Kupreichik Variation

The Kupreichik Variation, named after its most frequent proponent, GM Viktor Kupreichik, replaces the standard fifth moves of the Najdorf, Classical, Dragon and Scheveningen with 5...Bd7. The bishop takes a modest square and keeps Black's options open: a later ...Nc6 or ...g6 can lead back into the Classical or Dragon, though independent lines also arise. White chooses among 6. Bc4, 6. Be3 and 6. Bg5 with roughly equal frequency. The line is little explored, requires limited theory, and the engine gives White a slight edge.