Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Amsterdam Variation (B93)

The Najdorf Variation, Amsterdam Variation is a variation of the Sicilian Defense, catalogued as ECO B93. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. f4, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move after six moves.

On the Sicilian Defense generally: The most popular and aggressive response to 1.e4. Black fights for the center asymmetrically, leading to rich tactical play.

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Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Amsterdam Variation — position after f4 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. f4

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c5
2Nf3d6
3d4cxd4
4Nxd4Nf6
5Nc3a6
6f4

ECO: B93

Stockfish: +0.31 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Najdorf Variation, Amsterdam Variation?

The Najdorf Variation, Amsterdam Variation goes 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. f4. It is a variation of the Sicilian Defense and is catalogued as ECO B93.

What is the ECO code for the Najdorf Variation, Amsterdam Variation?

The Najdorf Variation, Amsterdam Variation is ECO B93. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Sicilian Defense.

Is the Najdorf Variation, Amsterdam Variation good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. f4 at +0.31 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Najdorf Variation, Amsterdam Variation lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is Black to move.