The Stonewall Attack - Opening Theory

Conquer the Center:
Master the Stonewall Attack !

Want to dominate the center of the board and launch crushing attacks? The Stonewall Attack, a dynamic opening for White after 1.d4, is your answer! This opening helps you build a rock-solid pawn structure, giving you a strong foundation to control the game. Here's what makes it so powerful:

• Quick Development: Get your pieces out fast and put pressure on your opponent.

• Central Control: Dominate the center, making it difficult for Black to find good squares.

• Space Advantage: Gain more space on the board, making it easier to maneuver your pieces.

• King Safety: The pawn structure provides excellent protection for your king.

• Simplified Structure: Focus on coordinating your pieces with a clear pawn plan.

• Pressure on Black: Constrict your opponent's options and force them to react to your threats.

• Kingside Power: Create opportunities for powerful pawn storms that put Black's king in danger.

Dive into the resources below and unlock the secrets of the Stonewall Attack!

Stonewall Attack Wikipedia Page

Bishops Bounty Stonewall Pawn Structure Page
Bishop's Bounty Dutch Stonewall Page

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 Stonewall Attack Chess Articles 

Delve into the theory, history, and key variations of the Stonewall Attack.

The Kenilworth Chess Club

• The Stonewall Attack - This lecture by National Master Yaacov Norowitz explores the Stonewall Attack, a powerful chess opening for White. He covers key concepts, variations, and illustrative games, making it a valuable resource for players looking to master this strategy. (Archived)
• Yaacov's ICC Games with the Stonewall - 36 games you can play through with a Viewer (Archived)
• Supplemental Stonewall Games. - 4 classic Stonewall Games (Archived)

The Battering Ram - Chess.com article by GM Vinay Bhat - on one of the main ways to combat the Stonewall Attack.

Stonewall Attack: A Sure and Steady Opening - Chessable Blog Opening Guide - general Overview of the Opening and plans w/ 8 Min Embedded Video.

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Stonewall Attack LiChess Studies 

Explore interactive training tools to solidify your understanding of the opening's concepts.

• Stonewall Attack  - 10 Chapter Interactive Study  (1395 hearts) Lean with a fully Interactive Study, Main Lines, main Defenses and Model games.
  
  
• Stonewall Strategies - 12 Chapter Study (49 hearts) - Goes through Full games showing the Different Strategy's Play out and explanations.
  
  
• Stonewall Attack (Black) - 4 Chapter Study - Show 4 Different ways to play against the Stonewall.

LiStudy  (LiChess Move Trainer Site )

Stonewall Strategy's - 11 Chapters to Learn and Practice

New to Lichess studies? These interactive tools allow you to explore chess concepts and variations move-by-move, perfect for testing your understanding and deepening your knowledge.

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GAME DATABASES

Analyze real-life games featuring the Stonewall Attack and see how it's played in practice.

365Chess.com

D00: Queen's pawn, stonewall attack 1. d4 d5 2. e3 Nf6 3. Bd3  - 2136 Games

ChessTempo.com

Queen Pawn Game, Stonewall Attack (D00) - 2271 Games

Chessgames.com

Stonewall attack - 8 games 
f-ck stonewall attack  - 5 games (all are 0-1 Black Victory)
Stonewall Opening - 434 games

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Stonewall Attack Video Lessons

Playlists

• How to play the Stonewall Attack - (Playlist of 13 Video Stonewall Series) Assorted Videos
  
• Aman's Stonewall Speedrun - Playlist of 19 Videos - GM Aman Hambelton (400-2200 Rating - Each game being a live lesson in how to play this opening.)

EASY & Powerful Chess Opening for Beginners 2024 -  12 Min - GM Igor Smirnov - Shares one of the easiest chess openings to learn for beginners. At the same time, it's a powerful chess opening for White after 1.d4.

Stonewall Attack - Beginner Breakdown - 36 Min - St.Louis Chess Club - Mike Kummer looks at scholastic player Grayson Marks's games. Grayson has been playing the Stonewall Attack with white.

