QGD - Tartakower Defense - D58- D59 Opening Theory

 This is one of the most topical and famous positions in the Queen's Gambit Declined (QGD), 7...b6 introduces the Tartakower Variation.

Black is aiming to fianchetto his bishop to b7 and to finish his development by placing the knight on d7.

Tartakower Defense Chess Articles

Tartakower Defense - Wiki Page with  General Explanation of Defense

Queen's Gambit Declined (Orthodox/Tartakower Variation): Light Square Letdown? - Old Blog post Talking about the Middlegame of this Opening.

---

Tartakower Defense LiChess Studies

QGD Tartakower: Anti Tartakower Variation - 1 Chapter Study

Queen's Gambit Declined Tartakower - 13 Chapter Interactive Study 

QGD- Tartakower Defense - 7 Chapter Study  (Study Created from St.Louis CC Video At Bottom (Don't be Sweet)

---

Games Databases

 

365chess.com

D58: Queen's Gambit Declined, Tartakower (Makagonov-Bondarevsky) system 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e3 O-O 6. Nf3 h6 7. Bh4 b6 - 7000 Games

D59: Queen's Gambit Declined, Tartakower variation 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5 Be7 5. e3 O-O 6. Nf3 h6 7. Bh4 b6 8. cxd5 Nxd5 9. Bxe7 Qxe7 10. Nxd5 exd5 11. Rc1 Be6 - 350 games

Efim Geller - Tartakower Defense (Black) - 60 games
Alexander G Beliavsky - Tartakower Defense (Black) - 70 Games 
Lajos Portisch - Tartakower Defense (White)  - 25 games

ChessTempo.com

Queen's Gambit Declined, Tartakower Defense, General (D58) - 5500 games

Queen's Gambit Declined, Tartakower Defense, Makogonov Exchange Variation (D59) - 1500 games

Chessgames.com

D58 QGD: Tartakower / General [Black] - 44 games (Curated Collection)
d4 : QGD : Tartakower Variation - 26 Games (Curated Collection)

Queen's Gambit Declined, Tartakower (Makagonov-Bondarevsky) Syst (D58) - 2700 games
Queen's Gambit Declined, Tartakower (D59)  - 656 Games

---

Tartakower Defense Puzzles (Tactics)

LiChess Tartakower Defense Puzzles - 131 Puzzles

---

Tartakower Defense Video Lessons

Tartakower Defense for club players  - 60 Min - IM Matt Bobula
Tartakower Defense in practice - 32 Min - IM Matt Bobula

𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧❜𝐬 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 : 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 | 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝟎𝟏 | 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐧𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐡 - 22 Min - GM Sam Shankland

Don't Be Sweet: Play the Tartakower! | Chess Openings Explained - 60 Min - St.Louis Chess Club

Tartakower Defense Opening Theory - 33 Min - Hanging pawns

Queens Gambit Declined Part 3 Tartakower Variation - 22 Min - Robert Plunketts Lab
Queens Gambit Declined Tartakower, To play h6 or not to play - 9 Min - Robert Plunketts Lab

Guide To Making Plans In Chess - Queen's Gambit Declined Plans (PART 1) - 26 Min - NM Nelson Lopez

Tartakower Defense Game Videos ( w/ Analysis)

Queen's Gambit Declined, Tartakower variation - Standard chess #26 - 49 Min - Chess Network

Beating the Queen's Gambit in the British Chess Championship (1998), with GM Nigel Short - 54 Min

QGD - Semi-Tarrasch Defense - D40-42 - Opening Theory

 

Semi-Tarrasch Defense Resources

Semi-Tarrasch Defense Wikipedia Page

The Semi-Tarrasch Defense is a variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined ,
 characterized by the following moves:

1. d4 d5
2. c4 e6
3. Nc3 Nf6
4. Nf3 c5 

---

 

Books and Courses (Free)

Short & Sweet: Dominguez's Semi-Tarrasch - FREE Chessable Course - 20 Trainable Lines - GM Leinier Dominguez (2 hr Free Video)

Short & Sweet: Ganguly's Semi-Tarrasch - FREE Chessable Course - 33 Trainable Lines - GM Surya Shekhar Ganguly  (44 Min Free Video)

---

Semi-Tarrasch Chess Articles

The Semi-Tarrasch – How to Play, Attack and Counter (as White & Black) - Chessable Blog Article - Very Extensive

---

Semi-Tarrasch Defense LiChess Studies

QGD Semi-Tarrasch -  9 Chapter Study

A Semi-Trash Repertoire for the Black pieces - 4 Chapter Study

---

Game Databases

 

