Chess openings - Najdorf Sicilian

[@PatrickFestaPatman]

I'm beginning to really like these videos. You are the first Master to explain "Why" a move is made, in detail. Thank you.

[@tjbriere9043]

hands down best teacher on the Web.

[@KebuChess]

:) the other teachers are great too in my opinion, but I sure do appreciate the kind words and I'm glad you're finding the videos so helpful!! :)

[@rickelmonoggin]

I like the way you explain the rationale behind every move and the consequences of playing alternatives.

[@KebuChess]

Thank you!

[@KebuChess]

@D Thomas: Thank you!! It is a custom-made software specifically for these videos.

[@KebuChess]

@LightPackerz: Thank you!! I appreciate the suggestion. There is no specific formula for reaching 2200 (except that you must consistently beat players who are not yet 2200, however that is achieved) evidenced by the fact that each master (and grandmaster) is unique and possesses a wholly different style. I also am not sure that I'd say I improve efficiently ;) Those people who are improving efficiently seem to do so by working tenaciously at openings/tactics and getting plenty of experience against higher-rated opponents. I still find studying openings to be a great way to improve my results. Hope this helps!

[@rafanadalmarquez2372]

I am 1200 points away to play on that level

[@KebuChess]

Thank you for all the feedback! I like your suggestion. Hopefully there is enough balance for both colors.

[@JimJWalker]

At first I thought these videos were a bit too simplistic for a 1600 player, but actually they reinforce ideas that sometimes we take for granted when hammering out opening moves. A healthy refresher for even stronger players.

[@kontrapunkti]

You are doing a fantastic job with these videos, clear, precise, and very enjoyable! Happy Christmas and Cheers from Finland!

[@KebuChess]

Happy Christmas and thank you!

[@KebuChess]

When handling the Black pieces, you generally need to be patient in forming attacks - especially against 1.d4. The King's Indian is a general go-to option for players who love to attack, but there are no openings which will help you to get there too terribly quickly or which do not contain options for the opponent where you must be willing to build a position quietly for a while.You will get plenty of opportunities to attack if you remain patient. So play what interests you!

[@KebuChess]

I agree with you! It's one of the most audacious openings out there and yet one of the best! -Dereque

[@benpayne3035]

I love the way you present these video's, everything is so clear. Great job :)

[@KebuChess]

I'm glad you find the videos informative! :-) Thank you for your encouraging remarks

[@chessloversonly]

Great stuff!! I can't believe you had all these videos 9 years ago already!! Incredible video and incredibly instructive!! Thank you!!

[@embe1]

Am an occasional player and I really appreciate these videos. The clarity, insight, and intellectual generosity are awesome.

[@KebuChess]

+embe1 Wonderful remarks, thank you for writing! Glad to hear you're enjoying the videos :)

[@fifastreet055]

This guy's videos are way better than Jrobi and Kevin from the chess website. Great, thorough, articulate explanations. I've looked at other Sicilian defense vids and I now understand it better because of this one. Thanks, Dereque!

[@KebuChess]

Much depends on your skill level and natural appetites! Are you talking about playing the Black side against the queens pawn opening or suggestion that you want to play both 1.e4 and 1.d4 as White? What are you -favorite- aspects of gambit play (sacrificing a pawn early on? attacking the king? surprise factor?) -Dereque

[@LightPackerz]

I really enjoy your videos, you are a natural for teaching and I hope you keep on doing them. I would also love for you to do some more in depth ones eventually about middle games in popular openings such as the sicilian, king's indian and queen's gambit to explain plans and strategies. Another thing I am curious about is what kind of training it takes to become master and how you spend your time and energy to improve efficiently.

[@endlesssilence]

Though I miss the name KebuChess, your videos are fantastic and I'm glad you are starting to rack up some views. You are one of the biggest reasons for my improvement to make my local chess team after just starting chess last February

[@EleazarOctavioRuizSpreafico]

I think your videos are pure gold! Openings for me has always been a big issue. I can't memorize moves. I much rather understand the reasoning of it. Thanks so much for these.

[@osbroj]

I'm not a very good chess player, but I love watching the videos explaining the theory behind these openings. Keep up the great work!

[@rtt1961]

This was a very clear, instructive overview of the key ideas in the Najdorf. Thank you.

[@LeeKennison]

@Dereque- Fantastic job on these videos. I have watched a lot of opening videos and your videos are by far the most clear in explaining the openings and the strategies behind them, from both sides perspective. You are providing an invaluable service to the chess community. Keep up the good work.

[@KebuChess]

Thank you Lee! :-)

[@TheBackyardProfessor]

Great video and explanation. Appreciate your efforts.

