Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Goteborg Variation (B98)

The Najdorf Variation, Goteborg Variation is a variation of the Sicilian Defense, catalogued as ECO B98. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Bg5 e6 7. f4 Be7 8. Qf3 h6 9. Bh4 g5, reaching the position shown below after 18 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on e4, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move after nine 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.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Goteborg Variation — position after g5 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Bg5 e6 7. f4 Be7 8. Qf3 h6 9. Bh4 g5

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c5
2Nf3d6
3d4cxd4
4Nxd4Nf6
5Nc3a6
6Bg5e6
7f4Be7
8Qf3h6
9Bh4g5

ECO: B98

Stockfish: +0.61 at depth 18

Practice this line free →

Related Sicilian Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

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

The Najdorf Variation, Goteborg Variation goes 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Bg5 e6 7. f4 Be7 8. Qf3 h6 9. Bh4 g5. It is a variation of the Sicilian Defense and is catalogued as ECO B98.

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

The Najdorf Variation, Goteborg Variation is ECO B98. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Sicilian Defense.

Is the Najdorf Variation, Goteborg Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Bg5 e6 7. f4 Be7 8. Qf3 h6 9. Bh4 g5 at +0.61 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for White. 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, Goteborg Variation lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on e4, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White to move.