Sicilian Defense: Open Najdorf Opocensky Variation
Sicilian Defense – Open Najdorf, Opocensky Variation
Definition
The Opocensky Variation is a branch of the Open Sicilian, specifically arising in the Najdorf Defense after the moves 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Be2. Instead of the razor-sharp 6.Bg5 (main line), 6.Bc4 (Sozin/Velimirović), or 6.Be3 (English Attack), White calmly places the bishop on e2, aiming for a flexible, often positional struggle.
Move-Order Map
- e4 c5
- Nf3 d6
- d4 cxd4
- Nxd4 Nf6
- Nc3 a6 (Najdorf)
- Be2 (Opocensky)
From move 6, Black’s popular continuations are:
- 6…e5 – the traditional Najdorf thrust, grabbing space in the centre.
- 6…e6 – aiming for Scheveningen-type structures.
- 6…Nc6 – keeping options open; can transpose to Classical Schemes.
Strategic Themes
• Flexibility for White: By delaying the advance f2-f4 and castling early, White reserves
the option of playing for central breaks (c2-c4, f2-f4, or f2-f3 & g2-g4) or quietly improving
pieces.
• Solid King Safety: Quick 0-0 reduces Black’s attacking chances on the kingside,
a frequent concern in sharper Najdorf lines.
• Black’s Central Grip: After …e5 or …e6, Black tries to seize the d4-square
(often planting a knight on d5) and mount queenside counterplay with …b5-b4.
• Transpositional Weapon: The Opocensky can transpose to the Scheveningen, Classical, or
even certain English-Attack-inspired pawn storms depending on how both sides deploy their kingside pawns.
Historical Context
Named after Czech master Evžen Opočenský (1898–1966), who explored the setup in the 1930s–40s. The variation gained broader recognition when giants such as Bobby Fischer, Tigran Petrosian, and later Garry Kasparov used it as a surprise or anti-theoretical weapon to avoid Najdorf ‘book wars’.
Illustrative Game
Fischer–Petrosian, Candidates Final, Buenos Aires 1971
(abbreviated – full replayable score optional via placeholder below)
Fischer employed the restrained 6.Be2, gradually built up pressure with f4–f5, and converted a structurally superior endgame, demonstrating the line’s latent attacking potential once the centre stabilizes.
Typical Plans & Motifs
- White
- Early 0-0, followed by f2-f4 and sometimes Qe1–g3 to pressure g7.
- Queenside expansion with a4 to restrain …b5.
- Centrally, c2-c4 or Nd5 ideas against …e6 setups.
- Black
- …e5 (or …e6) to clamp down on d4 and create an outpost on d5.
- …b5-b4 expansion chasing the c3-knight and opening the b-file.
- Piece pressure on e4 after preparatory …Be6, …Qc7, and …Re8.
Modern Practice
While engines show the Opocensky to be theoretically sound for both sides, its low-theory, high-skill character keeps it in the repertoires of strong grandmasters seeking to sidestep the heavily analysed 6.Bg5 lines. Recent elite practitioners include Boris Gelfand, Peter Svidler, and Ian Nepomniachtchi.
Interesting Facts
- Bobby Fischer chose 6.Be2 in five serious games after 1970 and scored an impressive 4½/5.
- Garry Kasparov twice used the Opocensky as Black (!) via move-order trickery, allowing 6.Be2 but transposing to his beloved Scheveningen setup with …e6.
- Anand–Ivanchuk, Linares 1992 featured a brilliant queen sacrifice from Black that originated from the Opocensky and is still a puzzle-book favourite.