The Najdorf is the most popular line of the Sicilian Defence for a very good reason: Black can play for a win without taking undue risks. The Najdorf's fundamental soundness has been confirmed in countless top-level games, and in particular by Garry Kasparov's successful use of it throughout his career. White has tried a wide variety of approaches against the Najdorf, including quiet positional lines and the traditional main line with 6 Bg5. Recently the idea of a rapid kingside pawn advance has found favour. The Najdorf's landscape changes rapidly, and this presents its devotees with a complex task: they must not only keep up-to-date with sharp theoretical lines, but must also have a firm grasp of the strategies that underpin the main systems, both old and new. This book lends a helping hand to those who play the Najdorf or wish to take up this complex opening. Two Najdorf experts from Spain present a flexible repertoire for Black, including a wealth of original analysis of the critical variations. They also explain the key ideas behind the Najdorf, focusing on those plans that are most relevant to modern practice.

Julen Arizmendi is a Spanish international master with two grandmaster norms. He is an experienced writer, and part of Jaque and Teoría's editorial staff. He represented his country at the 2002 Olympiad. Javier Moreno is a grandmaster from Spain who has worked with Anand and Shirov, and was a member of the Spanish Olympiad team in 2000. He has contributed to the magazines Jaque and Gambito.

Download a pdf file with a sample from the book.

"A key aspect of this book, not so common in similar works, is the high percentage of original analysis and new theoretical novelties that, despite the high risk of rapid obsolescence, are always provided with plenty of useful notes and comments on the typical plans and the strategic implications as well. There are impartial and objective assessments for both colours throughout the book." - Martin Eden, www.soloscacchi.net

"For every hard-to-please Najdorf player, this book is highly recommended." - Schachmarkt

"Having played both sides of the variation, it is interesting, at the very least, to check one's own analysis against the current state of affairs for the top grandmasters. I was very pleasantly surprised with the outcome of my review and have no hesitation in recommending this book to any player of at least 1600 in strength. ... a true gem in the cluttered field of opening works." - Lou Mercuri, Chess Horizons

"The authors have clearly worked tirelessly to produce a sensible and intellectually accessible repertoire within the context of an exacting and highly theoretical opening system (not an easy task, I can assure you!). In achieving this end the authors strike a pleasing balance between theoretical and explanatory content..... A truly excellent book. ... To my mind, the real test of a great opening book is whether the reader can study a few chapters without getting bored, and then come out the other side with a definite desire to play the opening themselves. In my opinion, the authors pass with flying colours. Five stars." - Eddie Dearing, Weekend Chess

"If you are interested in taking up the Najdorf, I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a good reference that will let you learn the opening quickly and give you excellent winning chances to boot." - Bill Whited, Chess Country

"Verdict: if the Najdorf is your defence, then you must have this book. Highly recommended." - Phil Adams, 3Cs website

"All together I would like to recommend this book for all players who like to take up the Najdorf!" - John Elburg, Chess Mail

"Mastering the Najdorf is an enjoyable work to read and study, whilst the theoretical coverage within is excellent. For those who already play the Najdorf, this new book does an excellent job of updating theory and of highlighting many important new ideas, whilst for those keen to take up one of Black's best defences, this book comes highly recommended." - Richard Palliser

"If you have ever wanted to take up the Najdorf but thought it was too much work this book might be just the guide you need. Recommended." - John Donaldson

"It is almost superfluous to recommend this book, since the Najdorf-player will get it for himself anyway." - Fernando Offermann, Berliner Schachverband