Opening Basics #35: Stonewall attack - 36 Min - Jim's Chess Channel - Rarely seen at the top level, this aggressive opening is still played at the club level. It gives white a quick attack in exchange for some structural deficiencies, and leads to interesting play.

The Best Stonewall Lesson to Easily Understand - 14 Min - The main ideas behind the Stonewall Attack, for White.

Learn the Stonewall Defense & Attack | 10-Minute Chess Openings - 9 Min -Gotham

Chess Beginner to Master Series - Section 2 - Stonewall Attack Opening for White - 70 min - Chess w/ Coach mark - We will discuss the pawn structures, early development, attacking ideas, and how to handle black's response to this opening.

IChess Stonewall Attack Series

• Beginner Chess Openings - ⚔️ The Stonewall Attack - Greek Gift Sacrifice - 10 Min - FM Will Stewart explains the classic Stonewall Attack structure and plans.
• Beginner Chess Openings - ⚔️ The Stonewall Attack (Part 2) - Zukertort System - 10 Min - FM Will Stewart reviews a few Black set-ups that could cause problems for White.
• Stonewall Attack Beginner Chess Openings Series - Managing the Sidelines (Part 3) - 10 Min - a few side variations by black and the best common plans for white.
• Chess Openings for White - Stonewall Attack - Part 4 - How to Beat a Fianchetto Defense - 12 Min - Features none other than former World Chess Champion Mikhail Botvinnik employing the Stonewall Defense with the black pieces in Groningen 1946 against Herman Steiner.

Stonewall Legacy Series 

Introduction - 6 min Video
Baltic Defense - 10 min Video
The Baltic Trap 4...Nc6! -5 min Video
Horowitz Defense - 10 min Video
Teichmann Defense - 11 min Video
Mainline with 5....Bd6 -11 min Video
Mainline with 6....Qc7 - 7 min Video
Bg4 Lines - 10 min Video

Beating the Stonewall 

Study the key ideas, typical plans, and critical lines for punishing the Stonewall and seizing the initiative.

• How To Beat The Stonewall Attack! - 12 Min GM Max Illingworth - Discover GM Max's solution, which allows Black to gain a very nice advantage with straightforward, strong central play!
  
  
• My Top 3 Systems Against the Stonewall | Grandmaster Repertoire - 6 Min - GM Moulthun Ly - Three favorite systems to play against the Stonewall. Despite the name there are more than one way to poke holes in this opening. Aggressive, Positional and Breaking open the Center.
  
  
• Trickiest line against Stonewall Attack - 14 Min - GJ_Chess - A cool tricky line against Stonewall Attack opening, where black can trick white in the opening move order & get winning position very quickly.
  
  
• How to crush the stonewall setup - 8 Min - Jim Plunketts Chess Lab - Title says it all.

Stonewall Game Videos (w/Analysis)

Stonewall Chess Opening -  16 Video playlist  - kingscrusher
Stonewall Attack Speedrun (600 to 2300) -  9 Video playlist  - NM Robert Ramirez (Over 18 hrs of Video) (New - 6/11/2024)

Standard Chess #260: aaaaaaa101 vs. IM Bartholomew (Stonewall Attack) - 66 Min
The Stonewall Attack To Learn From | Harry Nelson Pillsbury vs Jean  - 5 Min  - Chess School
Crushing With The Stonewall Attack | Akiba Rubinstein vs Richard Reti - 5 Min - Chess School
Stonewall Brilliancy | Henry Edward Bird vs John Wisker  - 6 Min - Chess School
I Almost Lost To The Stonewall! | Speed Run Series | GM Moulthun Ly - 24 min - GM Moulthun ly

Shutting DOWN The Stonewall Attack | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky  - 28 min - analyzes a chess game where he explains his mistakes and better alternatives, focusing on the Stonewall Attack and the King's Indian defense.

PGN Game Downloads

Stonewall Attack - 60 games (From U of Pitt Chess Archive)

"The cautious seldom err." - Confucius

Master the Doubled Pawn: A Chess Strategy Guide

 

Doubled Pawns in Chess: Friend or Foe?

