The Sicilian Defence: Challenge the Centre from the Side
Learn the Najdorf setup and the Magnus Smith trap in the Sozin Variation.
Step 1 of 14
Remember the skewer idea from Chess Skewers: Attack a Valuable Piece in a Line? The Sicilian starts 1.e4 c5, challenging d4 from the side. In the Najdorf, Black uses ...a6 to control b5 and prepare play on the queenside.
Enter / Space action · H hint · ← / → demo · Esc close
Read the lesson text
Remember the skewer idea from Chess Skewers: Attack a Valuable Piece in a Line? The Sicilian starts 1.e4 c5, challenging d4 from the side. In the Najdorf, Black uses ...a6 to control b5 and prepare play on the queenside.
The Magnus Smith trap warns Black not to capture on e5 when it opens a check and a queen attack. Check the forcing replies before taking the pawn.