To avoid the Ng4 lines, you can try 6. f3 . Only problem then is 6. ... Qb6. If black doesnt play this (or the "little bit inferior" 6. ...b5) and eg 6. ...e5, you can still play 7. Nb3, 8. Be3 and have fun in the English attack.

Hello,

I am not really a Najdorf expert, but my impressions are what is more popular between e5,e6, and Ng4 against 6Be3 at top levels does not have an objective reason, but is more of a fashion thing. At club player level e5 is always the most popular, as the typical club player always wants to play e5, unless it is clearly bad.
   To reduce amout of theory to learn white could for example transpose to old Be2 lines against e5, and just play Bc1 and play a different line against Ng4.

Bye John S

Judit Polgar seems to have done the English Attack (f3, g4) one better in her amazing game against Kasimjanov in the World Championships.

She played:

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cd4 4.Nd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 6.Be3 e6 (of course you'll have to work out 6...Ng4 for yourself) 7.g4!? which seems to lose a pawn or get a terrible position.  Except that after 7...e5 8.Nf5!? g6 9.g5! gf5 10.ef5! d5 (threatening ...d4) 11.Qf3 d4 12.0-0-0 Nbd7 13.Bd4 ed4 14.Rd4 White is probably close to winning!

White has already sacrificed two pieces for three pawns for an attack on the uncastled king.  If it's as sound as it seems, this has to be a great way to play against the Najdorf/Scheveningen! (B90).

As White, you will have to prepare against ...e5 ideas and early ...b5 ideas, but they seem like small potatoes, especially if you get the rare chance to play this Romantic, Tal-esque sacrificial line!

Part of the reason this game is on my short list for Best from San Luis is that Kasimjanov defended well and entered an endgame a pawn down with a B vs N.  It was still lost, but a very tough game.  He played the most sensible moves throughout, showing the sensibility isn't enough when under a blistering attack!

Quote:

6.Be2 with O-O, Be3, f4, Qe1-Qg3 etc.

- Lost Highway