English Attack (6.Be3)
The modern approach to the Najdorf, popularized by English players in the 1980s. White develops the bishop to e3 and prepares f3, Qd2, 0-0-0 followed by a devastating kingside attack with g4, h4, and g5.
ECO Code
B90-B94
Difficulty
Advanced
Style
Sharp/Modern
Key Players
Anand, MVL, Nepo
Main Black Responses
6...e5 - Central Break
Black immediately challenges the center, leading to sharp tactical complications.
6...e6 - Scheveningen Setup
A solid Scheveningen-type formation where Black maintains flexibility.
6...Ng4 - Immediate Challenge
Black challenges the bishop immediately, leading to sharp kingside complications.
6...Nbd7 - Development
Natural development preparing counterplay on both flanks.
Strategic Themes
- Opposite-side castling: White castles queenside to launch kingside attacks
- Pawn storm setup: g4, h4, g5 creating immediate threats
- Central control: White's f3 and e4 pawns dominate the center
- Piece coordination: All pieces work together for the kingside assault
- Tempo racing: Both sides race to create threats against enemy kings
White's Attack Sequence
White's systematic approach creates maximum pressure on Black's kingside.
Black's Defensive Resources
Black must complete development while preparing queenside counterplay.
Critical Variations
The 9...Bxb3 Exchange: Black can sacrifice the bishop pair to eliminate White's strong pieces.
The ...b5-b4 Counterplay: Black's main way to create queenside threats against White's king.
The h4-h5-h6 Attack: White's typical breakthrough on the h-file can be devastating.
Typical Attack Patterns
The g5-g6 Breakthrough
After g5, White often continues with g6, destroying Black's kingside pawn structure.
The h4-h5-h6 Storm
White's h-pawn advance creates immediate mating threats against the castled king.
The Rh3-g3 Maneuver
White often lifts the rook to the third rank for additional attacking power.
Common Tactical Motifs
White has numerous tactical weapons to break through Black's defenses.
Why Play the English Attack?
The English Attack is perfect for aggressive players who want sharp, concrete play without memorizing endless theory. It gives White excellent practical chances while being less theoretical than 6.Bg5. Popular at all levels from club to world championship play.
Black's Defensive Strategies
Queenside Counterplay
Black must create threats with ...b5-b4, ...Rc8, and pressure on White's king.
Central Control
Maintaining the e5 pawn and controlling central squares helps Black's defense.
Piece Activity
Active piece play often compensates for positional weaknesses in sharp lines.
Modern Developments
The English Attack continues to evolve with modern computer analysis and player innovations.
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The English Attack - combining concrete preparation with devastating attacking chances.
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