Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation, Matanovic Attack

Before the first move

The Scheveningen Variation is a hallmark of the Sicilian Defense, characterized by Black's small center with pawns on d6 and e6. White's f4 advance, known as the Matanovic Attack, signals an aggressive, space-gaining strategy aimed at a kingside assault. You must balance solid development with timely counter-strikes in the center.

1. e4White

White opens with e4, the most common and ambitious way to start a game. By occupying the center, White challenges you to respond immediately. While many defenses like the French or Caro-Kann are possible, the Sicilian Defense remains the most combative choice.

1... c5Black · your move

Move your pawn to c5 to enter the Sicilian Defense. By attacking the d4-square from the flank, you create an asymmetrical position where you fight for the center without immediately mirroring White's e4 pawn. This sets the stage for a complex, strategic battle.

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 move prepares the d4 push to open the center. White could try the Bowdler Attack with Bc4 or the Keres Variation with Ne2, but the knight move is the most principled way to maintain pressure.

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 of the d5-square and prepares to develop your dark-squared bishop. It is a solid, flexible choice that often leads to the Taimanov, Kan, or Scheveningen structures depending on White's next moves.

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 defining move of the Open Sicilian. White is willing to trade a central pawn for rapid development and space. Alternatives like the Alapin with c3 or the Kramnik Variation with c4 lead to much slower, more positional struggles.

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 with your c-pawn. This trade is essential to remove White's central presence and open the c-file for your future counterplay. It transforms the pawn structure and defines the central tension for the rest of the opening.

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

4. Nxd4White

White recaptures with Nxd4, centralizing the knight. White could have tried the Smith-Morra Gambit style with c3, but taking back with the knight is the most ambitious way to maintain a spatial advantage and keep the pressure on your position.

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

4... Nf6Black · your move

Develop your knight to f6, attacking the e4 pawn. This move forces White to defend the center and prepares for your kingside development. It is a dual-purpose move that combines defense with active piece play.

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, defending e4 and preparing to castle. A common alternative is Bd3, which protects the pawn but blocks the d-file. By choosing the knight move, White keeps the position fluid and prepares for the most aggressive setups.

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

5... d6Black · your move

Move your pawn to d6 to establish the Scheveningen small center. This pawn wall on d6 and e6 is incredibly resilient, controlling key central squares and preventing White's pieces from easily penetrating your position. It sets the stage for a counter-attack.

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

6. f4White

White plays f4, the Matanovic Attack. This is more aggressive than the Classical Be2 or the Fianchetto with g3. White is preparing a kingside storm, and you must decide whether to expand with a6 or challenge the center immediately with Nc6.

Other paths here: g3 (Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation, Fianchetto Variation) · Bb5+ (Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation, Vitolins Variation) · g4 (Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation, Keres Attack) · Be2 (Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation, Classical Variation)

Where you stand

The position is sharp and double-edged. White will look to launch a kingside attack using the f4 pawn as a spearhead, often following up with Be2 and g4. Black's plan involves typical Sicilian counterplay: expanding on the queenside with a6 and b5, and pressuring the center through the c-file and the d5 break.

• a7-a6 Prepare queenside expansion and control b5
• f4-f5 Push f5 to cramp Black's kingside
• f1-e2 Develop bishop and prepare to castle
• b8-c6 Challenge the central knight on d4
• c1-e3 Develop the dark-squared bishop centrally