Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Zagreb Variation (B91)

The Najdorf Variation, Zagreb Variation is a variation of the Sicilian Defense, catalogued as ECO B91. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. g3, 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, Zagreb Variation — position after g3 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. g3

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c5
2Nf3d6
3d4cxd4
4Nxd4Nf6
5Nc3a6
6g3

ECO: B91

Stockfish: +0.31 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

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

The Najdorf Variation, Zagreb Variation goes 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. g3. It is a variation of the Sicilian Defense and is catalogued as ECO B91.

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

The Najdorf Variation, Zagreb Variation is ECO B91. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Sicilian Defense.

Is the Najdorf Variation, Zagreb 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. g3 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, Zagreb Variation lead to?

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