Doubled pawns can be a double-edged sword in chess. While they might seem like a weakness, they can also create unique opportunities for both offense and defense. This post will guide you through the world of doubled pawns, providing resources to understand their impact on the game and how to use them to your advantage.

What are Doubled Pawns?

Doubled pawns occur when two pawns of the same color occupy the same file (vertical column) on the chessboard. This can happen due to various openings, captures, or pawn promotions. 

Understanding the Impact of Doubled Pawns:

Doubled pawns can have both positive and negative consequences:

• Disadvantages:
  • Weaker squares: The file in front of the doubled pawns becomes weaker, as there's no pawn to defend it.
  • Limited mobility: Doubled pawns can restrict your pawn structure and limit your piece movement.
  • Endgame weakness: Doubled pawns are generally considered a weakness in the endgame, as they can be difficult to defend.
• Advantages:
  • Central control: Doubled pawns can help solidify control over the center of the board, creating a strong base for your pieces.
  • Open files: Doubled pawns can create open files for your rooks, potentially increasing their attacking power.
  • King safety: In some cases, doubled pawns can provide additional protection for your king.

Learning More About Doubled Pawns:

Here are some resources to delve deeper into the world of doubled pawns and how to use them strategically:

Doubled Pawn Wikipedia Article 

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Doubled Pawn Articles

Chess.com Article by GM Gserper

• The Truth About Doubled Pawns - - Endgame Positions w/ doubled Pawns
  
  
• The Truth About Doubled Pawns, Part 2 - investigation of the so-called 'weakness' of doubled pawns, Ruy Lopez Exchange endgame
  
  
• The Truth About Doubled Pawns, Part 3 - cases of a pair of doubled pawns is almost the same as having just one pawn. 2 positions from games and 2 Puzzles to solve.
  
  
• The Truth About Doubled Pawns, Part 4 - Doubled Pawns in the opening and Middlegame. Nimzowitsche's idea of Blockade.
  
  
• The Truth About Doubled Pawns, Part 5 - Concluding our discussion about the positives and negatives of doubled pawns we cannot miss the numerous games played by Botvinnik. He was probably the first world class chess player who loved to have doubled pawns. 7 Games of his.

Doubled Pawns: Chess Pariahs Or Misunderstood? - IM Jeremy Silman - 4 Rules with examples and explanations of how to handle Doubled Pawns.

Doubled Pawns Structure – 3 Things to Know  -  WGM Raluca Sgîrcea, IM Renier Castellanos - Middlegame Doubled Pawn Structure

(Archived Articles - takes a min to Load)

• Doubled Pawns: Plans  - ichess.net Article (Archived) 
• Doubled Pawns: Advantages & Disadvantages - ichess.net Article (Archived)
  
  

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Doubled Pawns LiChess Studies

• [CHESS STRATEGY] Doubled Pawns  - 14 Chapter Study 
  
  
• Intermediate: Doubled Pawns - 7 Chapter Study - Nice study with a lot of analysis and explanations.
  
  

New to Lichess studies? These interactive tools allow you to explore chess concepts and variations move-by-move, perfect for testing your understanding and deepening your knowledge.

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Game Collections

Doubled pawns - 17 Games (Each Game labeled as Bad or Good w/ Doubled Pawns)

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Doubled Pawn Video Lessons

Learn from the Chess Masters: Doubled Pawns Strategies

• Doubled pawns | Improve your technique and positional play - 14 Min NM Robert Ramirez - you will learn what doubled pawns are, when they represent a weakness, and also what benefits they can offer.
• The Advantages of Doubled Pawns -54 Min IM Eric Rosen - shows 4 games where doubled pawns led to a winning advantage.
• Pawn Structures: Double, TRIPLE the Pawns! | Secret Life of Pawns - IM Vitaly Neimer  - 44 Min - shows two games where pawns were doubled and even tripled. Learn to avoid weakening your structures.
• Doubled Pawns | Double King-Pawn Openings - 43 Min GM Ben Finegold - a lecture on doubled pawns at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis
• What to do with Doubled Pawns in the Center? - 18 Min  - GM Ivan Sokolov will take a look at the advantages of doubled pawns in the center.
• Exploiting Doubled Pawns around an opponents King - 11 min - Kingscrusher
  
  
• Matisons vs Nimzovich - 6 min Video - (Who better than Nimzovich to show how to play against doubled pawns)
  
  
• Explaining Doubled Pawns Step by Step - 13 Min  GM Hikaru Nakamura - Hikaru walks us through a game against a 600 and shows us when doubling your pawns can be a good thing.

