Openings Guide / Sicilian Defense Variations
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.
| Variation | Moves |
|---|---|
| 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 |