[May 04, 2017] Updated Opening Line by Trajko Nedev:
Sicilian Defense, Najdorf Variation with 6. Bg5 (incl. Polugaevsky Variation)
[Line 481 : 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Bg5]
In the initial position of the Line 481 Black usually opts for 6… e6. Our recommendation for beginners is 7. Qf3, with mild complications. After the main move 7. f4 a big branching in the Najdorf occurs. Variation 7… Qb6 is covered in Line 483, while 7…Nbd7 and 7… Be7 belong to our Line 482.
From other options, the Polugaevsky Variation (7… b5), as well as 7… Nc6, can hardly be recommended for Black, since in both cases White gets strong initiative with accurate play. Against 7… Bd7 White gets better prospects with 8. Qe2, followed by castling long. After 7… Qc7 White obtains a stable edge with 8. Bxf6 gxf6 9. Qf3 b5 10. a3.
The main variation goes 7… h6 8. Bh4 Qb6, where aside from a pawn sacrifice with 9. Qd2, White has another interesting possibility in 9. a3 (indirectly defending the b-pawn), and after 9… Be7, move 10. Bf2 poses some problems to Black.
[Diagram: White to Move] H. Daurelle – C. Ozenne, France 2011. Black is two pawns up and threatens capturing with his Knight on g2, with a check. Yet, it is White’s move and he can get a decisive attack! What is the best way to proceed?
Click here to see the line in our viewer…