365Chess.com

D40: Queen's Gambit Declined, Semi-Tarrasch defence 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 c5 - 5800 Games
D41: Queen's Gambit Declined, Semi-Tarrasch, 5.cd 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 c5 5. cxd5 - 4200 games
D42: Queen's Gambit Declined, Semi-Tarrasch, 7.Bd3 1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 c5 5. cxd5 Nxd5 6. e3 Nc6 7. Bd3 - 735 Games

Chessgames.com

Queen's Gambit Declined, Semi-Tarrasch (D40) 1 d4 d5 2 c4 e6 3 Nc3 Nf6 4 Nf3 c5 - 1000 Games
Queen's Gambit Declined, Semi-Tarrasch (D41) 1 d4 d5 2 c4 e6 3 Nc3 Nf6 4 Nf3 c5 5 cxd5 - 1500 Games
Queen's Gambit Declined, Semi-Tarrasch, 7.Bd3 (D42) 1 d4 d5 2 c4 e6 3 Nc3 Nf6 4 Nf3 c5 5 cxd5 Nxd5 6 e3 Nc6 7 Bd3 - 540 games
Semi-Tarrasch - 17 Game Collection (Famous Players Games)

ChessTempo.com

Queen's Gambit Declined, Semi-Tarrasch Defense (D40) - 2300 Games

Queen's Gambit Declined, Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Exchange Variation (D41) - 2400 games

Queen's Gambit Declined, Semi-Tarrasch Defense, Main Line (D42) - 830 Games

---

Semi-Tarrasch Puzzles (Tactics)

QGD- Semi-Tarrasch Puzzles - 1000 Puzzles ( LiChess Puzzles by Openings )

---

Semi-Tarrasch Defense Video Lessons

Semi-Tarrasch Defense Theory - 13 Video Playlist -  3+Hrs Video - Jazarov's Chess Channel

Powerful ideas for Black against 1.d4 ft. GM Surya Ganguly - 81 min - Chessbase India

The Semi-Tarrasch Opening explained by Leinier Domínguez - 2 HR - GM Leinier Dominguez (Great FREE Lesson) 

Video Below - Really Nice Lesson

Semi-Tarrasch Exchange Variation (D41)

QGD Semi Tarrasch, Exchange Variation D41 - 16 Min - Advancing Pawn

Master Game Analysis - QGD Semi Tarrasch, Exchange Variation - 1 - 30 Min - Advancing Pawn
Master Game Analysis - QGD Semi Tarrasch, Exchange Variation - 2 - 30 Min - Advancing Pawn

Semi-Tarrasch Chess Traps

Queens Gambit Semi Tarrasch - The Crash in the Semi Tarrasch - 4 Min

Queen's Gambit Semi Tarrasch - The Yudovich Not So Fine Trap - 3 Min

Stunning Opening Trap Queen Sacrifice | Semi Tarrasch | - 2 Min

Semi-Tarrasch Game Videos (w/Analysis)

Semi-Tarrasch - 6 Video Playlist - Chessbase India

John Bartholomew
Blitz Chess #301: IM Bartholomew vs. IM Kassa Korley (Semi-Tarrasch Defense) - 16 Min
Blitz Chess #5: IM Bartholomew vs. ercoleiaccone (Semi-Tarrasch Defense) - 14 Min 

Grunfeld Defense (D80-D99) Opening Theory

The Grunfeld Defense:
 Dynamic Play from the Start!

Tired of dull chess openings?

The Grunfeld Defense injects excitement into your games!

Black strikes back immediately! Unlike some passive openings, the Grunfeld Defense allows Black to fight for the center from the get-go. This creates an open and dynamic battlefield, perfect for players who love tactical battles and strategic maneuvering.

This curated list equips you to:

• Master the Grunfeld's core ideas:
  Learn key variations and strategic concepts to navigate the Grunfeld's complexities.
• Sharpen your tactics:
  The Grunfeld is a tactical minefield, and this guide provides resources to hone your tactical skills.
• Dominate the chessboard:
  Unleash the Grunfeld's full potential and surprise your opponents with this aggressive opening!

Is the Grunfeld Defense right for you? If you're a player who enjoys sharp positions and tactical battles, then the Grunfeld Defense is a great opening to explore!

Grunfeld Wikipedia Page

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5.

Grunfeld Defense

---

Books & Courses (Free)

Fantastic free resources available online to delve into the Grunfeld Defense!

