"The Old Way is Always Best!"(Author Unknown).  If Chess Genius Bobby Fischer saw merits in playing the "Poisoned Pawn" Variation of the Najdorf Sicilian Defense as Black, maybe we should give this line a little more respect and a closer look ourselves(click on the link below to read a Chess.com Article entitled: "An Offbeat line in the Sicilian Najdorf")!  This blogger is fairly certain that Bobby must have devoted plenty of private analysis time to this variation & the many lines of play that come out of it before he ever played it against a live opponent.  If Bobby saw this variation as a viable line to play in competition, why should we shy away from it - because of the "statistics"?!  Bobby didn't employ this line to obtain a draw either!  His mindset was always to go for the win in every kind of position!  So it remains clear that he saw winning potential in this line of play over-the-board!  This variation is actually another rogue tactic & strategy and it is not for whimps, but for clear minded creative thinkers who are looking for and love a really strong challenge and are not affraid to take some chances in a dangerous(not really too dangerous, or deadly either) and tricky(yes, it can be slippery at times depending on your opponent) line of defense to experience true high adventure, excitement, and even fun in over-the-board game play.  A closer examination reveals the unusual mix of positions that become possible by taking the "Poisoned Pawn".  Of course, the moves that follow and time alone will prove if taking the pawn actually has any real tactical, strategic, as well as material value and advantage for the player with the Black Pieces!  Being able to capitalize on the material advantage in taking the "Poisoned" Queen Knight Pawn takes both time and precise play by Black to prove in the game - even if Black must undergo a torturous defense first!  See the diagram below for details:

There's more to come on this unusual and fascinating variation of the Najdorf Sicilian Defense!  I will be updating this blog from time to time in the future.  The above diagram only shows one possible line.  There are many other move possibilities as well!  Click on one the following link(s) for more information:   www.chess.com/opening/eco/B97_Sicilian_Defense_Najdorf_Variation_Poisoned_Pawn_Variation and:  www.chess.com/explorer/index.html?id=20374&ply=14 and also:    blog.chess.com/Dozy/poisoned-pawns-and-tern-based-chess2 and here's another:  www.chess.com/games/view.html?id=129963  there's so much more: www.chess.com/article/view/an-offbeat-line-in-sicilian-najdorf & it goes on & on!  Check out the other search info right here on Chess.com!  Just search for "Poisoned Pawn" and see what comes up!  Here's the basic main line again:

There are other openings - like the French Defense(Winawer Variation) which also have a "Poisoned Pawn" line or variation, too! Check this following link:  www.chess.com/opening/eco/C18_French_Defense_Winawer_Variation_Poisoned_Pawn_Variation Are there any "Poisoned Pawn" takers out there?!  If so, I'd enjoy hearing from you!  This blogger is not convinced that the Najdorf Sicilian "Poisoned Pawn" Variation is no longer worth playing!  Don't tell me that Bobby Fischer was the one & only "Champion" of this unusual & fascinating line of play?!  This variation only needs the right person to take it up again as it's Champion & you will see more interesting & unusual game play!  I will continue to update this blog post entry as more information becomes available.  That's all for now chess fans!  Happy Hunting!  -  ChessPaladin2009