Chess opening · ECO B90
Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation
The Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation starts 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6. It ranks #76 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.
Move by move
- 1. e4White pushes the e-pawn two squares to e4, staking a claim in the center.
- 1... c5Black pushes the c-pawn two squares to c5.
- 2. Nf3White develops the kingside knight to f3.
- 2... d6Black advances the d-pawn to d6.
- 3. d4White pushes the d-pawn two squares to d4, staking a claim in the center.
- 3... cxd4Black takes the pawn on d4 with the c-pawn.
- 4. Nxd4White recaptures on d4 with the knight.
- 4... Nf6Black develops the kingside knight to f6.
- 5. Nc3White develops the queenside knight to c3.
- 5... a6Black advances the a-pawn to a6.
What players choose next, by rating
The three most common White moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. Bg5 is the most popular next move among players rated 1200–1399 and 2000 and up, though the favorite changes in between.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1200–1399 | Bg5 23% | Bc4 23% | Be3 19% |
| 1400–1599 | Bg5 22% | Be3 16% | Be2 15% |
| 1600–1799 | Bg5 21% | Be3 19% | Be2 16% |
| 1800–1999 | Be2 21% | Bg5 19% | Be3 19% |
| 2000 and up | Bg5 23% | Be3 19% | Be2 18% |
Related openings
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