"The tiniest pawn can upset the most perfectly laid plans." - Bobby Fischer 

Bonus: Dive Deeper into Pawn Structures.

Learn more about the impact of pawn placement on your chess strategy.

  Bishop's Bounty Pawn Structure Page

Checkmate Patterns - Tactics

Checkmate Patterns Resource Page

Wikipedia Checkmate Patterns 

Pawns, Rooks,Queen Mate Patterns

Anderssen's Mate Page - Articles, LiChess Studies, Video lessons (Version of Mayet's mate)

Blind Swine Mate -  Articles, LiChess Study, Game Collection, Video Lessons

Backrank Checkmate -  Old Blog Post ,  Many LiChess Studies, Articles and Video Lessons

Damiano's Mate Page - Article, LiChess Studies, Video lessons

Pawn / David and Goliath Mate Page - Article, LiChess Studies, Game Collection, Video lessons

Dove Tail (Cozio) Mate Page -  Article, LiChess Studies, Game Collection, Puzzles, Video Lessons

Epaulette Mate Page -  Articles, LiChess Studies, Game Collection, Video lessons

Kill-Box Mate Page - Articles, LiChess Studies, Game Collection, Video Lessons

Lawnmower Mate Page - Articles, LiChess Studies, Game Collection, Video Lessons

 Lolli's Mate Page -   Article, Lichess Studies and a few Videos

RailRoad Mate Pattern Page - Articles, LiChess Studies, Game Collection, Video Lessons 

Swallow's Tail (Gueridon's) Mate -  Article, LiChess Study, Video Lesson

Triangle Mate Page - Articles, LiChess Studie, Video lesson

Bishop Mates

Balestra Mate Page -   Article, LiChess Studies and a Few Video lessons

Boden's Mate Page -  Lots of nice Articles, Studies and Video lessons on this Mate.

Diagonal Corridor Mate Page - Article, LiChess Studies, Game Collection, Video lesson

Greco's Mate Page - Articles, LiChess Studies, Game Collection, Video Lessons

Max Lange's Mate Page -  Article, LiChess Studies, Game Collection, Video Lesson

Mayet's Mate Page - Articles, LiChess Studies, Game Collection, Video Lessons

Morphy's Mate Page -  Articles, LiChess Studies, Video Lessons

Opera Mate Page - Article, LiChess Study, Video Lessons (Opera Mate Game Info as well)

Pillsbury's Mate Page - Article, LiChess Studies, Video Lessons  ( a variation of Morphy's Mate)

Reti's Mate Page - Article, LiChess Study, Game Collection, Video Lessons

Double Bishop Mate Page - Article, LiChess Studies, Video lessons (Also Bombardier Mate)

Beginner Checkmate Patterns

Scholars Mate Page - Articles, LiChess Study, Video Lessons

Fool's Mate Page -  Articles, LiChess Study, Video lessons

Knight and Rook Mates

Hook Mate Page -  Article, Lichess Studies, Games , Several Video Lessons

Arabian Mate Page -  Articles, Several Nice Lichess Studies, Games, Puzzles, Several Video Lessons

Anastasia Mate Page - Articles, Bunch Lichess Studies, Games, Puzzles, Several Video lessons

Vukovic's Mate Page - Articles, LiChess Study, Games, Several Video lessons, Video Playlist of Games

Corner Mate Page -  Article, LiChess Study, Games, Couple Video Lessons

Knight Mates

Smothered Mates Page - Articles, LiChess Studies, game Collection, Video Lessons

Suffocation Mates Page - Article, LiChess Study, Game Collection, Video Lesson

Blackburne's Mate Page -  Articles , LiChess Study, Video Lessons

LiChess Mate Studies

Checkmate Patterns: Bishops - 44 Chapter Study (All the Mating Patterns w/ Bishops)

