Sicilian Najdorf: Opocensky Variation (B92)

The Opocensky Variation is a variation of the Sicilian, Najdorf Variation, catalogued as ECO B92. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Be2, 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, Najdorf Variation generally: The most popular and deeply analyzed Sicilian variation. 5...a6 prepares ...e5 and gives Black enormous flexibility. Bobby Fischer's weapon of choice.

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 Najdorf: Opocensky Variation — position after Be2 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Be2

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c5
2Nf3d6
3d4cxd4
4Nxd4Nf6
5Nc3a6
6Be2

ECO: B92

Stockfish: +0.33 at depth 18

Practice this line free →

Position characteristics

Related Sicilian, Najdorf Variation lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Opocensky Variation?

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

What is the ECO code for the Opocensky Variation?

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

Is the Opocensky 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. Be2 at +0.33 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 Opocensky Variation 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.