FREE Chessable Courses

• Short & Sweet: Grünfeld Defense - 55 Trainable Lines w/ 3+hr Video - GM Peter Svidler
  
  
• Short & Sweet: Grünfeld Defense - 10 Trainable Lines w/ 48 Min Video - IM Alex Astaneh
  
  
• Short & Sweet: The Hybrid Grünfeld-Slav - 11 Trainable Lines w/ 39 Min Video - FM Christoph Kuberczyk
  
  
• Short & Sweet: The Harry Attack - 12 Trainable Lines w/59 min Video (Beat the Gruenfeld) GM Simon Williams

---

Grunfeld Chess Articles

Opening Guides

Grunfeld Defense – The Definitive Guide To A Dynamic Chess Opening - ichess Opening Guide (Indepth w/ embedded Video) Step by step Instruction, Most Important Variations (Archived Article)

Grunfeld Defense – How to Play (as White & Black) - Chessable Blog Opening Guide (In-Depth) Idea & Strategies with most of the Variations Covered with a bit of History.

How To Play The Grunfeld Defense: For The Attacking Player - Hercules Chess
Grünfeld Defense - Opening Guide - IM Alberto Chueca - Nice Guide with Opening Variations, Example games, Talk about Pawn Structures  and a few Embedded Videos.

Variation Articles

Grunfeld Defense: Exchange Variation Classical Bc4 Analysis. - ichess Article (Archived) 
 
A Lazy Counter To The Grunfeld - Lichess Blog Article - GM Max Illingworth - See how to stop Black employing his usual Grunfeld plans with an annoying check

---

Gruenfeld LiChess Studies

The Grunfeld Defense - 9 Chapter Study ( 600+ hearts)
Grünfeld Defense - 16 Chapter Study
Grunfeld Defense - 22 Chapter Study (Can go to Listudy and do this Course below)

Grunfeld, Three Knights Variation (Black) - 11 Chapter Study

LiStudy (Study and Practice Moves from lines here)

Grunfeld Defense - 16 Chapters to learn and Practice
Grunfeld - 21 Chapters to learn and practice
lichess grunfeld - 22 Chapters (Course from above)

---

Grunfeld Games Databases

Chessgames.com

Neo-Grunfeld Defense (D70-D99) - 49 Annotated games

365chess.com

D80: Gruenfeld defence 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 - 43,000 Games
D81: Gruenfeld, Russian variation 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Qb3 - 499 Games
D82: Gruenfeld, 4.Bf4 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Bf4 - 3945 Games
D83: Gruenfeld, Gruenfeld gambit 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 4. Bf4 Bg7 5. e3 O-O - 1597 Games

 ChessTempo.com

Gruenfeld Defense, General (D80) - 32,000 Games

Gruenfeld Defense, Russian Variation, Accelerated Variation (D81) - 400 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Brinckmann Attack (D82) - 2800 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Brinckmann Attack, Grünfeld Gambit (D83) - 2000 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Brinckmann Attack, Grünfeld Gambit Accepted (D84) - 300 Games

Gruenfeld Defense, Exchange Variation (D85) - 15,000 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Exchange Variation, Nadanian Attack (D85) - 200 games
Gruenfeld Defense, Exchange Variation, Modern Exchange Variation (D85) - 6700 Games

Gruenfeld Defense, Exchange Variation, Classical Variation (D86) - 4600 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Exchange Variation, Spassky Variation (D87) - 1600 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Exchange Variation, Spassky Variation (D88) - 900 Games

Gruenfeld Defense, Three Knights Variation (D90) - 3500 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Three Knights Variation, Petrosian System (D91) - 6000 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Three Knights Variation, Hungarian Attack (D92) - 2100 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Three Knights Variation, Hungarian Variation (D93) - 2300 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Three Knights Variation, Paris Variation (D94) - 500 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Three Knights Variation, Vienna Variation (D95) - 470 games


Gruenfeld Defense, Botvinnik Variation (D95) - 300 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Russian Variation (D96) - 3600 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Russian Variation, Hungarian Variation (D97) - 1400 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Russian Variation, Szabo (Boleslavsky) (D97) - 480 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Russian Variation, Smyslov Variation (D98) - 500 Games
Gruenfeld Defense, Russian Variation, Smyslov Variation (D99) - 180 Games

---

Grunfeld Chess Puzzles

wtharvey.com

Grunfeld (ECO D80) - 7 puzzles
Grunfeld, 4.Bf4 (ECO D82) - 8 Puzzles
Grunfeld Gambit (ECO D83) - 8 Puzzles
Grunfeld (ECO D85) - 9 Puzzles

Lichess Tactics  (Grunfeld Tactics Puzzles A bit over halfway down page)