Checkmate Patterns: Knights - 44 Chapter Study (All the Mating Patterns w/ Knights)

Checkmate Patterns: Pawns,Rooks,Queen - 64 Chapter Study (All the Mating Patterns with Pawns, Rooks, Queen)

Mating Patterns (Part 1) - 32 Chapter Interactive Study (ChessMood Mate List )

Mating Patterns Part 2  - 10 Chapter Interactive Study  (ChessMood Mate List)

LiChess Piece Checkmate Training Page - Interactive (Q vs. B,N or Rook) (2 Bishop) (B&N Mate)

Articles Covering Many Mating Patterns

30+ Ways to Checkmate in Chess - Chessable Blog Article Showing an Example of each.

40 Checkmate Patterns Sure To Win You Games  - Chess for Sharks (Nice Article)

The Complete Checkmate Patterns List (with examples) - GM Avetik Grigoryan - ChessMood page 
36 Mating patterns w/ Explanations (Really Nice Page)

Chess Tempos Tactical Motifs Page -   Links to the Descriptions of 30 Mates (Along with other Tactics)

Top 18 Checkmate Patterns: Must-Know Checkmates for Club Players - The ChessWorld Article

Video Lessons Covering Mating Patterns

The Top 23 Checkmate Patterns | Most Important Mating Patterns In Chess | Chess Tactics and Ideas - 23 min - NM Nelson Lopez

6 Checkmate Patterns YOU MUST KNOW - 21 Min - Gotham Chess - IM Rozman

Update to Gambit Pages (New Videos) (June 2023)

 Albin Counter Gambit Page - Albin Counter Gambit Here

Opening Guides
Master the Brutal Albin Counter-Gambit - Chess Opening Guide  - 30 Min
Crush The Queen's Gambit - An Aggressive Countergambit  -  14 Min - NM Nelson Lopez

Guides Against
Annoying Openings: How to Beat the Albin Counter Gambit - 16 Min - Chessdawg
How to Easily Defeat The Albin Counter Gambit!! - 20 Min - IM Miodrag Perunovic
Crush Albin Counter-Gambit - 33 Min - The Chessworld

Game Videos (w/analysis)
Holy Gambit Grail #11: Albin Countergambit   - 12 Min  - Johnathan Schrantz

Benko Gambit (Volga) Page -  Benko Gambit Page Here

Guide
The Benko Gambit: Lecture by GM Ben Finegold - 54 Min

Guides Against
THE BEST Opening For Black Against 1.d4 | Benko Gambit | Chess Opening Explained - 14 Min - Coach Kestony
Crush The Benko Gambit with White!! - 31 Min - IM Miodrag Perunovic (The Butcher)

Game Videos (w/analysis)
Taking Down the Benko Gambit!! | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky - 36 Min
Magnus Carlsen DESTROYS Prodigy Gukesh D with the Benko Gambit - 5 Min
Magnus Carlsen Plays Benko Gambit Against Grandmaster Arthur Kogan - 6 Min
Dealing with the Benko Gambit · Training Game - 46 min - Hanging Pawns
Shakhriyar Crushing the Benko Gambit - 9 Min


Budapest Gambit Page - Budapest Gambit Page Here

Guide
The simplest chess opening for Black || Budapest Gambit - 15 Min 

Guides Against
Good Opening For Black Against 1.d4 - Budapest Gambit - 16 Min - Coach Kestony
Alekhine Variation to CRUSH the Budapest Gambit - 17 Min - Chess Geek

Game Videos (w/analysis)
Holy Gambit Grail #12: Budapest Gambit - 8 Min - Johnathan Schrantz

Sicilian Defence, Najdorf Variation B90 - B99 - Opening Theory

 

Explore the Najdorf:
 Free Resources & Insights 

A Dynamic Powerhouse:

The Sicilian Najdorf (1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6) is renowned for its aggressive possibilities and sharp tactical battles. This dynamic opening choice has been a weapon of choice for many legendary chess grandmasters, including Bobby Fischer and Garry Kasparov, who wielded it to dominate their opponents. (Learn more about the history and variations on Wikipedia: Sicilian Defence, Najdorf Variation Wikipedia page.)

