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 marvelous manoeuvres – exciting chess is all about the Najdorf!

• Video running time: 6 h 31 min (English)
• With interactive training including video feedback
• Extra: 50 Model games and full analysis of variations by GM Victor Bologan
• Including ChessBase Reader

Victor Bologan is a pupil of the top Moldovan trainer Vecheslav Chebanenko. For many years Bologan has been the number one in Moldova and has represented his country in ten Chess Olympiads. He has won over 50 international events. His greatest successes were in 2003, when he first won the Aeroflot Open and then the famous Dortmund Tournament, ahead of Kramnik and Anand. Bologan has extensive experience as a trainer and has also published five chess books and 19 ChessBase DVDs.