Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Opocensky Variation (B92)

The Najdorf Variation, Opocensky Variation is a variation of the Sicilian Defense, catalogued as ECO B92. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 d6 4. d4 cxd4 5. Nxd4 a6 6. Be2 e5 7. Nb3 Be6 8. Be3, reaching the position shown below after 15 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). White is ahead in development, with four minor pieces out to Black's two. It is Black to move after eight 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, Opocensky Variation — position after Be3 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 d6 4. d4 cxd4 5. Nxd4 a6 6. Be2 e5 7. Nb3 Be6 8. Be3

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c5
2Nf3Nf6
3Nc3d6
4d4cxd4
5Nxd4a6
6Be2e5
7Nb3Be6
8Be3

ECO: B92

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, Opocensky Variation?

The Najdorf Variation, Opocensky Variation goes 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 d6 4. d4 cxd4 5. Nxd4 a6 6. Be2 e5 7. Nb3 Be6 8. Be3. It is a variation of the Sicilian Defense and is catalogued as ECO B92.

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

The Najdorf Variation, Opocensky Variation is ECO B92. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Sicilian Defense.

Is the Najdorf Variation, Opocensky Variation good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Nc3 d6 4. d4 cxd4 5. Nxd4 a6 6. Be2 e5 7. Nb3 Be6 8. 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, Opocensky Variation lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on e4, Black on e5). White is ahead in development, with four minor pieces out to Black's two. It is Black to move.