The Strategic Shift: Elite Najdorf Repertoire for Black – Part 1
When Bobby Fischer declared the Najdorf "the best opening by test," he understood something fundamental: Black's most ambitious reply to 1.e4 demands not memorization, but conceptual mastery. In their latest course, GM José Martínez Alcantara and GM Pier Luigi Basso present a repertoire built on precisely this principle - shifting the battleground from sharp tactical battles to positions where strategic understanding trumps computer preparation.
Understanding Over Memory
What distinguishes this repertoire is its philosophical foundation. Rather than meeting White's aggression with the mainstream theoretical highways, the authors chart a different path. Against the critical 6.Bg5, they recommend 6...Nbd7 instead of the encyclopedic 6...e6, deliberately steering toward structures where middlegame comprehension matters more than move 20 preparation. Against the English Attack, the surprising 8...h5 takes the sting out of White's g2-g4 plans, transforming sharp tactical positions into strategic battlegrounds where the better player prevails.
This approach reflects both authors' tournament experience. Having recently released Life of a Tournament Player, Martínez Alcantara and Basso understand the practical demands facing competitive players: limited study time, the need for coherent plans across multiple systems, and positions that reward understanding rather than mechanical learning. Their repertoire addresses White's most challenging tries—6.Bg5, 6.Bc4, 6.h3, and 6.Be3—with systems that remain playable at any level while offering genuine winning chances.
Variation Map
The course systematically covers White's aggressive arsenal:
After 6.Bg5:
- 6...Nbd7 systems (Chapters 1-3)
After 6.Bc4 e6:
- 7.Bb3 Classical lines (Chapter 4)
- 7.Be3 Kramnik's approach (Chapter 5)
After 6.h3:
- Modern treatment (Chapters 6-7)
After 6.Be3 e5 7.Nb3 Be6:
- 8.f3 h5 English Attack main lines (Chapters 8-9)
- 8.Qd2 and sideline systems (Chapter 10)
- 7.Nf3 positional systems (Chapter 11)
Course Features
- 11 comprehensive chapters
- 30 test positions
- Memory Booster for key concepts
- 4 hours and 31 minutes of video instruction
- To Go Version of every chapter for rapid review
- Multilingual PGN availability (English, French, German, Spanish)
The Complete System
Elite Najdorf Repertoire for Black – Part 1 addresses White's most aggressive and theoretically critical systems: the sharp 6.Bg5, the dangerous 6.Bc4, and the popular English Attack with 6.Be3. These lines represent the main battleground where most games are decided at the highest level.
Part 2 (releasing November 11, 2025) will complete your repertoire with three essential sections:
- Classical Systems (6.Be2) – The positional foundation of White's approach, where strategic plans take precedence over tactical fireworks
- Dynamic Positional Systems (6.Bd3, 6.g3, 6.f4, 6.Rg1, 6.h4) – Modern alternatives where White seeks concrete advantages through flexible piece play
- Tricky Sidelines (6.Nb3, 6.a4, 6.a3, 6.Qd3, and rare moves) – Practical solutions to White's surprise weapons and offbeat tries
Together, both parts provide complete coverage of every significant line White can employ against the Najdorf, maintaining the same strategic philosophy: understanding over memorization, practical structures over encyclopedic theory.
Ready to Compete
Elite Najdorf Repertoire for Black – Part 1 equips you with a complete, fighting system against White's most critical tries. The ideas work. The structures are practical. The positions reward the player who understands them. Start building your Najdorf mastery today.