Are you seeking an opening that injects fire into your chess games? Do you crave sharp positions brimming with tactical possibilities? Then look no further than the Sicilian Najdorf! This exciting and challenging opening offers a path to victory for players who relish dynamic battles and outsmarting their opponents.

Empower Your Chess Journey:

This comprehensive guide equips you with a treasure trove of free Sicilian Najdorf chess resources, articles, annotated games, video lessons, and strategic insights. Whether you're a seasoned player seeking to refine your Najdorf repertoire or a newcomer eager to explore its potential, this collection offers valuable tools to elevate your chess game.

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BOOKS (Free)

Internet Archive

500 Sicilian Miniatures Collection II by Bill Wall - 109 Page PDF

How to Beat the Sicilian Defence - 352 page PDF

FREE Chessable Courses

Short & Sweet: Giri's Najdorf Sicilian - 24 Trainable lines w/44 Min Free video

Short & Sweet: Colovic's Najdorf Sicilian  - 20 Trainable Lines w/ 50 Min Free Video

Short & Sweet: Cheparinov's Najdorf Sicilian  - 19 Trainable Lines w/ 57 Min Free Video

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Najdorf  Chess ARTICLES

SICILIAN NAJDORF  - Chess Pathways Article w/embedded Video

Chess Opening Basics: The Najdorf Sicilian  - Chessable Blog Opening Guide

Sicilian Najdorf – How to Play, Attack & Counter as White & Black - Chessable blog Opening Guide

Sicilian Najdorf – How to Play, Attack and Counter - Chess Klub Opening Guide w/ Video

How to Play the Sicilian Najdorf   -  RagChess Guide

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Najdorf LiChess Studies

Getting Started with Lichess Studies:

New to Lichess studies? These interactive tools function like digital chess books, guiding you through Najdorf variations with explanations and challenges. 

• The Sicilian Najdorf Variation - 5 Chapter Study (1000+ hearts)    This user-favored study (indicated by "hearts") provides a solid introduction to main Najdorf variations with concise explanations.
  
  
• Sicilian Najdorf  - 8 Chapter Study  Variations w/ a pawn Structure lesson
  
  
• The Sicilian Defense, Najdorf Variation 6. Be2  - 9 Chapter Study  - This study explores the "I don't want Fireworks Variation" with clear analysis, making it suitable for players seeking a more positional approach.
  
  
• The Sicilian Najdorf   - 10 Chapter study  (700+ hearts) (Well Done with an interactive chapter)
  
  
• VERY DETAILED! Sicilian Defense: Najdorf  - 8 Chapter Study - This study lives up to its name, offering in-depth explanations for a deeper understanding.
  
  
• Sicilian Najdorf Repertoire  - 38 Chapter Study (1600+ Hearts) Considered the "Gold Standard" on Lichess, this comprehensive study covers themes, lines, and analyzed games.

Additional Resources:

NEW - Lichess Openings Page  - Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation 
Lichess now offers a dedicated Najdorf page with variations, win/loss statistics, and board diagrams for further exploration.

LiStudy (LiChess Movetrainer)

• Sicilian defence, Najdorf variation  -  33 Chapter Fully Interactive Study
  
  
• Najdorf Black   - 27 Chapter Fully Interactive Study
  
  
• A Comprehensive Najdorf Repetoire (Nearly)  - 8 Chapter interactive study - This interactive study draws from St. Louis Chess Club lectures, offering a well-structured approach.

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Game Databases

Analyze real-life games featuring the Najdorf and see how it's played in practice.

