Chess adventures with Baadur Jobava

Baadur Jobava did not do too well in the World Rapid Championship. He started as number 22 on the seeding list but finished as 71st with 8.0/15. But he played the following game, certainly a highlight of the Championship.

Well, this game is probably not the best advertisement for the Najdorf. But there are ways to play this opening better. Daniel King and Viktor Bologan show how:

Power Play 18

GM Daniel King: The Sicilian Najdorf -
a repertoire for Black

Languages: English
Delivery: Download, Post
Level: Advanced, Tournament player, Professional
€29.90
€25.13 without VAT (for Customers outside the EU)
$27.14 (without VAT)

The Najdorf Variation of the Sicilian Defence is the opening of champions. Kasparov, Anand and Bobby Fischer all made this uncompromising opening a central part of their repertoire – with success. Grandmaster Daniel King is a life-long practitioner of the Najdorf. On this DVD he explains the fundamental principles of the opening and offers a repertoire of systems for Black against all of White’s major alternatives. Whether you are new to the Najdorf or already have experience with the opening, this DVD is suitable for you. The Najdorf has a reputation for complexity, but this is undeserved. Strategy is often determined by pawn structure, and as Black’s structure is often the same in many variations of the Najdorf, this opening is actually much simpler to understand compared to others. King demonstrates that an understanding of positional principles can lead Black through this seemingly complex opening, into the middlegame and right through to the endgame. As well as up-to-date theoretical information, classic games are examined, putting theory in context and demonstrating typical strategies. Video runningtime: 6 hours.

Order Daniel King's The Sicilian Najdorf in the ChessBase Shop

The Najdorf Sicilian

GM Viktor Bologan: The complex Najdorf
A complete repertoire for Black

Languages: English
Delivery: Download, Post
Level: Tournament player, Professional
€29.90
€25.13 without VAT (for Customers outside the EU)
$27.14 (without VAT)

When choosing an opening repertoire, it is common to consider two types of variations. One is usually a solid opening, like 1...e5 against 1.e4, with plenty of strategical ideas and quiet paths of play. However, there are of course days when you want to play for a win with Black, when you want to bear down on your opponent’s position with a potentially crushing attack. The Najdorf is perfect for just such occasions – and it’s no coincidence that Garry Kasparov played it the most out of all the variations in the Sicilian – the opening served him well throughout his brilliant career. I myself have played it with both colours, but even I discover more to its endless depths every day! Strategy, combinations, attack and defence, sacrifices and marvellous manoeuvres – exciting chess is all about the Najdorf! Video running time: 6 hours 31 min.

Order Viktor Bologan's The complex Najdorf in the ChessBase Shop

Living Life the Jobi Way - Sagar Shah interviews Baadur Jobava (2/2)

(jf)