INTRODUCTION BY GM MARTINEZ ALCANTARA
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Introduction – ? *
B90 Elite Repertoire for Black - Part 1 [GM Martinez Alcantara]
1. e4 c5 Welcome to Najdorf for Black – Part 1, the first step of our Elite Repertoire with GM José Martinez Alcantara. This course covers all key aggressive systems after 6.Bg5, 6.Bc4, 6.h3, and 6.Be3 — practical, updated, and ready for use at any level. Each chapter includes a To Go version for quick review and training focus. 2. ♘f3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. ♘xd4 ♘f6 5. ♘c3 a6 The Najdorf Sicilian is probably Black's most ambitious opening against 1.e4. 6. ♗e3( 6. ♗g5 White's sharpest system for sure. 6… ♘bd7!? Instead of going for the mainstream 6...e6, with 6...Nbd7 we will achieve more fighting positions, where understanding matters more than memorization. - See Chapters 1-3. )
( 6. h3 This move is very hot nowadays. - see Chapters 6-7. )
( 6. ♗c4 The Sozin attack is known for its aggressive intentions. 6… e6 7. ♗b3 and all the Classical lines in Chapter 4.
6… e5 7. ♘b3
( 7. ♗e3!? Kramnik's approach in Chapter 5. )
)( 7. ♘f3 Compared to 7.Nb3, this one is a positional system. - see Chapter 11. )
7… ♗e6 the starting position of the English Attack. 8. f3
( 8. ♕d2 and other 8th move sidelines where White tries to play without f3, in Chapter 10. )
8… h5!? Our approach. With the move ...h5, we stop White's g2-g4 ideas, and we shift into a more positional game, where understanding will be the key. This position will be the topic of Chapters 8 and 9. Elite Repertoire is not about memorizing lines — it's about thinking like an elite player. Absorb the ideas, master the structures, and step into every game ready to punish hesitation. *SAMPLE CHAPTER
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Chapter 1 – 6.Bg5 Nbd7 7.f4 *
B94 Elite Repertoire for Black - Part 1 [GM Martinez Alcantara Jose]
1. e4 c5 2. ♘f3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. ♘xd4 ♘f6 5. ♘c3 a6 6. ♗g5 The most aggressive option. This move has been played since the Najdorf variation itself was created! 6… ♘bd7!? I recommend this subtle move. The main theory after 6...e6 7.f4 Qb6 I think is too big to study, and Black can hardly play for a win there. In this chapter we analyze rare lines on move seven, which are also played recently, yet still aren't that popular as 7.Qe2 and 7.Bc4. 7. f4 This move has been popular long ago, yet it lost popularity now as Black found many interesting opportunities here.( 7. ♕d2?! not a dangerous move at all, as it doesn't prevent any developing ideas. 7… h6 8. ♗e3 e6 9. f3 b5 And now White has different options, yet it's obvious Black has an absolutely fine position. 10. a3 Most serious, to prevent b4.
( 10. a4? isn't good due to 10… b4! 11. ♘a2 d5=+ Thematic reaction and Black is better. )
( 10. O-O-O Most common. 10… ♗b7 11. ♔b1 ♖c8= typical development moves are finished, Black should be alright. 12. ♕e1?!
10… ♗b7 11. O-O-O ♖c8 12. ♔b1 Logical play, but Black has: 12… d5! Typical move that solves all problems. 13. exd5 ♗xd5! = Be7-0-0 next. )( 12. a3 transposes. )
12… b4! Standard idea. 13. ♘ce2 d5↑ and Black takes over the initiative. )( 7. ♕f3?! without move f4 it's not working well, as White's queen just stays poorly here. 7… h6 Simplest, to ask a question to the bishop. 8. ♗h4 Logical.
( Other bishop moves don't bring anything either. 8. ♗e3 e5! Strong, since White doesn't have Nf5-e3. 9. ♘b3 b5 10. a3 ♗b7⇄ Black is very comfortable, with Rc8-Rxc3 ideas. )
( 8. ♗d2 is met with: 8… g6! and fianchetto the bishop next. 9. O-O-O ♗g7↑ Black is faster on the queenside. )
8… ♕c7 9. O-O-O e6∞ Be7 next and Black has no issues, for example: 10. ♕h3
( 10. ♗e2? Common mistake. 10… ♗e7! =+ Black is much faster with the counterplay. )
10… ♗e7 11. f4 b5 12. a3 ♖b8⇄ b4 comes and White has to be careful. )( 7. ♗d3?! is not posing any problems. 7… e6 8. ♕e2 ♗e7 9. ♗e3 Best, to defend against Nxe4.