[@KebuChess]

Thank you! :o

[@d2704nny]

I have recently got back into chess and have found these films very informative and useful. Thank you very much!

[@KebuChess]

Welcome! :)

[@bluebassfishing]

You have an amazingly clear voice and explanation style.You are on par with my favorite online teacher,Daniel Rensch,from chess.com.Thanks

[@KebuChess]

If you are asking me if it's a "good" defense, then I do not know! It depends on how you are defining "good". You may ultimately find you wish to try something new if this defense no longer seems adequate to you or for any other reason (or non-reason) later. But until then...? You're playing it!

[@sinclairbowman92]

What keeps white from checking the king with his Bishop after black pawn takes pawn and before taking with the knight? I'm new at this and trying to figure out how to respond without messing up my ability to develop well after defending.

[@creamyi2751]

3:06 What about Nd2, then choosing to fianchetto the dark squared bishop?

[@KebuChess]

It is possible, perhaps try this in some games and see what happens! I don't like it because after b2-b3 the knight on d4 will be deprived of a retreat square on b3, and if the knight ends up needing to go back to f3, then the knights on f3 and d2 are redundant, but this is not likely to be an issue at certain levels and the whole scheme could still be worth a try...try it if you want! :) And thanks for the question -Dereque

[@louielightning]

Great Video! It would be very helpful if you could make another video explaining what to do if black does move knight to g4. I have been facing this move a lot and I am not sure exactly how to respond.

[@KebuChess]

+Louie Lightning Productions Glad you like the video and thank you for the suggestion regarding ...Ng4!

[@KebuChess]

This move has always been a little less popular than 6...e6 or 6...e5 but is still quite fine. After 7.Bg5 Black has to have an idea in mind since otherwise the knight will just be kicked with f2-f3 or h2-h3 with tempo and benefit to White. So he continues 7..h6 8.Bh4 g5 9.Bg3 Bg7 - Black is choosing an entirely different plan than the usual in the Najdorf. White sitll has good chances for the advantage thanks to Black's advanced kingside pawns. It's a different game entirely -Dereque

[@rileysine8903]

Great video love this variation. two thoughts: one, black can fianchetto his dark squared bishop to help shore-up his kingside defenses in preparation for white's pawn storm. it can also support or even replace e7-e5, as the bishop pierces through the center and can even support black's queenside attacks. Two, when you think about it, the sicilian is a hypermodern-style opening, restraining and containing the center from afar :)

[@HipHopAn0n]

The Najdorf is just so nerve-wracking to play that I usually avoid by playing 3. Bb5+ opting for the Moscow. Plus, even at my level (1500 rating) people are booked to the teeth on Najdorf theory so I'd rather play a game from positional principles than memorization. Excellent articulation and very good introduction to this opening sir!

[@KebuChess]

I would imagine that a2-a4 makes it difficult to later 0-0-0 which is quite important. Thank you for the suggestion, I've noted it!

[@SongsForBoredTimes]

can you please do a video about the next variation in the najdorf : 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 * 6. Be2 e6 7. g4! it looks really fun for the white side to play and black should be extreamly careful, the most tiny mistake can lead to a disaster. I saw this line in many high-rated games and I will like to study it. I want to know how to attack by white and how to defend by black, thanx!

[@Iblis2Lakon]

Hi Dereque, I love your work. About 2:55 you said that 2... d6 is important to stop 5. e5. But in other variations 5. e5 is still incorect, e.g. 2... Nf6 (...) 5. e5 Nxe5; 2... e6 (...) 5. e5 Qa5+ 6. Nc3 Qxe5+. Is there any better reason for 2... d6 in Sicilian? Best regards

[@theobserver9684]

It's because of c4 (the Maroczy bind), as Dereque explained it. Black needs Nf6 (a developing move) without worrying about e5, so as to induce Nc3 and then go into whatever line he wants (classical, Dragon, Scheveningen, Najdorf). That's kinda the evolution of the opening if you look at it historically.

[@theobserver9684]

Also, it opens the c8 bishop :)

[@andrewserdeczny1059]

Hi Dereque, Thank you for your videos , it's a pleasure to listen and learn from you . You explain it clear and with sense .Great job . Regards from Poland : )

[@KebuChess]

Andrew Serdeczny :) Thank you Andrew from USA! :)

[@paulddepon7047]

Thanks Dereque I feel that I am almost ready to play the sicilian now.

[@AlexWyattDrums]

Thanks Dereque! At 10:50 why not b5 for Black, keeping white bishop out of c4? Too slow in development? Thanks!

