Sicilian Najdorf: Delayed Poisoned Pawn
Sicilian: Najdorf
Definition
The Najdorf Variation is one of the most respected and deeply studied branches of the Sicilian Defence, arising after the moves
. Black’s fifth move, 5…a6, is the trademark of the system. By preventing a future Nb5 and preparing the pawn break …e5 or …b5, the move gives Black extraordinary flexibility and counter-attacking potential.Typical Move Order
The basic sequence is:
- 1. e4 c5
- 2. Nf3 d6
- 3. d4 cxd4
- 4. Nxd4 Nf6
- 5. Nc3 a6
Strategic Themes
- Control of e5: …a6 keeps the white knight from b5, so Black can later play …e5 with fewer tactical issues.
- Queenside counterplay: The pawn on a6 supports …b5, expanding on the queenside and often fianchettoing the bishop to b7.
- Flexible development: Black may choose setups with …e6, …e5, or even …g6 depending on White’s plan.
- Tactical richness: Lines such as the Poisoned Pawn, the English Attack, and the Scheveningen-type structures make the Najdorf a favorite of dynamic players.
Historical Significance
Named after Argentine-Polish grandmaster Miguel Najdorf, who popularized the line in the 1940s. It has been employed by almost every World Champion from Fischer onward, notably by Garry Kasparov, Bobby Fischer, Viswanathan Anand, and Magnus Carlsen.
Notable Games
- Fischer – Polugaevsky, Candidates 1971: Fischer’s 6.Bg5 line and kingside attack demonstrated the Najdorf’s double-edged nature.
- Kasparov – Topalov, Wijk aan Zee 1999: The famous ‘Immortal Kasparov’ sacrificial win sprang from a Najdorf with 6.Bg5.
- Anand – Adams, Dortmund 1996: Showed the power of the English Attack (6.Be3) against the Najdorf.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Najdorf claimed he invented 5…a6 so he could get up from the board “without allowing Nb5 while I fetched a coffee.”
- The ECO code B90–B99 is devoted entirely to Najdorf sub-variations—more pages than some whole openings receive.
- Computers love its complexity: in Kasparov vs. Deep Blue, 1997 the machine stunned observers by choosing the sharp Najdorf in game 6.
Sicilian: Najdorf, Delayed Poisoned Pawn
Definition
The Delayed Poisoned Pawn is a modern refinement of the classic Poisoned Pawn Variation. Instead of the immediate 7…Qb6 grabbing the b2-pawn, Black postpones the capture, usually with 7…e6 or 7…Be7, and only later plays …Qb6 or …Qb8. A typical move order is:
- 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6
- 6. Bg5 e6 7. f4 Be7 8. Qf3 Qc7 (Delaying …Qb6)
Why “Poisoned” and Why “Delayed”?
- Poisoned: The pawn on b2 looks free, but grabbing it exposes Black’s queen to traps and a vicious attack.
- Delayed: By waiting, Black sidesteps certain prepared lines (e.g., the famous Fischer-Browne traps) and gains time to consolidate.
Strategic Concepts
- Timing is everything: Black often plays …Qb6 only after castles or …Nbd7, increasing safety.
- Central tension: White’s e4-f4-g2 pawns aim at e5 and f5 breaks; Black counters with …d5 or …e5.
- Piece activity: Both sides race to develop—White may castle queenside, Black kingside—making the position razor-sharp.
- The queen shuffle: Moves like …Qc7–b6 or …Qc7–b8–b6 give Black extra flexibility and avoid direct preparation.
Historical and Modern Adoption
First toyed with by Lev Polugaevsky, the delayed capture became fashionable in the 2000s. Top practitioners include Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, Ian Nepomniachtchi, and Fabiano Caruana. Its popularity surged after strong engine support revealed hidden resources for Black.
Illustrative Game
Nepomniachtchi – Caruana, Candidates 2020, featured the line:
Interesting Tidbits
- Engines still disagree on whether taking on b2 is fully sound; the evaluation swings wildly with each depth increase.
- Magnus Carlsen famously prepared the delayed line as Black for the 2013 World Championship, though it never appeared over-the-board.
- Some players nickname the queen’s expedition “the b2 safari.”