( 9. O-O-O? loses a pawn. 9… ♘xe4! ∓ Thematic tactic. )
9… ♕c7 10. g4N is met with: 10… ♘e5! Concrete idea. 11. g5
( 11. ♖g1 d5! ↑ a typical idea to open the center. )
11… ♘fg4 The knights shuffle around. 12. ♗d2 ♘xd3+ 13. cxd3 ♘e5=+ with next b5 Bb7 and amazing position. )( 7. a4 pretty harmless too, Black was not aiming for immediate b5, so we can just finish development. 7… e6 8. ♗e2
( 8. ♗c4 Jobava-Le Quang, 2012. 8… ♕a5!? simplest. 9. ♕d2 h6 10. ♗h4 ♕b4! Another tempo and Black is in great shape. 11. ♗a2 ♗e7⇄ planning ...Nc5. )
( 8. a5 is met with: 8… b5! Thematic solution. 9. axb6 ♕xb6= Black is completely fine. )
8… ♗e7 9. O-O O-O Black should have little problems here. 10. a5 Most common.
( 10. f4?! premature. 10… h6 11. ♗h4 ♘c5⇄ e5 next and counterplay. )
( 10. ♕d3 Morozevich-Grischuk, 2014. 10… h6!? Useful inclusion. 11. ♗d2 ♘e5 12. ♕g3 ♘g6⇄ f4 can be met with e5!, otherwise Black is going for ...d5 next )
10… ♕c7 11. ♘b3 h6 12. ♗f4 Engine suggestion.
( 12. ♗e3 is met with: 12… b5! ⇄ Good reaction, the knight aims for c4. )
12… ♘e5⇄ and then ...Bd7, Rac8, Nc4. )( 7. ♗e3!? A trendy move, which seems strange, but White tries to exploit weak position of knight d7 and to play g4-g5. 7… ♕c7! The best, eyeing for c4 square. 8. g4 Only critical move.
( 8. a3N is a new, but harmless move. Black equalizes relatively easily after 8… g6! 9. f3 b5 10. g4 ♗b7 11. ♕d2 ♗g7⇄ Double fianchetto is the best setup for Black as now we have full control. )
( 8. a4 e6= with d5 next )
8… h6! against g5. 9. a4 The best, preventing b7-b5.
( 9. h4 is too aggressive. 9… b5N 10. a3 ♗b7 11. ♗g2 ♘e5! once again, White has to be very precise to keep up the equal game. 12. ♘d5! Best move. 12… ♘xd5 13. exd5 g6 14. a4 ♗g7!? The easiest, to play for activity. 15. axb5 ♘c4 16. ♕d3 O-O=∞ Full compensation. )
( 9. f4? is bad due to 9… e5! ∓ g4 is a weakness. )
9… ♘e5 10. h3 ♗d7! preparing Rc8, to put additional pressure on c-file. 11. f4 ♘c4 12. ♗xc4 ♕xc4 13. ♕d3 Vaishali-Tabatabaei, Tata Steel 2023. 13… ♖c8! Black gets good counterplay. 14. e5!? Interesting concrete attempt.
( 14. O-O-O If White continues logically: 14… e6 15. a5 ♕xd3 16. ♖xd3 g5! ⇄ Thematic and Black has great counterplay thanks to pair of bishops. )
14… dxe5 15. fxe5 ♕xd3 16. cxd3 ♘h7 Black is behind in development and must be a bit accurate. 17. ♔e2 White prepares Nd5. 17… g5!? N The easiest way to play, to not weaken the d6-square.
( 17… e6 Logical, but White can improve with: 18. h4! Strong move to prepare g5.
