player who knows how to exploit it. You will be forced to learn how to deal with sacs on e6. Strong white players love to sac on e6 against the Najdorf!
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Bc4 e6 7. Bb3 b5 8. Bg5
Be7 9. Qf3 Bb7
Why was 9...Bb7 a mistake for black? You will have to learn how to answer this question and how to develop safely and not get destrroyed.
When my friend and I were learning this line, we would destroy each other over and over again as white. Be prepared to lose many games at first until you figure out the white sac's. This is just one example...there are many other lines but this is a starting point.
If white plays passive stuff and you can finish your development without sacs from white, you usually have a great game right out of the gate. You have queenside control, strong central pawns, powerful bishops etc.