Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Browne Variation
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Statistics from Lichess
35,637 games: White 46.7% / Draw 4.8% / Black 48.5%
| Next move | Games | White / Draw / BlackW / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| 32,35132K | ||
| 1,0541,054 | ||
| 996996 | ||
| 450450 | ||
| 301301 | ||
| 134134 | ||
| 100100 | ||
| 9999 |
Rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, from the Lichess opening explorer, updated Oct 30, 2026
Engine evaluation
+0.41 White is slightly better
Best play: 10. O-O-O Nbd7 11. Be2 b5 12. Bxf6 Nxf6 13. e5 Bb7 14. Qg3 dxe5
Stockfish 19, depth 30, after the line's last move. Scores are in pawns, from White's side.
Overview
Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Browne Variation (ECO B98, Semi-Open Games) is a variation of the Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, reached after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Bg5 e6 7. f4 Be7 8. Qf3 h6 9. Bh4 Qc7 (9 moves).
In 35,637 rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, White won 46.7%, Black 48.5% and 4.8% were drawn. White's most played move here is 10. O-O-O, in 91% of those games.
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Cite this page
Caissa Codex. “Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Browne Variation (B98)”. Lichess data as of 30 Oct 2026. https://chesscodex.org/openings/sicilian-defense-najdorf-variation-browne-variation