365Chess.com

• Sicilian Defence, Najdorf Variation B90 - B99  - Page with Links to the 10 Variations

Chess Tempo

• Sicilian Defense, Najdorf Variation (B90-99)   -  62,000 Games
  

Chessgames.com (Collections)

• Sicilian Najdorf 6.Be2 [White] - 17 Games (All White Wins)
• Najdorf Variation. Adams Attack - 19 Games
• Sicilian: Najdorf. 7. ...Be7 B99 [Black] - (All Black Wins)

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Sharpen Your Najdorf Tactics: Puzzles and Training

Test your tactical vision in the Najdorf with these resources:

Chess Puzzles by Bill Harvey (wtharvey.com):

Sicilian, Najdorf (ECO B90)  -   25 Puzzles
Sicilian, Najdorf, Zagreb (Fianchetto) Variation (ECO B91)  - 21 puzzles
Sicilian, Najdorf, Opocensky Variation (ECO B92)  - 25 Puzzles
Sicilian, Najdorf, 6.f4 (ECO B93)  - 25 Puzzles
Sicilian, Najdorf 6.Bg5 (ECO B94)  -  9 Puzzles
Sicilian, Najdorf, 6...e6 (ECO B95)  - 10 Puzzles
Sicilian, Najdorf 7.f4 (ECO B96)  - 10 puzzles
Sicilian, Najdorf 7...Qb6 (ECO B97)  - 10 Puzzles
Sicilian, Najdorf 7...Be7 (ECO B98) - 10 puzzles
Sicilian, Najdorf, 7...Be7 Main line (ECO B99)  - 11 Puzzles


Lichess Najdorf Puzzles: Dive into a vast pool of Najdorf puzzles (over 7300!) on Lichess to solidify your tactical understanding.

SicilianNajdorf Variation  - 7300 Puzzles

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Najdorf Video Lessons

Dive deep into Najdorf  Video playlists

Playlists

• Najdorf Sicilian - 18 video playlist - FM James Canty III - Learn key Najdorf concepts and variations through games and analysis
  
  
• Sicilian Najdorf  -  46 video playlist  - Chessbase India - Explore the Najdorf in depth with a comprehensive video playlist by Chessbase India, featuring games and instructional content.
  
  
• Najdorf Sicilian - 11 Video playlist - Robert Plunketts Chess Lab - Master the Najdorf with a focused 10-video series . (all lessons dedicated to the Najdorf).

Lessons

GM Neiksans Boot Camp #21 - Sicilian Najdorf for Black - 3.5 Hrs -  Gain valuable insights from GM Neiksans on playing the Najdorf effectively as Black.

6th Move Options Against Najdorf TIER LIST | GM Moulthun Ly  - 20 Min -Demystify White's options after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 with GM Moulthun Ly's tier list (20 minutes).

How to Play the Sicilian Najdorf - Chess Openings Explained  - 47 min  St.Louis CC -Master the "Cadillac" of openings with St. Louis Chess Club's video guide, delving into the Najdorf and the English Attack.
 
Falling in love with the Sicilian Najdorf with GM Daniel King - 1.5 hr  Chessbase India - In this session he will explain to you the key concepts of the opening and tell you as to how he fell in love with the Sicilian Najdorf!
Learn the 6.Bg5 Najdorf! | Prepare Like A Pro - GM Josh Sheng  - 52 min - Prepare for the aggressive 6.Bg5 line in the Najdorf 

NM Caleb Denby

• Learn the Najdorf: 6.Be2 | Chess Openings Explained Pt 1  - 66 Min - Deep dive into the 6.Be2 (Opocensky) variation of the Najdorf with two comprehensive videos by NM Caleb Denby (total 122 minutes).
• Learn the Najdorf: More 6.Be2 | Chess Openings Explained  Pt 2  - 56 Min 
• Learn the Najdorf: Fischer–Sozin Attack #1 | Chess Openings Explained Pt 3 - 60 min - Master the attacking Fischer-Sozin (6.Bc4) variation with NM Caleb Denby's two-part video series (total 115 minutes).
• Learn the Najdorf: Fischer–Sozin Attack #2 | Chess Openings Explained Pt 4 - 55 Min 
• Learn the Najdorf: English Attack 1 | Chess Openings Explained Pt 5 - 41 Min - learn about the English Attack or the Byrne Attack, the modern main line with 6.Be3.
• Learn the Najdorf: English Attack | Chess Openings Explained Pt 6   - 63 Min - learn more about the English Attack (also known as the Byrne Attack), or 6.Be3.
• Learn the Najdorf: The Poisoned Pawn | Chess Openings Explained Pt 7 - 63 Min - learn about the main line 6.Bg5.
• Learn the Najdorf: More 6.Bg5 | Chess Openings Explained Pt 8  - 69 Min - learn more about the main line 6.Bg5.

