Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Opocensky Variation

Before the first move

The Najdorf is the crown jewel of the Sicilian Defense, and the Opocensky Variation with 6. Be2 is White's most solid and classical response. You'll navigate a strategic battle where Black seeks queenside expansion and central counterplay while White aims for a controlled, positional squeeze.

1. e4White

White opens with e4, the most popular choice at all levels. By occupying the center, White invites an immediate fight for space. Black has many ways to respond, but the Sicilian Defense is the most ambitious.

1... c5Black · your move

Move your pawn to c5. By challenging the d4-square from the flank, you create an asymmetrical struggle where you'll eventually trade a side pawn for White's central d-pawn.

Other paths here: f6 (Barnes Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense) · h6 (Carr Defense) · f5 (Duras Gambit)

2. Nf3White

White plays Nf3, preparing to break open the center. While the Bowdler Attack with Bc4 or the Keres Variation with Ne2 are possible, this move is the gold standard for maintaining central pressure.

Other paths here: Qg4 (Sicilian Defense: Amazon Attack) · Bc4 (Sicilian Defense: Bowdler Attack) · Nh3 (Sicilian Defense: Brick Variation) · g4 (Sicilian Defense: Grob Variation)

2... d6Black · your move

Push your pawn to d6. This solidifies your control over e5 and prepares to develop your light-squared bishop. It is a vital step in setting up the Najdorf or Dragon structures.

Other paths here: f5 (Sicilian Defense: Brussels Gambit) · h6 (Sicilian Defense: Bücker Variation) · g6 (Sicilian Defense: Hyperaccelerated Dragon) · e5 (Sicilian Defense: Jalalabad Variation)

3. d4White

White plays d4, initiating the Open Sicilian. White could try the Delayed Alapin with c3 or the Kopec System with Bd3, but entering the main lines shows confidence in their central control.

Other paths here: c3 (Sicilian Defense: Delayed Alapin Variation, with d6) · Bd3 (Sicilian Defense: Kopec System) · b4 (Sicilian Defense: Wing Gambit, Deferred Variation) · b3 (Sicilian: 2.Nf3 d6 3.b3)

3... cxd4Black · your move

Capture the pawn on d4. This exchange is the hallmark of the Sicilian, giving you a semi-open c-file and a central pawn majority for the endgame.

Other paths here: Nf6 (Sicilian Defense: Modern Variations, Anti-Qxd4 Move Order) · Nd7 (Lazy Knight Variation, Sicilian)

4. Nxd4White

White recaptures with the knight, placing it on a dominant central square. The Chekhover Variation with Qxd4 is an interesting alternative, but the knight recapture is much more common and principled.

Other paths here: c3 (Sicilian Defense: Modern Variations, Tartakower) · Qxd4 (Sicilian Defense: Chekhover Variation)

4... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6. This move attacks the e4 pawn and forces White to defend it, while also preparing for your kingside development.

Other paths here: g6 (Sicilian Defense: Dragon Variation, Accelerated Dragon) · a6 (Sicilian: Open, 2...d6, 4...a6) · e5 (Sicilian: Open, 2...d6, 4...e5)

5. Nc3White

White defends the pawn with Nc3. Other options like the Prins Variation with f3 or the more passive Bd3 exist, but the knight move is the most active and standard response.

Other paths here: Bc4 (Sicilian Defense: Modern Variations, Ginsberg Gambit) · f3 (Sicilian Defense: Prins Variation) · Bd3 (Sicilian: Open, 2...d6, 4...Nf6 5.Bd3)

5... a6Black · your move

Slide your pawn to a6. This is the defining move of the Najdorf. It controls the b5-square, preventing White's knights or bishop from landing there, and prepares a future b5 expansion.

Other paths here: Nc6 (Sicilian Defense: Classical Variation) · Bd7 (Sicilian Defense: Kupreichik Variation) · e5 (Sicilian: Open, 2...d6, 5.Nc3 e5) · Nbd7 (Sicilian: Open, 2...d6, 5.Nc3 Nbd7)

6. Be2White

White chooses the solid Be2. This is a calm alternative to the aggressive English Attack with Be3 or the sharp Lipnitsky Attack with Bc4. White aims for a long-term positional squeeze rather than a direct assault.

Other paths here: h3 (Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Adams Attack) · g4 (Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Dekker Gambit) · Be3 (Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, English Attack) · Rg1 (Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Freak Attack)

Where you stand

The position is rich with strategic depth. Black usually continues with e5 or e6, aiming for a solid center and queenside play. White will castle kingside and look to use their space advantage to restrain Black's breaks. Both sides must balance piece activity with careful pawn play in this classical Sicilian battleground.

• e1-g1 Castle kingside to secure the king.
• e7-e5 Challenge the center and gain space.
• c1-e3 Develop the bishop to support the center.
• b7-b5 Expand on the queenside for counterplay.