Dragon or Najdorf

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wbbaxterbones

Hello, I am interested in studying and playing one of these two sicilians. I can play the caro-kann, pirc, and sicilian sviznichov as of right now. I am usually a more positional player, but I like the strange sometimes as well, as long as it has a strong positional base, which is why I have kind of dropped the sveznichov.

What do you guys think? Pros and cons of each?

wbbaxterbones

If anyone has any opinions on the defense, I would be grateful

BigTy

The Najdorf has a better theoretical reputation, but at club level that may not matter. If you like opposite side castling positions with both players throwing pawns and pieces at each other's king, than the dragon may be for you. If not, then play the Najdorf, although white still has plenty of ways to attack your king. Players who don't like being attacked should probably avoid both of them. The Najdorf has more theory, although I personally feel like the Dragon would require more study time as it seems much easier to get crushed, and many variations of it have been close to refuted. You could try the "Dragadorf", which is a hybrid of the two systems. It is relatively new, so the theory isn't as established and there is more room for new ideas for both sides.

wbbaxterbones

Thanks

DrizztD

Dragadorf! Reletively light on the theory, while full of ideas. Interesting and sharp but still leaving room for creativity.