White Against Najdorf

• Crush the Sicilian Najdorf the Easy Way with the Classical Variation | Chess Opening Blueprint - 38Min - johnathan Schrantz -  a simple recipe to take down the most popular variation of the Sicilian Defense.
• GM Neiksans Boot Camp #3 - Anti Najdorf  - 2 Hr -  Discover alternative strategies against the Najdorf with GM Neiksans, emphasizing positional play and offbeat lines (2 hours).
  
  
• Anti-Najdorf Part - 1 by GM Igor Smirnov - 17 Min -  Learn a unique anti-Najdorf approach with GM Igor Smirnov, focusing on 5.f3 and exploiting Black's weaknesses with e5
  
  
• Anti-Najdorf Part - 2 by GM Igor Smirnov  - 22 Min - focusing on the main move e5 and its implications. He explains the strategic weaknesses this move creates for black and outlines white’s approach to exploiting them.
  
  
• Play the Sicilian: Najdorf #1 | Chess and Psychology - IM Dorsa Derakhshani - 66 Min - Explore effective ways to combat the Najdorf as White with IM Dorsa Derakhshani's video series 
  
  
• Play the Sicilian: Najdorf #2 | Chess and Psychology - IM Dorsa Derakhshani - 57 min - favorite ways to play against the Sicilian Defense with White. This is her second and final hour on the Najdorf, specifically lines from 6.Be3.
• Najdorf Structures | Mastering the Middlegame - WGM Tatev Abrahamyan - 42 min- the Najdorf Sicilian as white to the middlegame structure it creates. See three of her games and try to find the best moves along the way.
  
  
• CRUSH the Najdorf with the FISCHER ATTACK: Five WINNING Ideas Explained - 23 Min - GM Jose Gonzalez - We'll explore five winning ideas explained in detail, from powerful tactics to smart positional play. (New 6/29/2024)

Sicilian Najdorf  Traps and Tactics

• Chess Tactics in The Sicilian Najdorf 💣 GM Niclas Huschenbeth [80/20 Tactics]  - 26 Min - Elevate your tactical vision in the Najdorf with GM Niclas Huschenbeth's masterclass.
  
  
• Dirty Chess Tricks against Sicilian defense - 2 (Najdorf Variation)  - 13 Min -Uncover some sneaky tactical opportunities for White against the Najdorf.
  
  
• Webinar: Explosive Tactics 💣 for Black in the Sicilian Najdorf - GM Rafael Leitao - 55 min -Master the aggressive possibilities for Black in the Najdorf with GM Rafael Leitao's exploration of tactical themes 

Najdorf Game Videos -  (W/ Analysis)

Sicilian Defence: Najdorf   -  232 Video playlist - kingscrusher - This extensive playlist by Kingscrusher offers a treasure trove of Najdorf games for your viewing pleasure.


Kasparov's Masterpiece in Sicilian Najdorf  -  14 min  - GM Igor Smirnov

Kasparov CRUSHES 😲 Anand with the Sicilian Najdorf (Anand vs Garry Kasparov) - 33 Min

The Deadly Najdorf in 2021 | Understanding Practical Chess - FM Thalia Cervantes - 53 Min -  tours games from the online 2021 Magnus Carlsen Invitational where the Najdorf was played.

 Anish Giri teaches the Sicilian Najdorf  - 2hr  - Chessbase india   Nice Video in Playlist - How did his lines impact the final standings of Tata Steel Masters 2021? In this video we discuss all the Najdorf games from the tournament with the man himself.

 Najdorf by Dorsa | Chess Openings Explained - IM Dorsa Derakhshani - 52 min - shares two of her Najdorf games against fellow Saint Louis University students Benjamin Bok and Robby Kevlishvili.

"The hardest game to win is a won game." - José Raúl Capablanca