Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, English Attack (B90)

The Najdorf Variation, English Attack is a variation of the Sicilian Defense, catalogued as ECO B90. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Be3, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one. 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, English Attack — position after Be3 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Be3

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c5
2Nf3d6
3d4cxd4
4Nxd4Nf6
5Nc3a6
6Be3

ECO: B90

Stockfish: +0.40 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Sicilian Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Najdorf Variation, English Attack?

The Najdorf Variation, English Attack goes 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Be3. It is a variation of the Sicilian Defense and is catalogued as ECO B90.

What is the ECO code for the Najdorf Variation, English Attack?

The Najdorf Variation, English Attack is ECO B90. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Sicilian Defense.

Is the Najdorf Variation, English Attack good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Be3 at +0.40 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, English Attack lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one. It is Black to move.