Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Neo-Classical Defense

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Bg5 e6 7.f4 Nc6

ECO B96

The Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Neo-Classical Defense is a chess opening line in the Sicilian Defense complex, reached after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Bg5 e6 7.f4 Nc6.

It is catalogued under code B96 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move Nc6 is chosen by Black on move 7.

Study this line with a grandmaster

This position is covered in the Najdorf Sicilian course: a GM-authored repertoire you study move by move, then practice against a human-like AI opponent.

Every chess term used here is defined in the chess terms glossary. Browse all opening courses or the full ECO code index.