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.
Originally posted by ih8sensAlso I think Bg5 allows the poison pawn variation (Qb6) while Be3 does not.
after a6 white can play Bg5 and get a pretty good game. I find the difference between Bg5 and Be3 is that with Bg5 white can call the shots a little bit more... it may not be any 'better' but it does make white's life a little easier I find.
Originally posted by greengiant101If only it was so easy! 😉
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 ...[text shortened]... d2-f2/Nb3-c5/Be3-c5), thanks to a more than
likely Rd1-Qd8 x-ray, which prevents ... dxc5.
Originally posted by ivan2908You may be right, but he's simply copying a book ... or I thought so, I'm not really sure. It doesn't seem like any book I've ever read.
Isn't Najdorf one of the most complicated chess openings ? I think 1600 player shouldn't bother with it? Or I am wrong ?
Originally posted by ivan2908Well both players are equally handicapped in it 😛
Isn't Najdorf one of the most complicated chess openings ? I think 1600 player shouldn't bother with it? Or I am wrong ?
It's like the traxler... just because it's so hard not even engines can fully understand it doesn't mean that you have to be stronger than an engine to play it!
I don't know about being equally handicapped. White often has easier play and needs less precision. But yes, most people under 1600 don't know how to handle it from either side. I think the Najdorf is too popular and theoretical now to justify the enormous time investment it requires under the GM level.
Originally posted by exigentskyAnd judging from this opening's disappearance from the World Championships in Mexico, even the top GMs are worried about what novelty or improvement they might have missed at move 30 in the Najdorf labyrinth.
I don't know about being equally handicapped. White often has easier play and needs less precision. But yes, most people under 1600 don't know how to handle it from either side. I think the Najdorf is too popular and theoretical now to justify the enormous time investment it requires under the GM level.
Originally posted by zebanoHi, zebano
You may be right, but he's simply copying a book ... or I thought so, I'm not really sure. It doesn't seem like any book I've ever read.
Please allow me to correct your statement
that the e-books I'm putting together are
mere duplicates.
What you have before you is an honest
amalgamation of the Najdorf resources
available to me-playing experience, human-
guided computer analysis, theoretical tomes,
and much more. Of greater importance though
is the collective wisdom that goes into the e-books
when people provide constructive feedback.
Not to say your response isn't purposeful at all.
I just felt the need to explain myself that’s all.
Have a splendiferous day.