18. ♘d5 White has to go for the concrete: 18… ♗g7 19. ♘b6! Only move. 19… ♖d8 20. ♘xd7 ♖xd7 21. ♘f3 ♘f8⇄ Black has interesting counterplay. )( 18. ♖ac1?! Vaishali's reply, but not precise. 18… ♗e7↑ Black was on the comfortable side of equality and later won. )
18… ♗e7 19. g5 h5! Positional move. 20. ♘e4 ♘f8 21. ♖ac1↑ White will infiltrate with the rook on the seventh rank and it will be a bit unpleasant to face. )( 7. a3!? became popular recently, as it prevents potential b5-b4 ideas, but of course such move can't pose big problems. 7… e6 8. ♗c4 ♕a5!? The easiest. 9. ♕d2 Most common.
7… ♕c7! The most subtle place for the queen, here queen will be ready for any potential e4-e5 breaks. 8. ♕f3 The most consistent.
( 9. ♗xf6N Playable novelty, but harmless. 9… ♘xf6 10. ♕e2 g6!? Usual idea, with easy development next. 11. O-O-O ♗g7 12. f4 O-O 13. ♗b3 ♕c5⇄ with next ...b5-b4. )
9… b5! Black must act fast, to justify Qa5. 10. ♗a2 ♗b7 11. O-O-ON ♖c8 Black finished development and is ready for counterplay. 12. f3 Most natural.
( 12. ♘b3 Logical alternative. 12… ♕b6 13. ♗e3 ♕c7 14. f3 ♗e7∞ playable position, with next ...0-0 and idea Nb6-c4. White's Ba2 is a bit strange. )
12… b4! No time to waste. 13. axb4 ♕xb4 14. ♔b1 ♗e7⇄ Black keeps decent counterplay and the game is balanced, but complex and playable for both sides, for example: 15. ♖he1 happened in a recent game Malek-Iniyan, 2025. 15… ♘b6!? Most logical, to aim for Nc4.
( 15… O-O?? Thematic blunder. 16. ♘d5! +- Nice shot. 16… ♘xd5 17. exd5 ♕xd2 18. ♗xd2+- Decisive advantage. )
( 15… ♖b8 was played, but leads to unnecessary complications: 16. ♘cb5!? N Idea that you need to be aware of: 16… ♕xd2 17. ♘c7+ ♔d8 18. ♘cxe6+=∞ White will have full compensation for the piece, and OTB it can be unpleasant to play as Black. )
16. ♘de2!? Critical, it's a prophylaxis against Nc4.
( 16. ♘ce2 possible, but the endgame is fine. 16… ♕xd2 17. ♗xd2 h5!? ∞ Typical good move, to prevent g4. )
16… h6!? Professional decision.
( 16… ♘c4?! Not so precise. 17. ♗xc4 ♖xc4! against e5.
17. ♗f4 Probably best.
( 17… ♕xc4?? Blunder. 18. e5! +- Game over, b7 is not defended. )
18. ♗xf6!? White can force the structure. 18… gxf6 19. ♕d3+= Unpleasant position. )( 17. ♗xf6 Logical, but it's okay for Black. 17… ♗xf6 18. ♕xd6 ♗e7! Black has good compensation after: 19. ♕xb4 ♗xb4=∞ All pieces come into play. )
17… e5 18. ♗e3 ♖b8∞ The game is still unclear, and it's a fight for three results. )( 8. ♗d3 Harmless, and well met with: 8… h6! 9. ♗xf6
( 9. ♗h4?! allows the powerful: 9… g5! A typical break to get control over important e5-square. 10. fxg5 hxg5 11. ♗xg5 ♕b6! Double attack. 12. ♘de2 ♕xb2 13. ♖b1 ♕a3↑ Black keeps the initiative. )
9… ♘xf6 10. f5
( 10. ♕e2?! e5! =+ with a comfortable Najdorf. )
10… ♗d7= with next 0-0-0 and equal game. )( 8. ♕d2 is toothless, doesn't fight for the center. 8… e6 9. O-O-O b5 10. a3 ♗b7= Very comfortable version of the 6.Bg5 Najdorf. )
( 8. ♕e2?! is not so good here, as Black can open the center with: 8… e5! 9. ♘f5 h6 10. ♗xf6 ♘xf6 11. fxe5 dxe5= Black just enjoys pair of bishops, for example: 12. O-O-O h5!? N Nice prophylaxis, to reinforce the g4-square. 13. ♘e3 ♗e6 14. ♘ed5 ♘xd5 15. ♘xd5
8… b5!? A very rare move, which allows some complications, but Black is not risking much after that. 9. O-O-O The main try.
