Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Polugaevsky Variation

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Bg5 e6 7.f4 b5

ECO B96

The Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Polugaevsky Variation 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 b5.

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

The defining move b5 is chosen by Black on move 7.

One named continuation branches from this position: the Simagin Line.

The Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Polugaevsky Variation is a line of the Sicilian Defense. The Sicilian Defense is a chess opening that begins 1.e4 c5. Read the complete Sicilian Defense guide: what it is, how to reach it, its main variations, how to play against it, and its history.

Named variations

• Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Polugaevsky Variation, Simagin Line — ECO B96

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.