Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation, Classical Variation

Before the first move

The Scheveningen Variation is a pillar of the Sicilian Defense, characterized by Black's 'small center' with pawns on d6 and e6. This flexible wall controls key central squares while preparing for a counter-punch. White's Classical approach with 6. Be2 is a solid, positional way to meet this setup, prioritizing safe development and kingside castling.

1. e4White

White opens with e4, the most ambitious and classical starting move. By occupying the center immediately, White prepares for rapid development. Black has many ways to respond, but the Sicilian Defense with c5 is the most combative choice, aiming for asymmetrical positions and winning chances for both sides.

1... c5Black · your move

Challenge the center with your c-pawn to c5. By doing this, you prevent White from easily establishing a second central pawn on d4 and create an immediate imbalance. This is the Sicilian Defense, a sharp opening where you fight for the initiative from move one.

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

2. Nf3White

White plays Nf3, the most common and logical follow-up. It prepares the 'Open Sicilian' by supporting a d4 push. While White could try the Bowdler Attack with Bc4 or the Keres Variation with Ne2, the knight move is the most direct way to challenge Black's setup and maintain 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 center and opens a path for your dark-squared bishop. You are preparing to transition into the Scheveningen or Taimanov structures, keeping your options open while limiting White's attacking prospects on the f-file later on.

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 standard break that defines the Open Sicilian. White is willing to trade a central pawn for rapid piece activity. Alternatives like the Delayed Alapin (c3) or the Kramnik Variation (c4) lead to slower, more closed games, but d4 is the most direct path to an advantage.

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 the Sicilian strategy, as you exchange a flank pawn for White's central d-pawn. This gives you a semi-open c-file for your rook and long-term central pawn superiority.

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

4. Nxd4White

White recaptures with Nxd4, centralizing the knight. This is the standard conclusion to the opening exchange. White now has a space advantage and active pieces. The Smith-Morra Gambit Deferred with c3 is a rare alternative, but taking with the knight is the most solid and respected continuation.

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 you for kingside castling. It is a standard developing move that puts immediate pressure on White's most advanced pawn.

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 principled defense of the e4 pawn. This move develops a piece and reinforces the center. While White could try the slower Bd3, the knight move is the main line and sets up the standard battle lines of the Open Sicilian.

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

5... d6Black · your move

Push your pawn to d6 to create the 'small center'. This move characterizes the Scheveningen Variation, controlling the e5 square and preventing any annoying knight jumps. It prepares your light-squared bishop for development and completes your sturdy pawn wall.

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

6. Be2White

White chooses the Classical 6. Be2. It is a quiet, positional move compared to the aggressive Keres Attack (g4) or the Sozin Attack (Bc4). White focuses on safety and development, challenging you to find a way to break through the solid white setup.

Other paths here: g3 (Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation, Fianchetto Variation) · Bb5+ (Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation, Vitolins Variation) · g4 (Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation, Keres Attack) · f4 (Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation, Matanovic Attack)

Where you stand

The position reached is the starting point of the Classical Scheveningen. Black will typically continue with a6 and Be7, preparing for a queenside expansion or a central break. White will castle kingside and look to use their space advantage to create pressure. Both sides have a wealth of plans, making this one of the most rich and deeply studied lines in chess.

• f8-e7 Develop bishop to e7 and prepare castling
• a7-a6 Prepare b5 expansion and control b5 square
• e1-g1 Castle kingside to secure the king
• c1-e3 Develop dark-squared bishop to active square
• f2-f4 Begin kingside expansion with f4 push