Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, English AttackBETA

A more passive move in the English attack, since e5 was possible, but certainly not bad. Black plays for a more flexible Scheveningen pawn structure, with more counterattacking chances. Sometimes this move prepares the d5 pawn break as well.

The English attack, starting after Be3, f3, Qd2, and O-O-O, leads to slower positions than the more active Bg5 Najdorf. White first plans to castle queenside before launching g4, h4, g5, h5, etc for a ferocious kingside attack. Black on the other hand gets stronger control of the center with e5, and more liberated pieces.