Play the Reversed Najdorf – 1.c4 e5 2.a3 GM Baadur Jobava March 16, 2025 + PGN

Play the Reversed Najdorf – 1.c4 e5 2.a3

GM Baadur Jobava and IM Dragos Ceres

After the highly successful Play the Najdorf – Top-Level Repertoire for Black and Beat the Anti-Sicilians – Practical Repertoire for the Najdorf Players, GM Baadur Jobava and IM Dragos Ceres return with an innovative twist—the Reversed Najdorf!

This course introduces a powerful and underexplored system where White plays the Najdorf Sicilian with an extra tempo. After 1.c4 e5 2.a3, White immediately takes Black out of theory and into unfamiliar territory. Despite being a rare choice, this system is based on deep strategic and positional understanding, making it a fantastic practical weapon.

Why Play the Reversed Najdorf?

✔️ Take your opponent out of preparation – The move 2.a3!? has been played in less than 2,000 games, compared to over 225,000 for 1.c4 e5. Your opponents will likely be unfamiliar with the plans.
✔️ Retain Najdorf structures – Najdorf players will feel at home, navigating familiar pawn structures but from the White side.
✔️ More than just a trick – This setup has serious strategic depth, allowing White to dictate the pace of the game while maintaining excellent flexibility.

Key Highlights from the Course

♟️ Familiar Najdorf ideas with an extra move – The early a2-a3 prevents …Bb4-based setups, giving White additional control over the position.
♟️ Multiple transpositional possibilities – Depending on Black’s response, White can steer the game into Open Sicilian, Closed English, or even Alapin-like structures.
♟️ A flexible repertoire that fits many styles – Whether you enjoy dynamic attacking play or strategic maneuvering, this course provides options for both aggressive and solid play.

What’s Inside?

✅ 11 Theoretical Chapters – Covering all Black’s main responses and sidelines.
✅ 20 Interactive Test Positions – Train your understanding of typical ideas.
✅ Memory Booster – Reinforce key plans for easier recall.
✅ Full Video Version – Featuring in-depth discussions between GM Baadur Jobava and IM Dragos Ceres, breaking down critical positions in an engaging format.

For years, countless players have used the Najdorf Sicilian as a lethal weapon for Black. Now, it’s time to flip the board and use the same strategies—this time with an extra move!