Sicilian Defense Variations · B90
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6
The Sicilian Najdorf is the single most popular opening at the grandmaster level. Named after Miguel Najdorf, it was Bobby Fischer's signature weapon and is still used by Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, and the world's elite today. The quiet-looking 5...a6 prepares ...b5 queenside expansion.
The Najdorf creates the most complex and theoretically rich positions in chess. White has many dangerous systems: the English Attack (6.Be3 e5 7.Nb3), the Classical (6.Bg5), and the Fischer-Sozin Attack (6.Bc4). Each requires deep preparation and precise play from both sides.