Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation, Keres Attack

Before the first move

The Keres Attack is one of White's most aggressive responses to the Sicilian Scheveningen. By launching an immediate kingside pawn storm, White seeks to cramp your development and hunt the f6-knight. You must decide whether to counterattack in the center or brace for a direct assault on your king.

1. e4White

White opens with e4, the most popular starting move. By occupying the center, White invites an immediate response. Black has many choices here, ranging from the symmetrical e5 to more provocative options like the French or Caro-Kann.

1... c5Black · your move

Advance your pawn to c5 to start the Sicilian Defense. This move fights for the d4-square from the flank, creating an asymmetrical struggle where you aim for counter-play on the queenside.

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

2. Nf3White

White plays Nf3, the main line of the Open Sicilian. This develops a piece and prepares d4. White could try the Bowdler Attack with Bc4 or the Keres Variation with Ne2, but the text move is the gold standard for central control.

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

Move your pawn to e6. This solidifies your control over d5 and opens a path for your dark-squared bishop. It is a key building block of the Scheveningen structure, prioritizing a flexible and resilient center.

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, the most principled way to challenge Black's setup. White could also choose the Alapin with c3 or the more positional d3, but opening the center immediately creates the most tactical tension and maximizes White's lead in development.

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. Trading your flank pawn for White's central pawn is a fundamental goal in the Sicilian, as it gives you a semi-open c-file for your rook later in the game.

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

4. Nxd4White

White recaptures with Nxd4, centralizing the knight. White could technically offer a gambit with c3, but taking back is the most common and strongest continuation, keeping the material equal and the pressure high.

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

4... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6 to attack the e4 pawn. This move forces White to defend the center and prepares you for kingside castling, while maintaining the flexibility of your central pawn duo.

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 natural defense of the e4 pawn. The alternative Bd3 is occasionally seen to keep the c-pawn free, but the knight move is the standard way to complete the development of the minor pieces.

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

5... d6Black · your move

Push your pawn to d6. This completes the classic Scheveningen pawn small-center. It controls the e5 square and prepares to develop your light-squared bishop, creating a very sturdy defensive wall.

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

6. g4White

White plays g4, the sharp Keres Attack. This move is a declaration of war on the kingside. White bypasses the quieter Classical Be2 or the Sozin Bc4 to immediately challenge your knight and gain space.

Other paths here: g3 (Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation, Fianchetto Variation) · Bb5+ (Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation, Vitolins Variation) · f4 (Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation, Matanovic Attack) · Be2 (Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation, Classical Variation)

Where you stand

The position is highly volatile. White will try to push g5 to displace the knight and follow up with h4, while Black must decide between a cautious h6 or an immediate central strike with Nc6 or a6. The battle centers on whether White's kingside space outweighs the structural weaknesses created by the early pawn thrust.

• g4-g5 Push g5 to harass the knight
• h2-h4 Support the g-pawn with h4
• b8-c6 Develop knight to challenge the center
• h7-h6 Slow down the white pawn storm
• c1-e3 Develop bishop and prepare long castle