Sicilian Najdorf is one of the most popular openings in chess. Starting with 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 it gives a sharp and interesting game, with chances for both sides.
This Sicilian game is a frequent opening when you play online chess, currently ranking in top 5 of the openings of ChessArena.com. That is why we are starting a series of Grandmaster video tutorials of the opening with GM Petrov, GM Bauer, GM Kuljasevic and many more.
Today’s topic is Sicilian Najdorf with 6.f4
Other Sicilian videos: Sicilian Alapin with GM Danielsen (part 1) / Sicilian Alapin with GM Danielsen (part 2) Sicilian Drangon (advanced video)
In the shop: Modern Chess Openings – Sicilian / Chess tactics in Sicilian defense
Sicilian Najdorf with 6.f4
Black’s 5…a6 aims to deny the b5-square to White’s knights and light-square bishop while maintaining flexible development. 6.f4 is among the popular Najdorf moves, but certainly not top of the list, thus giving you an edge against opponents with less theoretical knowledge in the line.
Main responses are:
6…e5 7.Nf3 Nbd7 8.a4 Be7 9.Bd3 0-0
6…Qc7 7.Bd3
6…e6 7.Be2
In this video GM Petrov takes a look at a game from the EICC 2002, where black opted for 6…e6
A more unconventional response to f4 is 6… Nbd7 aiming for the c5 square. A very different game arises that can revolve around an e5 push with the idea to open the center. Here is a live blitz game video by GM Petrov in this variant.
Review videos on Youtube: Sicilian with f4 (part 1) / Sicilian with f4 (part 2)
