ECO code: B80
Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation
The Scheveningen Variation arises after the moves: 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 d6. This setup is characterized by Black’s flexible and solid pawn structure with pawns on e6 and d6, aiming to control the central squares without committing too early. The move ...d6 supports the knight on f6 and prepares for potential ...a6 and ...Qc7, maintaining a strong presence in the center and preparing counterplay.
Characteristic: The key feature of the Scheveningen is Black’s compact and resilient pawn formation, which offers a solid defense while keeping options open for both defensive and counterattacking plans.
Playing Style: From Black’s perspective, this variation is both defensive and counterattacking. Black waits patiently, reinforcing the center and aiming to challenge White’s central control later on, often striking back with ...d5 or queenside activity. White, meanwhile, tries to launch an aggressive attack, typically focusing on rapid development and controlling the center.
Center Control: Both sides contest the center actively. White occupies the center early with pawns and knights, while Black supports the center with pawns on d6 and e6 and knights, preparing to challenge White’s dominance in the center at the right moment.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 10 - Move #7 black