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Sicilian Defense Variations · B80

Sicilian Scheveningen

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e6

The Sicilian Scheveningen is a solid and flexible system built around a small pawn center with ...d6 and ...e6. This was one of Garry Kasparov's favorite systems — he used it to win the 1985 World Championship match and returned to it throughout his career. It leads to rich strategic battles.

The Scheveningen pawn structure (d6 + e6) is extremely resilient. Black's bishops have excellent long-term scope and the position offers rich counterplay with ...a5 or ...b5. The English Attack (6.Be3, f3, Qd2, 0-0-0) and the Keres Attack (6.g4) are the main challenges.

Pros

• Very solid pawn structure
• Rich strategic possibilities for both sides
• Flexible — same structure can arise from many Sicilian move orders

Cons

• White's space advantage can be oppressive
• The Keres Attack (6.g4) is very sharp and requires precise knowledge

Main variations

• English Attack — 6.Be3 a6 7.f3 b5 8.Qd2
• Keres Attack — 6.g4 e5 7.Nf5
• Classical 6.Be2 — 6.Be2 Be7 7.0-0 0-0
• Fischer's 6.f4 — 6.f4 Be7 7.Be2