Scheveningen Setup

Scheveningen Setup

Definition

The Scheveningen Setup is a pawn structure for Black that most commonly arises from the Sicilian Defence after the moves 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e6. Its defining feature is the “little centre” of black pawns on d6 and e6, which flexibly control the central dark squares (d5 and f5) without over-extending. Although often reached via the Najdorf move-order (…a6 inserted), any opening that gives Black pawns on d6 & e6 with an open c-file and an uncommitted kingside can transpose into a Scheveningen.

How it is Used in Chess

• Flexible Defence: Black keeps options open—…d6–d5 to strike in the centre, …e6–e5 to seize space, or queenside expansion with …a6/…b5.
• Piece Placement: Typical piece set-up is …Nc6, …Qc7, …Be7, …O-O, and sometimes …Rd8 or …Bd7, with rooks on c8/d8 after …Rc8 aiming at the half-open c-file.
• Counter-attacking Potential: Once White commits to f2–f4 or g2–g4 (Keres, English or Pseudo-Yugoslav Attacks), Black counter-punches with …b5, …d5 or breaks on the light squares (…e5, …f5).
• Transpositional Hub: It can morph into related Sicilian systems—Najdorf (…a6), Taimanov (…Nc6), or even the Paulsen (…a6 & …Qc7) depending on move-order.

Strategic Themes

1. Control of d5. Black’s entire structure is geared toward neutralising a white knight landing on d5 while preparing …d6–d5.
2. Pawn Breaks.
   • …d6–d5: central equaliser and typical timing resource.
   • …b5: queenside space, often prepared by …a6.
   • …e6–e5 or …f7–f5: sharp counter on the kingside/light squares.
3. King Safety vs. Activity. Black castles early but must watch the dark squares around the king; White’s attacks with Be3, Qd2, 0-0-0 and g2–g4 can be swift.
4. Minor-Piece Battle. The e6-pawn limits Black’s light-square bishop, so timely …b6/…Bb7 or …g6/…Bg7 schemes appear.

Historical Background

Named after the 1923 International Tournament in Scheveningen, a coastal district of The Hague, where several Dutch masters (most notably Max Euwe) employed the structure with success. The set-up became a mainstay of Soviet theory in the mid-20th century and reached its peak popularity in the 1980-90s thanks to Garry Kasparov, who repeatedly chose it—even in World Championship matches—despite the fashion for the Najdorf.

Illustrative Game

Kasparov – Karpov, World Championship (Game 16), Moscow 1985. Kasparov, needing a win with Black, uncorked the Scheveningen and equalised comfortably before unleashing a …d5 break that carried the day.

Even though the full game is long, the critical phase shows the thematic …d6–d5 break on move 23, immediately liberating Black’s position.

Typical White Attacks

• Keres Attack: 6. g4!? launched by Paul Keres in 1943. A direct kingside pawn storm.
• English Attack: 6. Be3 Qc7 7. f3 and 0-0-0, popularised in the 1990s.
• Classical Scheveningen: 6. Be2 and calm development, exploiting a possible hole on d5.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Bobby Fischer feared the Scheveningen structure when facing the Najdorf; his famous 6. Bf1!? against Geller (Curacao Candidates 1962) was designed to sidestep it.
• The setup inspired its own round-robin scoring system: in 1923 the Scheveningen event used the “Scheveningen system” where two teams play each opponent from the other team—a format still employed in modern team events.
• In modern engines’ era, the structure remains fully playable; Stockfish evaluates the starting position after 5…e6 as approximately equal (≈ 0.20), testifying to its soundness at every level.

Practical Tips

1. Keep an eye on d5—never allow a white knight to anchor there uncontested.
2. Time the pawn breaks; premature …d5 or …b5 can leave weaknesses, while waiting too long hands White the initiative.
3. When under a Keres or English pawn storm, remember the counter-punch philosophy: create threats on the queenside and centre instead of pure defence.

Further Study

Classic references include “The Sicilian Scheveningen” by Jan Pinski and the Kasparov anthology “Revolution in the 70s.” Watching Kasparov’s black games from the 1985–1995 cycles reveals the evolution of Scheveningen ideas in practice.