[@murlidharv]

Thanks! Please do more on Najdorf since as you yourself admitted, you just scratched the surface! and I am sure the next is going to be the dragon variation. again, your transitions with a welcoming smile. keep it up! Murli

[@coconutnut_]

I currently play Sicilian and I would really like to see a video about Scheveningen Variation which is Black playing 5)...e6. However, I think it doesn’t matter too much because black nearly always plays the useful a6 move later in the game. BUT I need some answers about Open Sicilian. In ANY stage of the game if White tries to challange Black’s b7-b5 advance by playing a2-a4, what should I do? I know that we need to keep b5 square under control to keep the White pieces away from there so we cannot just wait and capture back with our a6 pawn on b5. Do we push our pawn to challenge the c3 knight, or capture b5-a4 right away? I don’t like giving White an open a-file after they capture with their rook. And sometimes they push b2-b4 and then a2-a4. I really need some advice about this. AND when I play Sicilian some people play the very, very different move 2)Bf4. If that’s a wrong move by White, please tell me the way to punish it. People often play 2)Bf4 against me and I want to know how to play along this move. Thanks so much.

[@ianjames537]

Thanks once more, for both your excellent videos and your willingness to answer follow-up questions. Taking advantage of the latter: At 3:08, you explain that, while White might like to avoid 5. Nc3, 5. f3 leaves him with some problems, since it weakens his Kingside and doesn't contribute to development. However, you don't cover any other potential options for defending the e4 pawn. How about 5. Bb5+ (to get the Bishop out) followed by Qd3, or even perhaps Qe2 or Qf3? Thanks again!

[@KebuChess]

:-) Glad to hear you're finding the videos useful!

[@ianjames537]

OK, since you put it to me, I checked with a computer and there don't seem to be any outright tactical refutations (although the possibility of Qf3 I suggested seems to be refuted by ...Qb6), so if there's something wrong with the idea, it must be on some sort of general strategic grounds. I look to you to explain those. :-)

[@KebuChess]

I don't mind you asking at all. I don't have a trainer or mentor. I have had some sessions in the past with a few people though!

[@KebuChess]

Here are some suggestions: If you have already managed to bring your game to a level that it was not in the past, consider what you did to raise it to its current level. Trust yourself and have fun, mainly you will need to absorb a ton of patterns in a way that has meaning to you. Repetition seems useful for anything you'd like to help yourself retain better too as it is common to make the same mistakes over and over again without it. These are some ideas, I hope this helps!

[@unbeatenpath]

crystal clear; perfect combination of concepts and detail

[@KebuChess]

Thanks so much!! Really glad you like it!

[@ezekiel763]

My go to place to get ‘the big picture view’ of a chess opening. Thank you!

[@KebuChess]

Thank you very much, this is fantastic to hear! -

[@KebuChess]

@Celestino Torres: You bet!

[@KebuChess]

Thank you for the very kind words !! I have thought of doing this but I have some questions I haven't worked out - trying to cover a game in 15 minutes could be challening! ... What is it about famous games that is appealing to you? -Dereque

[@lubime10]

Your are the best !! Thanks very much and could you please subject any famous games involving the opening related to the opening that you are showing . just to give us a practical reference to all your followers ! Thanks and do not stop your opening teaching Technics !!!

[@Joachimhuby]

Hey Dereque. I posted a question on here some months ago. If you had time to answer that would be greatly appreciated! Here it is again incase you missed it. When black plays Nf6 attacking the central pawn (move 4), what if white plays Nd2 to defend the pawn with the idea of playing c4, b3 and Bb2? Thanks again for the videos! They have taught me allot.

[@KebuChess]

Thanks for the question! If White plays an early 4.Nd2 my suspicion is that 4...Nc6 would be a strong reply as this threatens ...Nxd4 and forces White to react in a way which will not be completely in harmony with your suggested plan. If White plays 5.Bb5 in response then 5...Bd7 6.Bxc6 bxc6! looks comfortable for Black

[@KebuChess]

I appreciate the suggestion! Good luck in your games, the Sicilian can be really hairy without some knowledge, but it's inexhaustibility also makes it's very fun to study and learn new things (to me).

[@dwhamm0]

Nice commentary -- I like the videography and board notation/markings; I think the audio has too much reverb though (esp. during VO).

[@dhushy63]

Why not 6.Bd3 or 6.Nd2 then ...........he can play c4 later on

[@chessplayer7479]

Then the queen will be blocked and the knight in the center will be gonna defendless.

