I guess both Najdorf and Ruy Lopez has equal amount of theory. Of course, I am not to argue the difference between googol and googol+1
Plans and ideas in the Najdorf Sicilian
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Jul 5, 2016
0
#43
I think it's better to play another opening if you don't have time for a lot of theory.
that's what all the experienced playeres have been saying over and over again so it's probablly what you should do
Jul 5, 2016
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#45
If you want the Sicilian and less theory, you can go with the Taimanov or the Kan.
Conclusion: Never play Najdorf if you dont want theory.
So this is it? No crazy or aggressive lines in the Najdorf?No huge sacrifices?
Jul 12, 2016
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#47
poucin wrote:
purchase a book...
Slight correction - Purchase a dozen books (Probably still won't be enough to know the Najdorf!)
Jul 12, 2016
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#48
uttanka wrote:
Conclusion: Never play Najdorf if you dont want theory.
So this is it? No crazy or aggressive lines in the Najdorf?No huge sacrifices?
This answer may sound harsh, but NO!
The Najdorf is a far more sophisticated opening than just about any other, including other Sicilians.
The Dragon is all about tactics, sacrifices, and aggression. A blood bath is probably the best way to describe it.
The Taimanov is very solid with almost no weaknesses. Requires strategic mastery, but you still have to keep an eye out for tactics that pop up occasionally. The d7-e6-f7 pawn complex makes the King somewhat safer than any 2...d6 line.
The Najdorf requires thorough tactical knowledge AND thorough strategical knowledge, and you have to be very good at defense. A lot of it has to do with defending White's massive attack, and achieving a better endgame than White. You also have to understand the concept of trading on d5, usually with your Bishop, if it forces white to retake with a pawn, acting as a "cavity filling" and shielding your d6 weakness.
The way you are talking, and the amount of work you are willing to put in, give it up. Najdorf is the WRONG answer for you!
williamn27 wrote:
"Anyone has an advice for a book on Najdorf, or more generally Sicilian?"
Possibly helpful:
Starting Out: The Sicilian by GM John Emms (2009)
https://web.archive.org/web/20140627122350/http://www.chesscafe.com/text/hansen123.pdf
If one is really determined to go for the Najdorf, I suppose that one might try Starting Out: Sicilian Najdorf by IM Richard Palliser (2006).
"Generally speaking, 'Starting Out' and 'Sicilian Najdorf' are not exactly words that one envisions in the same title, because anyone who is just starting out should not dive into the vast ocean of theory that is the Najdorf. For beginners, the time invested in studying even minor lines can be more productively used solving tactical puzzles and basic endgame technique.
That being said, there certainly is a market for such a book, as the Najdorf is one of the most popular lines in the Sicilian. ... The young English International Master Richard Palliser is a reliable and very thorough author, but even he had to take some shortcuts to make the material fit into the confines of the book. ...
...
Palliser explains everything exceedingly well and mostly keeps things at a level that the book’s target audience can follow. ... In some lines, a good understanding of basic principles will take you far, while in others, such as the Poisoned Pawn (6 Bg5 e6 7 f4 Qb6!?), memorization is a must, as one wrong move can cost you the game in the blink of an eye. Finally, the illustrative games are well chosen, well-annotated and support the overall presentation perfectly. ..." - FM Carsten Hansen (2006)
https://web.archive.org/web/20140626175558/http://www.chesscafe.com/text/hansen87.pdf
"From the age of six, I have been a Najdorf player." - IM Nazi Paikidze (2016) (Six was the age when she started working with a professional chess coach.)
There are tactics and sacrifices. Positional sacrifices by pushing your pawn to d5. Sometimes tactical sacrifices with a Rook taking a knight on c3.
As mentioned numerous times over in this thread. There is a ton of theory.
And the difficult thing behind the opening is that when you play it, you will get lost easily. It's pure memorization. If you don't have them memorized, it's hard to come up with the next move on your own as it's not obvious. The differences in move orders can also be subtle. It makes it challenging to remember. And because it's a sicilian it makes it dangerous. White's moves are easy while black's are difficult to find.
thegreat_patzer wrote:
ok, I hesitate to break in.
but if you're NOT playing against 2000+ opposition.
is all this theory still important? I mean YOU don't (and really can't ) understand all the theory, but Neither do they.
I know people that play sicilian at the lowest of ratings. sometimes they win. doesn't knowing a little about what najdorf help a little?
or should they not be playing sicilian at all?....
The Najdorf is a very sharp, two-edged sword. It'll slice white to pieces. It will also slice you to pieces if you don't know enough about it. I try to play it all the time. Not very good at it, but I am learning it.
From what I know, White's main idea in this line is to memorise loads of moves. Black's plan is pretty similar too.
General-Mayhem wrote:
From what I know, White's main idea in this line is to memorise loads of moves. Black's plan is pretty similar too.
Not really...
If you are white... you memorize one line.
If you are black you have to learn ALL the lines. AND your king is the one in danger in most of them. It's easier to mess up as black, not white.
Sarogar wrote:
General-Mayhem wrote:
From what I know, White's main idea in this line is to memorise loads of moves. Black's plan is pretty similar too.
Not really...
If you are white... you memorize one line.
If you are black you have to learn ALL the lines. AND your king is the one in danger in most of them. It's easier to mess up as black, not white.
I don't play either side of it so know very little. I was just trying to be funny!
General-Mayhem was very funny.
better change the opening
that would be good for you
your style isnt najdorf
i know that you like Najdorf but you seem to be an attacking person so you must quit it or must play English attack of najdorf.
The only strategic problem I have with Najdorf is the weak d6 pawn in most variations, that is supported of course from the black bishop. Sicilian is a good defense if you want to avoid the more theory that has the 1... e5 move(Ruy Lopez etc.).