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Understanding the Sicilian Najdorf

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  • 10-01-2008 9:05am
    #1
    greengiant101
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6 ✭


    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.


    http://chesssiciliannajdorfe-book2.blogspot.com/

    http://chesssiciliannajdorfe-book.blogspot.com/

    http://chesssiciliannajdorfelectronic-book.blogspot.com/

    http://chesssiciliannajdorf411.blogspot.com/

    http://chesssiciliannajdorf101.blogspot.com/

    http://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.


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