The line
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Bg5 e6 7. f4 Be7 8. Qf3 Qb6 9. O-O-O Nbd7
Your moves, explained
- 1... c5 Fights for d4 and opens the c-file for future rook pressure.
- 2... d6 Holds the centre and keeps the c-file semi-open for black.
- 3... cxd4 Capturing on d4 gives black a semi-open c-file and breaks white's centre.
- 4... Nf6 Pressures e4 and brings a key piece out quickly.
- 5... a6 Is the Najdorf move, denying white's pieces their best squares and preparing b5.
- 6... e6 Covers d5 and supports Nf6 against the Bg5 pin.
- 7... Be7 Breaks the pin on Nf6, completing development before the queen sallies out.
- 8... Qb6 Hits b2 and d4 and gains counterplay on the queenside.
- 9... Nbd7 Supports Nf6, prepares Nc5 or Ne5, and keeps black's structure solid.
Key moments in the video
- 0:49 1.e4 starts it
- 0:54 Nf3, simple develop
- 1:46 Nc3 before a6
- 1:50 a6, the Najdorf move
- 4:35 Bg5 old main line
- 5:49 e6 defends knight
- 7:13 f4 kingside push
- 7:27 Be7 shields knight
- 7:42 Qb6 eyes b2 pawn
Want the theory behind it? Read our Sicilian Najdorf guide.
Frequently asked questions
What are the moves of the Sicilian Najdorf?
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Bg5 e6 7. f4 Be7 8. Qf3 Qb6 9. O-O-O Nbd7. You play Black; In the Najdorf with Bg5 f4, play Be7 then Qb6 to attack b2 and seize queenside counterplay.
How do I practise the Sicilian Najdorf?
Watch thechesswebsite's video, then play the line yourself on the board on this page. You make all 9 of Black's moves; a wrong move is undone with a hint, and the key moments jump the video to where thechesswebsite explains each move.
Do I need an account?
No. The practice is free and runs in your browser. Sign up only if you want Chess DNA to find the openings that lose you games in your own Chess.com or Lichess history.
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The video is embedded from YouTube and belongs to thechesswebsite. Chess DNA is not affiliated with the creator. Updated Nov 10, 2026.