Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation

The Scheveningen Variation of the Sicilian Defense is a line of the Open Sicilian in which Black sets up a "small centre" with pawns on d6 and e6. On this page it is reached by 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 d6; the same position also arises after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e6, and there are many other move orders.

Origins

The variation first came to international attention at the 1923 tournament in Scheveningen, near The Hague, where several players used it, among them Max Euwe against Géza Maróczy. The line became popular in the 1920s, and Garry Kasparov is among the grandmasters who have advocated it.

The idea

The modest pawn centre gives Black a solid defensive barrier and control of the d5- and e5-squares, and keeps the option of breaking in the centre later with ...e5 or ...d5. Black can develop quickly, and the opening offers sound chances and considerable scope for creativity.

Main lines

• 6.g4, the Keres Attack, named after Paul Keres, is considered the most dangerous of White's attacking schemes. It uses the fact that ...e6 has cut off Black's light-squared bishop from g4, and aims to drive away the f6-knight, Black's only developed piece. Black usually replies 6...h6, and 7.h4 is the strongest and most popular answer.
• 6.Be2 is the Classical Variation, also called the Maroczy Variation, a methodical approach used to great effect by Anatoly Karpov. Its main line runs 6...a6 7.O-O Be7 8.Be3 O-O 9.f4 Qc7 10.a4 Nc6 11.Kh1 Re8 12.Bf3: White builds up a kingside attack, while Black looks for play on the queenside along the half-open c-file or strikes in the centre.
• 6.Be3 followed by f3, g4 and long castling is the English Attack, modelled on the Yugoslav Attack against the Dragon; a very sharp game is often the result.
• 6.Bc4, the Sozin Attack, puts pressure directly on d5.
• 6.f4 is the Matanovic Attack in this database. In one of its main lines, 6...Nc6 7.Be3 Be7 8.Qf3 (the Tal Variation), White prepares to castle queenside with the rook on the half-open d-file.

Move orders

Because the Keres Attack puts Black in a rather defensive position, many players who want the Scheveningen start with the Najdorf move order, 5...a6, and play ...e6 a move later. That order delays g4 by one move but allows White other options, such as 6.Bg5. In the 1984 World Championship match Kasparov had difficulties in the opening in game one; after that he never allowed the Keres Attack and finally switched to the Najdorf move order.

Strengths and weaknesses

Strengths

• A compact centre with control of d5 and e5, and the option of ...e5 or ...d5 later.
• Quick development and a lot of scope for creativity.

Weaknesses

• The Keres Attack puts Black in a rather defensive and potentially dangerous position.
• The theory of the Classical lines is very highly developed.

Who should play it

The Scheveningen suits Black players who want a flexible Sicilian with a solid centre and are ready to meet sharp kingside attacks such as the Keres and English Attacks.

The numbers

In 1,737,051 rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 and 2500, White won 47.4%, Black 47.7%, and 4.8% were drawn. Below 1800 Black wins more often: 49.6% against 46.7% for White under 1400, and 49.6% against 46.3% at 1400–1799. At 1800–2199 the figures are 47.5% for White and 47.8% for Black, and from 2200 up White leads, 49.0% against 44.7%. In about 15,000 master games White won 37.2%, Black 27.6%, and 35.2% were drawn.