While playing g4-g5-h4-h5-g6, etc., White also has resources to hold up Black's attack. The main one is Nd5, and after takes, exd5, White can look at (after Black's Kt is commited to d7) Na5-c6 to clog up the c-file. Black doesn't really have a resource of this nature on the Kingside.
How does White defend in the Najdorf?
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Succinct explanation--perfect for a newbie to the Najdorf. Thanks!
I like the idea of putting the N on the possible c6-outpost although I think it wouldn't be too difficult to exchange one of Black's Ns for it.
It does take time for Black to exchange it though, and in that time, White can be pushing his K-side pawns. Also if Black plays something like ...Nd7-b8, White will probably play Nxe7, leaving the Kt looking stupid on b8. I should also point out that sometimes Black has the tactic ...Nxd5 after White sticks his Knight on a5 (if c6 is covered, otherwise ...Nxd5 can be met by Nc6 gaining a tempo on the Queen), but White'll often actually allow this trick, and sacrifice a pawn to get play on the newly opened d-file.
Oct 8, 2013
0
#5
black wants b5 b4 pushing away the knight before all that kingside stuff happens. Also watch out for blacks H5 which will stop that g4 h4 stuff
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As has been stated before, White doesn't "defend" in the Najdorf. Rather, both sides go for the throat. Here's an example in the English Attack (a continuation of the main line from above:
Maybe watching some master games is a good idea. You can see how they play in these positions.
Samurai-X wrote:
How does White defend in the Najdorf?
He usually attacks...
Yes, the three of you are correct in saying that White is mainly going to counterattack, but Black does have two pieces to gain tempi on with pawn advances, as well as an open file, so White is probably going to have to throw in the positional/defensive Nd5 and Na5-c6 thing, which is technically defending, since the aim is to stall Black's operations on the Queenside (and also get the potential targets on b3 and c3 out of the way)
Just in general. The pawn storm? The open c-file? White has more pawns (on King-side) but, at least on the surface, appears his attack will take longer to carry out.