ECO code: B80
Opening Name: Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation, 6.Be3
Moves: 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e6 6. Be3
Description: The Scheveningen Variation is a flexible and resilient setup for Black, characterized by the pawn structure with pawns on d6 and e6. By playing 6.Be3, White develops the dark-squared bishop to a strong central diagonal, supporting the d4 knight and preparing for a potential queenside pawn advance (like f3, Qd2, and long castling). This move is a cornerstone of White's aggressive approach, often leading to sharp attacking chances against Black's kingside.
Characteristic of 6.Be3: This move is aimed at consolidating White’s control over the center and preparing for a kingside attack, often involving moves like Qd2 and f3, supporting a potential pawn storm or piece buildup. It is a typical developing move that also lays the foundation for a strong attacking setup.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, 6.Be3 is an attacking move, signaling intentions to launch an offensive, especially on the kingside. For Black, this position requires careful defense and counterplay, often targeting White’s center and preparing counterattacks on the queenside.
Center Control: This opening strongly attacks and controls the center. White maintains a strong presence in the center with pawns and pieces, while Black aims to challenge and undermine White’s center foothold.
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: Scheveningen, 6.Be3, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #35 black