Opening Repertoire: The Sicilian Najdorf

The Najdorf Sicilian is one of Black’s most respected and popular responses to 1 e4. It was favoured by those two titans of the game, Bobby Fischer and Garry Kasparov and in the modern game it features in the repertoire of many elite players. This rich opening creates a wealth of opportunities for vigorous attacks, causing most games to be tense and engaging. The Najdorf is that very rare thing – an opening for Black that is highly aggressive but is also recognised as being objectively sound. In this book, FIDE Master John Doknjas and National Master Joshua Doknjas navigate through the main lines of the Najdorf and provide the reader with well-researched, fresh, and innovative analysis. Each annotated game has valuable lessons on how to play the opening, and contains instructive commentary on typical middle-game plans. With thorough variations and explanations on pawn structures and piece placement, this book provides insight to both strong masters and less experienced players alike. The format is ideal for the chessplayer keen to improve their game. While reading you are continually challenged to answer probing questions – a method that greatly encourages the learning and practising of vital skills just as much as the traditional assimilation of chess knowledge. Carefully selected questions and answers are designed to keep you actively involved and allow you to monitor your progress as you learn. This is an excellent way to study chess while providing the best possible chance to retain what has been learnt

John Doknjas is a FIDE Master and chess teacher with over five years of experience. He finished first in the Under-18 Canadian Youth Chess Championships 2017. He has won several strong tournaments in British Columbia, Canada, including the Grand Pacific Open. Joshua Doknjas is a National Master from Canada who has enjoyed success competing internationally and has won six national age titles. He enjoys researching topical opening lines and frequently discovers new ideas. Joshua and his brother, John, have been playing the Najdorf for over 8 years. During this time they have analyzed the opening deeply and the fruits of their researches are shared with readers in this book.

Excerpt