Grünfeld Defense: 2,692 Puzzles
Exchange Variation: 1,073 Puzzles
Three Knights Variation: 960 Puzzles
Stockholm Variation: 209 Puzzles
Brinckmann Attack: 100 Puzzles
Russian Variation: 77 Puzzles

---

Grunfeld Chess Video Lessons

Grünfeld Defense Opening Theory - 7 Video playlist  - Hanging Pawns

Grunfeld Defense Theory Taught by Super GM Peter Svidler! - 20 Min

Master The Grunfeld with US Chess Champion Sam Shankland - 80/20 Tactics Multiplier - 42 Min

The Grünfeld Defence - Chess Openings Explained - 39 Min - St.Louis Chess Club

GRANDMASTER EXPLAINS: Grunfeld Chess Defence - 21 Min - GM Eric Hansen

The Complete Gruenfeld Defense with New Secrets and Novelities 1 - 2hr 6 Min - GM Roman Dzindzichashvili
The Complete Gruenfeld Defense with New Secrets and Novelities 2 - 51 Min - GM Roman Dzindzichashvili

Learn the basics of Grunfeld Defence - GM Markus Ragger (Elo: 2656) - 104 Min - Chessbase India
Basics of Grunfeld by GM Abhijeet Gupta | (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5) - 86 Min - Chessbase India

Grunfeld Defense Opening Traps

Bonus video - Opening trap in the fianchetto Grunfeld - 15 Min - Jims Chess Channel
Chess Opening Traps in The Grunfeld Defence - 5 Min

Grunfeld Defense Game Videos (w/Analysis)

Grunfeld - 107 Video Playlist- kingscrusher
Grunfeld Defense - 16 Video Playlist  - Jazarov's Chess Channel
Grunfeld Defense - 50 Video Playlist  - Chess School
Grunfeld Defense - 45 Video Playlist  - agadmantor

GM Naroditsky

Master Class | Grünfeld Defense | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 31 Min
Amazing Game!! 95% Accuracy! | Grunfeld Defense | The Sensei Speedrun | GM Naroditsky - 70 Min
What's a Tabia? | Grunfeld Theory: Fianchetto System | GM Naroditsky’s Top Theory Speedrun - 45 Min
Master Class | Grünfeld Defence | Chess Speedrun | Grandmaster Naroditsky - 33 Min

IM John Bartholomew

Standard Chess #242: xyjan vs. IM Bartholomew (Grunfeld Defense) -57 Min
Standard Chess #97: NC vs. IM Bartholomew (Grunfeld Defense) - 42 Min
Standard Chess #36: IM Bartholomew vs. hood (Grunfeld Defense) - 32 Min
Standard Chess #33: ratakela vs. IM Bartholomew (Grunfeld Defense) - 26 Min
Blitz Chess #122: IM Bartholomew vs. GM Artemiev (Grunfeld Defense) - 15 Min
Blitz Chess #4: IM Bartholomew vs. GM DonaldDraper (Grunfeld Defense) - 15 Min
Blitz Chess #187: GM Khachiyan vs. IM Bartholomew (Grunfeld Defense) - 16 min
Blitz Chess #365: IM Bartholomew vs. IM Igor Teplyi (Grunfeld Defense) - 21 Min

PLAYING THE GRUNFELD DEFENSE - 25 min - GM Eric Hansen
Nakamura vs. Karjakin | Gruenfeld Defense - GM Varuzhan Akobian - 2013.10.03 - 37 Min - St.Louis CC
Akobian vs. Hansen | 2010 Las Vegas | Gruenfeld - GM Varuzhan Akobian - 43 Min - St.Louis CC

Ruy Lopez (Spanish) Schliemann Defence (Jaenisch Gambit) C63 - Opening Theory

 Exploring the Schliemann Defense
 in the Ruy Lopez

The Schliemann Defense, also known as the Jaenisch Gambit, presents an intriguing challenge for both White and Black.

Despite its name, it's not a true gambit in the traditional sense. With the knight on c6, capturing on e5 doesn't lead to a straightforward pawn grab for White. Instead, White must navigate the complexities that arise from Black's aggressive play.

In response to 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 f5,
White has options like 4. Nc3, the Berger Variation, or 4. d3, the Safe Variation.

These moves aim to maintain control while preparing to exploit weaknesses in Black's position. Black, on the other hand, typically aims to recapture on e4 with ...fxe4, leading to dynamic play.

Chess resources offer a wealth of analysis, instructional content, and games to delve deeper into this fascinating opening. From video lessons dissecting strategic nuances to traps and tactical insights, the Schliemann Defense promises rich exploration for players seeking dynamic and aggressive options against the Ruy Lopez.

