Bobby Fischer: Play The Najdorf Sicilian | "When Harry Met Bobby" | 6. h3
Bobby Fischer: Play The Najdorf Sicilian is a fun way to learn the "Rolls Royce" of chess openings. Fischer was not only world champion, but the player who turned the Najdorf Sicilian into the most formidable opening against 1. e4. In this series, I teach the key variations of the Najdorf by reviewing classic games by the American genius. If you enjoy this content, please follow me on Twitch and subscribe to my YouTube Channel. Thank you for your support and enjoy!
Damjanovic v. Fischer (1967): Najdorf Sicilian 6. h3
Fischer used 6. h3 with the white pieces to defeat Miguel Najdorf, so it's a trendy line that must be taken seriously. White intends to play 7. g4 and get a quick attack on the king side.
In the game, Fischer opts to play 6...g6 and go for a king side fianchetto. He doesn't mind playing a Dragon structure when white is essentially a tempo down (h2-h4 is usually played in one move). Also, Fischer is a huge proponent of the King's Indian Defense vs. 1. d4 so he feels right at home with a king side fianchetto.
White played a strategic mistake in the opening - 8. g5. Fischer is able to put the breaks on white's attack by blockading the king side with his knight. Also, white's pawn on g5 prevents him from trading off the Dragon bishop. This is not only a fearsome attacking piece, but a key king side defender for black. White's attack will get nowhere fast while this piece is still on the board.
Without counter play, white is forced to defend passively vs. Fischer's queen side attack down the c-file. He manages to trade queens and fend off checkmate, but his problems aren't over. White's aggressive play has given him critical pawn weaknesses that Fischer's exploits like an endgame maestro.