[@veruslupus]

attacking the king is something i enjoy greatly, id like to be better prepared to play as black against the queens pawn opening. my skill level is pretty hard to pin down, i play most of my games at the minute online at red hot pawn, and my rating is a lowly 1020 odd but this is mainly because i search out people to play who i know are better than me to help myself improve, and so i lose a fair bit, i also play the same person alot were on about 90 games played at the moment.

[@rfgust]

if I dont want to play f3 and then Be3, how to punish ...Ng4?

[@Keeesemonster]

What is e5 instead of a6 countered with or why is it suboptimal? It looks quite good to me as it gains the center and attacks the knight

[@KebuChess]

I believe this was discussed in the video?... :) Let me know! :)

[@xxchessxx1]

What is the problem with f3? Qb6 does not do much in that position for black. GM smirnov made videos about this f3 move as anti-najdorf (but it rather should be called anti-sicilian since c4 works against any line) and he covers this variation as well. Qb6 is not dangerous for white if he knows how to play, and that line is not difficult.

[@backyard282]

Dereque, why is d5 always so important for black in sicilian and why did you say that black would stand better if he could play d5??

[@theobserver9684]

Because Black is already playing with a central space disadvantage, which White can really punish. Plus, White generally castles Q-side and attacks Black's K-side in typical 'race' position strategy. So, Black would have to counterplay on the Q-side (with the open c file and the minority attack with the a and b pawns) and on the centre (with d5, hitting White's e4 point, trying to open more lines). This is just general strategy that really doesn't have to do with the fact that you're playing a Sicilian or whatever.

[@robylopez4158]

hi Dereque i like your videos :))) very much i appreciate it but one thing i'd like to learn is the scheveningen najdorf style i'd like to learn it from you after e4-c5,nf3-d6,d4-cxd4,nxd4-nf6,nc3-a6,be3-e6 so in this variation what would you think is the next best move for both sides to play? thanks a lot :)))

[@dlnfoley2498]

Great video, but I’ve been struggling for one line for so long e4 c5 Nf3 d6 Bc4. I don’t know how to react and it’s so frustrating 😩. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

[@KebuChess]

How about ...e6 and ...a6 & ...b5 at the right moment :) Seems like a good problem to have overall! Bc4 should be premature on White's part in my humble opinion :) Good luck :) :)

[@dlnfoley2498]

@@KebuChess tysm!

[@KebuChess]

@@dlnfoley2498 You bet!!! :) :)

[@KebuChess]

Glad you are finding the videos helpful :-) Thank you!

[@KebuChess]

I'm glad you are enjoying the videos. Of course - and more than a little chance! Why not? You could learn a new language, expand your knowledge of any field, gain new professional skills and knowledge: so what is forbidding about knowing more chess today than you knew yesterday?

[@KebuChess]

I agree with you that it's not contained in the video, but how does that mean I overlooked it? :-) Maybe the Bg5 line could use an entire video!

[@markkensel8542]

What happens if white plays 3. Bc5 anyway against this opening? Could player not continue with the Ruy Lopez exchange game?

[@KebuChess]

I believe you mean 3.Bb5+? This is a valid option although it is played less than 3.d4. Of course Black needn't respond 3...Nc6 - there is also 3...Bd7 or 3...Nd7

[@hiphopesq]

Thanks again, Dereque. Your videos are very helpful to understand openings.

[@MegaVardz]

Thanks Dereque! I recently started playing more seriously and your videos have really helped me. You are a really good teacher. Maybe you can do a longer video on the Najdorf and explore other variations? I would watch that :) cheers for now

[@KebuChess]

Aaron Vardi I appreciate the suggestion, glad you're finding the videos helpful :)

[@workstation3238]

You are an excellent teacher and I hope you will become a GM of all time!

[@KebuChess]

Haha, thank you so much! I hope so too! Thanks again!! :)

[@123UncleRuckus]

Thank you for your suggestions.

[@Pohaku66]

Great lesson! Very clear and informative. Awesome graphics and layout as well. What software are you using for the board inlay please?

[@XxxX-kg2pm]

i move the pawns in front of the king and queen up once each and move both my bishops in front of my king and queen do u think it is a good defense

[@erwinbal]

great videos master D...i love to play sicilian defence as black; however, I'm having trouble with players opted to play Rossolimo and Moscow variation. I'm hoping you can make an in depth videos on both...much appreciated.

[@KebuChess]

Thank you for the suggestions! Glad you are enjoying the videos :-)

[@MrLoZFanatic]

Great vids! Could you create a video or at least post a good black line for the Bowler attack? It's frustrating seeing this disrespecting of the sicilian so frequently at my rating (~1400) and there is literally nowhere I can find a good refutation after 2... e6 followed by white's Nf3 and d4.