Bishop's Bounty Ruy Lopez Main Page

 Schliemann Defence WikiBook Page

---

Schliemann Defense Chess Articles

Master the Schliemann Defense: A Bold Opening for Aggressive Players - papa Chess - Move by move guide, statistics, pawn structure and tips.

Mastering the Schliemann Defense: Möhring Variation - papa Chess

Chess Opening Basics: The Jaenisch Gambit - Short Chessable Blog Article on this Opening.

Jaenisch Gambit – A Complete Guide for Black - Chessarticle.com - FM Nikhil - Guide on the Gambit for Black and White.

The Jaenisch/Schliemann Gambit - IM Jeremy Silman - Both of the ways of dealing with this are shown with detailed example games.  One is 4.Nc3, which leads to serious complications . The other is 4.d3, a quiet positional line.

Openings for Tactical Players: Ruy Lopez, Schliemann (Jaenisch) Gambit - GM Gregory Serper - give you some general ideas about the key lines of this gambit variation as well as to show some typical tactical ideas.

---

Schliemann LiChess Studies

• Some variations on the Schliemann - 6 Chapter Study (180 Hearts)
  
  
• Ruy Lopez: Schliemann Defense/Jaenisch - 6 Chapter Study
  
  
• Schliemann Defense - 6 Chapter Study

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.

---

Game Databases

 365Chess.com

C63: Ruy Lopez, Schliemann defence 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 f5 - 6379 Games

Chessgames.com

Ruy Lopez, Schliemann Defense (C63) 1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bb5 f5 - 2600 Games

Chess Tempo

Spanish Game, Schliemann Defense (C63) - 3400 Games

---

Schliemann Defense Chess Video Lessons

Playlists

• Schliemann Gambit: An opening overview - 7 Video Playlist - The Pawnslayer
  
  
• 𝐉𝐚𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐡 𝐀𝐊𝐀 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐭 - 𝐑𝐮𝐲-𝐋𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐳 (𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡) - 7 Video Playlist - LevonFisch (2.5 hrs Video Total)
  (LevonFisch brings you the latest edition of the five-part course that GM Sam Shankland introduced eight years ago. In the last two lessons, these principles are examined in more depth and several points of importance for both White and Black are discussed.)

Lessons

CRUSH e4 with this Black GAMBIT! - 26 min - GothamChess - IM Levy Rozman - Lesson on the Theory w/ 2 games fully analysed

GM Melik Khachiyan

• The Schliemann Gambit Part 1 Introduction! Chess Videos Chesscom - 20 Min - 
• The Schliemann Gambit Part 2 Dealing with Prep! Chess Videos Chesscom - 23 min
• The Schliemann Gambit Part 3 Bonus Review! Chess Videos Chesscom - 21 Min

SECRET WEAPON Against Ruy Lopez (Jaenisch Gambit) - 44 Min - explains key concepts, strategies, and responses to common moves by white, providing viewers with a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively employ the Jaenisch Gambit in their games.

This Gambit? A Surprise Weapon Against Unprepared Players! (EMPIRE CHESS) - 15 Min - Gm Sam Shankland - creates a repertoire that can help the player deal with all the important lines of this opening,

The Janisch Gambit - GM Leonid Kritz (EMPIRE CHESS) - 15 Min -  Grandmaster Leonid Kritz explains one of white's most common responses with 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 f5 4. d3 - declining the pawn to steer play towards a more rational game.

AlphaZero Schliemann Defence novelties for White and Black. AlphaZero Opening Novelties #2 - 18 Min - GM Mathew Sadler

The Most Aggressive Gambit Against Ruy Lopez [TRAPS Included] - 11 Min - GM Igor Smirnov shares with you the most aggressive gambit against the Ruy Lopez chess opening.

Schlielman Defense Chess Traps

• Exotic Trap in the Most Aggressive Gambit vs The Ruy Lopez - 9 Min - IM Eric Rosen
  
  
• Spanish Schliemann Jaenisch - The Schliemann Demon Trap (trap no. 148) - 3 Min

Schlielman Defense Game Videos (w/Analysis)

Holy Gambit Grail #3: Jaenisch Gambit - 9 Min - Johnathan Schrantz

Challenging Game with the Jaenisch Gambit | Lichess Livestream | IM Andrey Ostrovskiy  

Shocking tactic in Jaenisch Gambit | 12 move chess miniature - 10 Min - Chess Viking

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.

---

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

---

---

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

---

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.

---

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)

---

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

---

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