Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation

Before the first move

The Scheveningen is a solid, flexible backbone of the Sicilian Defense. By placing pawns on d6 and e6, you create a 'small center' that blunts White's pieces while preparing a later counterattack. It is a battle of White's space and attacking potential against Black's resilient structure and long-term central control.

1. e4White

White plays e4, the most common opening move. By occupying the center, White invites a direct response. You have many ways to answer: the symmetrical e5 is classic, but the Sicilian Defense with c5 is the most ambitious try for a win with the black pieces.

1... c5Black · your move

Move your pawn to c5 to start the Sicilian Defense. You are fighting for the d4-square from the flank, creating an asymmetrical position where you'll eventually trade a side pawn for White's central d-pawn to gain a long-term central advantage.

Other paths here: f6 (Barnes Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense) · h6 (Carr Defense) · f5 (Duras Gambit)

2. Nf3White

White plays Nf3, preparing the Open Sicilian. While White could try the Bowdler Attack with Bc4 or the Keres Variation with Ne2, this knight move is the gold standard for maintaining central pressure and facilitating rapid development of the kingside.

Other paths here: Qg4 (Sicilian Defense: Amazon Attack) · Bc4 (Sicilian Defense: Bowdler Attack) · Nh3 (Sicilian Defense: Brick Variation) · g4 (Sicilian Defense: Grob Variation)

2... e6Black · your move

Push your pawn to e6. This move reinforces your control over d5 and prepares to develop your dark-squared bishop. It is a flexible choice that keeps White guessing whether you will enter the Taimanov, Kan, or Scheveningen variations.

Other paths here: f5 (Sicilian Defense: Brussels Gambit) · h6 (Sicilian Defense: Bücker Variation) · g6 (Sicilian Defense: Hyperaccelerated Dragon) · e5 (Sicilian Defense: Jalalabad Variation)

3. d4White

White plays d4, initiating the central break. Alternatives like the Delayed Alapin with c3 or the Kramnik Variation with c4 lead to slower, more positional struggles, but this main line leads directly into the heart of the Sicilian's tactical complexity.

Other paths here: c3 (Sicilian Defense: Delayed Alapin Variation, with e6) · b3 (Sicilian Defense: French Variation, Westerinen Attack) · c4 (Sicilian Defense: Kramnik Variation) · b4 (Sicilian Defense: Wing Gambit Deferred)

3... cxd4Black · your move

Capture the pawn on d4. This trade is essential to the Sicilian strategy; you give up a wing pawn to remove White's central d-pawn, which gives you a pawn majority in the center for the endgame and an open c-file for your rook.

Other paths here: a6 (Sicilian Defense: Drazic Variation) · d5 (Sicilian Defense: Marshall Counterattack)

4. Nxd4White

White recaptures with Nxd4, placing a strong piece in the middle of the board. White occasionally tries the Smith-Morra Gambit style with c3, but the knight recapture is the most principled way to maintain an advantage in space and activity.

Other paths here: c3 (Sicilian Defense: Smith-Morra Gambit Deferred)

4... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6, attacking the e4 pawn. This forced move makes White defend the center and allows you to continue your development. It is a standard way to put immediate pressure on White's setup while preparing to castle.

Other paths here: Qb6 (Sicilian Defense: Kveinis Variation) · Bc5 (Sicilian Defense: Paulsen-Basman Defense) · d6 (Sicilian: Open, 2...e6, 4.Nxd4 d6) · a6 (Sicilian Defense: Kan Variation)

5. Nc3White

White plays Nc3, the most solid defense for the e4 pawn. While Bd3 is a playable alternative, it blocks the queen's view of the d-file. By developing the knight, White maintains a flexible and aggressive stance against your upcoming setup.

Other paths here: Bd3 (Sicilian: Open, 2...e6, 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Bd3)

5... d6Black · your move

Move your pawn to d6 to complete the Scheveningen 'small center'. This move controls e5 and c5, and it prepares to develop your light-squared bishop. You have created a very resilient structure that is difficult for White to break through.

Other paths here: Nc6 (Sicilian Defense: Four Knights Variation) · Qb6 (Sicilian Defense: Gaw-Paw Variation) · Bb4 (Sicilian Defense: Pin Variation)

Where you stand

The Scheveningen structure is now complete. White will likely launch a kingside attack, often starting with g4 or Be2 followed by f4. Black's plan involves finishing development with Be7 and O-O, then seeking counterplay on the queenside using the c-file and the a6-b5 pawn push. The game remains balanced but highly tactical.

• f8-e7 Develop bishop to e7 before castling
• c1-e3 Develop bishop to e3 to support center
• a8-c8 Place rook on c-file for counterplay
• g2-g4 Launch kingside pawn storm with g4
• a7-a6 Prepare b5 break with a6 pawn