How to Play the Sicilian Scheveningen
The Sicilian Scheveningen is a flexible and sophisticated variation where Black builds a small center with pawns on d6 and e6. This 'Scheveningen formation' is the backbone of several Sicilian lines and gives Black a solid but dynamic position with plenty of counterplay options.
Move Sequence
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e6
Key Ideas
- The Scheveningen formation: Black's pawn structure on d6 and e6 creates a compact center that is hard to attack directly. It also keeps all piece options open — Black can develop both bishops flexibly and choose between ...a6, ...Nc6, or ...Nbd7 depending on White's setup.
- The Keres Attack: White's most aggressive response is the Keres Attack with g4, an immediate kingside pawn advance before completing development. It forces Black to react sharply and has led to some of the most theoretical positions in the entire Sicilian.
- English Attack similarities: Many Scheveningen games transpose into English Attack territory (Be3, f3, g4). Black's ...a6 and ...b5 counterplay on the queenside mirrors the Najdorf, making knowledge of both variations mutually reinforcing.
Questions players ask
What is the difference between the Scheveningen and Najdorf?
Both share the d6 pawn, but the Najdorf plays ...a6 on move 5 while the Scheveningen plays ...e6. The Najdorf keeps more flexibility; the Scheveningen commits to the e6 pawn earlier, creating a slightly more solid but less flexible structure.
How does Black fight the Keres Attack (g4)?
Black typically responds to g4 with ...h6 to slow the advance, or accepts the pawn sacrifice implications and plays actively. Precise play is required — White's g4 advance is very dangerous if Black passively allows it.
Who plays the Scheveningen at the top level?
Kasparov used the Scheveningen formation throughout his career, though it is seen somewhat less at the very top today due to sharp anti-Scheveningen systems like the Keres Attack. Its flexibility and soundness still make it a reliable choice for players who want dynamic play without committing to the sharpest Najdorf lines.