Theoria
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Sicilian Defense

Najdorf Variation, Neo-Classical Defense

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  1. 1.e4c5
  2. 2.Nf3d6
  3. 3.d4cxd4
  4. 4.Nxd4Nf6
  5. 5.Nc3a6
  6. 6.Bg5e6
  7. 7.f4Nc6
264 games41%55%

A rare Najdorf sideline in the 6. Bg5 e6 7. f4 line where Black develops with 7...Nc6, pressuring d4; engines favor White.

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About the Neo-Classical Defense

The Neo-Classical Defense meets 6. Bg5 e6 7. f4 with 7...Nc6. The queen's knight goes to c6 rather than d7 and puts immediate pressure on the d4-knight. The most common reply is 8. Nxc6, with 8. Qd2 and 8. Nb3 also seen. The line is rare. Black has scored well with it on Lichess, especially against 8. Qd2, but the engine gives White a clear advantage and prefers 8. Nxc6, 8. e5 and 8. Qd3.

Popular continuations