[@KebuChess]

Dragon is on the list! Thank you for the encouraging remarks! -Dereque

[@KebuChess]

Thank you! ...I've never heard of the Bowler attack?

[@eerienest]

Hi there Dereque. I've been following your videos as I find them so easy to understand and therefore essential part of studying chess. But my question is, is there chance of progress for an adult student like me? I'm more than 35 now.

[@SuperYtc1]

Where does the black bishop go in the najdorf seeing as you block it off with d6?

[@KebuChess]

SuperYtc1 Most often ... e7 :)

[@SuperYtc1]

Dereque Kelley after e6? or e5?

[@theobserver9684]

Yep, you play e6 (or e5) and Be7. Or you play the Dragonajdorf, with g6 and Bg7.

[@KebuChess]

Thank you for the suggestions and for stopping by and leaving a comment! :-)

[@123UncleRuckus]

Impressive. What are some tips for getting that good? I would really like to reach the 2000's one day, but I don't really know how to do it. Should I join a club or something?

[@veruslupus]

Dereque, this dosnt relate to this excellent video but i was wondering if i might ask a little advice? im getting better with my kings pawn openings but im really struggling to find queens pawn openings that fit my style(aggressive lover of gambits) could you reccomend 2 or 3 openings? Thanx Mike

[@maatlabs]

Great vids Master Dereque... But I strongly believe you should explore some other areas too... e.g, 1. General Opening principles... 2. How to Improve (y)our chess... 3. It would be a dream come true if you walk us through a game played by two masters and explain the idea behind the master's moves...more importantly second and third best options...and most importantly at the critical moments of the game you should ask viewers to guess the correct move... Thanks

[@Acleron]

Thank you. As an occasional but poor player I appreciate the easy explanations you give. May there be many more lessons in your series. :-)

[@mads2701fk]

this video just helped me win a game with 92.4% accuracy! loved it!

[@ashwanivyas699]

Thanks Dereque...u r the best...i have purchased your openings on ipad also...pls include few more variations to your Ruy lopez opening...Rgds

[@KebuChess]

Thanks Ashwani!

[@60secondsguitar]

Great instructional video. You are very articulate and knowledgeable. Thanks for sharing.

[@OGC-OGC-OGC]

dereque you the best! I think there is a niche on youtube for taking this videos even a step further, and go into a specific attacking line. Your videos are the best on youtube though, everyone elses are too long and don't go into the "why" enough.

[@KebuChess]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@2kgodwannabe571]

if you want to get a better grip on d4 play the zagreb variation with g3

[@dalcop4702]

How does g3 in anyway support d4?

[@oakenguitar3]

the bishop use to represent war elephants that charged through men on the battlefield trampeling them. the rooks can be a chariots or a siege towers. The queen can be a minister or general if you don't want her to be a queen.

[@KebuChess]

You're welcome and thank you!

[@russianbear7832]

3:09 What about Bd3?

[@daydahlus]

hey dereque quick question? is there a site that you use to play quick games casually for practice? theres icc, fics, chessworld etc. just want to know what u use and why. thanks

[@Rndmsr734]

Great videos! Very clear and educational. I like your approach. Many thanks from Russia!

[@KebuChess]

+Nikolai Fomin Greetings! Thank you! :)

[@KebuChess]

Thank you also for the kind words about the video!

[@KebuChess]

Thank you for the suggestion!

[@KebuChess]

I agree, even finding a few areas to explore thoroughly was a real struggle! But that is why we love our royal game... :-) -Dereque

[@anuarora1890]

hey! i love your teaching way! can u teach us full najdrof line and c4 from white and a wanderfull video master

[@KebuChess]

Thank you!! Ideas like these would probably be better covered in apps :) And thank you, thank you, thank you! :)

[@mattcrouch9348]

Finally found it! A quick video that actually explains WHY each of the first 5 moves is played

[@KebuChess]

:-)

[@veruslupus]

i have also asked a question on your caro kann video as im having trouble working out how to get back into this game here the guy may well just be too much better than me, hes a 1400 plus

[@yasiromar5472]

LOL that's kinda funny because I've JUST seen a game of a similar variation between Garry Kasparov and Nigel Short!! :) thanks for explaining that out!

[@ianjames537]

I don't know: it looked playable to me, but you implied that the universal choice is Nc3, so I suppose I'm probably missing something.

[@torino429scj]

I love how this very viable opening defense for black disregards many tenets of chess opening theory, in that many pawn moves are made, and very little piece development is accomplished until later. There at the end of the video, only one piece of black's was off the back rank, a knight. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that it isn't solid, for it certainly is. It's just complicated.