The Reversed Najdorf: Korobov's Strategic Blueprint for the English Opening
When Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana choose to adopt reversed Sicilian ideas with White, there's a reason. GM Anton Korobov's new course on 1.c4 e5 2.d3 explores this exact transformation—taking one of the most respected and dynamic structures in chess, the Najdorf, and wielding it with an extra tempo.
The concept isn't new, but Korobov's systematic treatment offers something rare: a complete repertoire that combines strategic depth with practical punch. The system has attracted both world champions and rising stars like Arjun Erigaisi and Vincent Keymer, highlighting its credibility at the highest level.
What Makes This Course Unique
The strength of 2.d3 lies in its ambition. Unlike other English setups, this approach seizes the initiative early, mirroring the Najdorf's dynamic potential while retaining White's first-move advantage. Korobov structures the course around Black's most logical tries, providing clear plans against each setup: queenside expansion against fianchetto systems, central control against ...Bb4+ lines, and tactical awareness in sharper ...f5 formations.
The course doesn't just present moves—it clarifies the character of each position type, helping you recognize when to press for advantage and when consolidation is appropriate. Korobov brings the same rigorous approach he demonstrated in The Jaenisch Gambit for Black: Dynamic Play vs the Ruy Lopez, balancing theoretical precision with practical guidance.
Variation Map
1.c4 e5 2.d3
- 2...Bc5 and rare second-move deviations → Chapter 1
- 2...f5 (Reversed Grand Prix Attack) → Chapter 2
- 2...g6 (Closed Sicilian structure) → Chapter 3
- 2...Bb4+ 3.Nc3 Bxc3+ and deviations from 3...Nf6 → Chapter 4
- 2...Nf6 3.Nf3 Nc6 4.a3
- 3...Bb4+ 4.Nc3 (4th move alternatives) → Chapter 5
- Rare third-move alternatives → Chapter 6
- 4...g6 (closed structures) → Chapter 7
- 4...a5 (queenside control) → Chapter 8
- 4...d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.e4
- 6...Nf6 (and other knight retreats) → Chapter 9
- 6...Nb6 → Chapter 10
Course Features
- 10 Chapters
- 20 test positions
- Memory Booster
- To Go Version of every chapter
- Video instruction
- Multilingual PGN availability (English, German, French, Spanish)
Build Your Repertoire
Whether you're looking to sharpen your English opening arsenal or adopt a system that world-class players trust in critical games, Korobov's Reversed Najdorf offers a practical, theoretically sound foundation. The extra tempo transforms Sicilian dynamics into White's strategic weapon—time to put it to work in your games.