( 15. exd5?? ♗g4! -+ The point of h5. )
15… ♕c6 Bg4 is a threat. 16. ♕e3 O-O-O= Kb8 next and Black is on the pleasant side of equality. )( 9. e5?! allows 9… ♗b7! Intermezzo. 10. exd6 ♕b6! A strong move, which solves all problems. 11. ♕e3 e6 12. O-O-O ♗xd6=+ The pin comes to the rescue, and Black completes development. )
( 9. ♘d5 ♘xd5 10. exd5 ♗b7 11. O-O-O g6 transposes. )
9… ♗b7 10. ♘d5 The most direct.
( 10. ♗d3 has no independent value, as White should anyway open the center. 10… g6 11. ♖he1 Most logical, but it leads to the same after:
( 11. ♘d5 ♘xd5 transposes. )
11… ♗g7 12. ♘d5 ♘xd5 13. exd5 ♘f6 transposition. )( 10. g4 is direct, but not working well as Bb7 is seriously terrorizing White... 10… e6 11. ♗xf6? Most common, and it's met with:
10… ♘xd5 11. exd5 g6! Black's best try is to go for fianchetto. 12. ♗d3 Most natural.
( 11. a3 is the best, but after 11… d5! Black is in good shape. 12. exd5 b4! 13. axb4 ♗xb4 Black gets enough counterplay thanks to rapid development. 14. ♘c6 Critical. 14… ♘xd5 15. ♘xd5 ♕xc6 16. ♕b3! White's best. 16… O-O 17. ♕xb4 exd5⇄ Black gets enough counterplay thanks to weak White's king and idea Nc5-e4. )
11… b4!! N A stunning novelty, which turns the tables!
( 11… ♘xf6?! Usual reply, but not so good. 12. g5 ♘d7 13. a3+= gives White good perspectives on the kingside. )
12. ♘cb5!? Critical.
( 12. ♘ce2 Logical. 12… ♘xf6 13. ♘g3 g6=+ Black has good control of the position. )
12… axb5 13. ♘xb5 ♕b8! Accurate move, to not run under Bd4. 14. ♗h4 ♖xa2→ And Black takes over. )( 12. ♖e1?! does prevent development but is no problem as d5 now is weak. 12… ♘b6! N Immediate pressure. 13. f5 ♗xd5 14. ♕h3 and now strong 14… gxf5! Nice reaction. 15. ♘xf5 e5∞ with next ...Rg8 and great chances. )
12… ♗g7 13. ♘c6 ♘f6! Black should be able to block the diagonal. 14. ♖he1 ♗xc6! Concrete decision. 15. dxc6 d5 Black is about to win c6-pawn, but White can get some compensation for that. 16. f5!? interesting try to keep the initiative up.
( 16. ♗xf6 leads to simplifications: 16… ♗xf6 17. ♕xd5 ♕xf4+ 18. ♔b1 O-O 19. ♗e4 ♕xh2=+ Black had a great play as c-pawn is not going anywhere. 1/2 Antipov,M (2576) -Ragger,M (2696) Gjakova 2016 )
16… ♕xc6 17. h4 But Black has a typical idea: 17… ♖a7! to prepare short castle. 18. ♔b1 ♖d7 19. g4 O-O∞ The game is sharp, but Black has a pawn up which gives good chances ahead. *