The Najdorf Poisoned Pawn is lesson 5 of 10 in Brilliant sacrifices 4: Sicilian and French fire, an opening course suited to players rated around 1800 (strong club players). Sicilian Najdorf, Poisoned Pawn Variation, B97. White gives the b2 pawn and chases the queen. It has 3 interactive exercises: 3 find-the-move puzzles. You play every move on a board and get feedback straight away. The lesson is free.
What this lesson explains
This is the Najdorf with Bg5 and f4. Black's queen on b6 hits b2 and the knight on d4. White guards the knight and gives up b2. Fischer and Spassky played this line in their 1972 world title match. About 175,000 rated games on Lichess have reached this position.
Qd2! The queen guards the knight on d4 and leaves b2. If Qxb2, Rb1 chases the queen.
After Qxb2 and Rb1, the queen goes to a3. Then f5 breaks open the centre against Black's king. White is a pawn down, with a big lead in development. The engines call it equal, and the play is very sharp.
Recap.
In the Najdorf, Qb6 hits b2 and d4.
Qd2 guards d4 and gives b2.
After Qxb2, Rb1 and Qa3 follow.
f5 then opens lines in the centre.
What you practise
First play the line. You are White: play the moves of the Najdorf Sicilian, up to the moment of the sacrifice.
Your turn: find the sacrifice. Black's queen hits b2 and your knight on d4. Guard the knight, and let b2 go.
Black does not take on b2. Black develops with Nc6 and hits your knight on d4. Move it with a threat.
Worked examples
First play the line. You are White: play the moves of the Najdorf Sicilian, up to the moment of the sacrifice. Good. Black answers Qb6. Now the position is ready for the sacrifice.
Your turn: find the sacrifice. Black's queen hits b2 and your knight on d4. Guard the knight, and let b2 go. That is the Poisoned Pawn. Black's queen goes hunting on the queen side while White attacks in the centre.
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