Scheveningen Structure in the Sicilian Defense
Scheveningen Structure
Definition
The Scheveningen Structure is a specific pawn formation for Black in the Sicilian Defence, most often arising from the move order 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e6. The hallmark of the structure is the compact pawn chain on d6 and e6, backed by pawns on a6 and g6 (or sometimes …g7–g6 delayed or omitted). The name derives from the coastal town of Scheveningen in the Netherlands, host of a famous 1923 team tournament where the formation was analysed in depth.
Typical Pawn Placement and Piece Setup
Black’s “little centre” is formed by pawns on d6 & e6, while White usually has pawns on e4 & f4 (or f2) and a Knight on d4. The remaining pawns and pieces often adopt the following arrangement:
- Black pawns: a6, b7, c5 (exchanged early), d6, e6, f7, g7 (or g6), h7.
- Minor pieces: Knights on f6 & c6, Bishop on e7 (sometimes g7), Bishop on c5 (or b7), Queen on c7, Rooks on c8 & d8.
- White normally castles long (O-O-O) in the English Attack or short (O-O) in the Keres Attack and develops pieces toward the kingside to launch a pawn storm with g4-g5 or f4-f5.
Strategic Themes
- Flexibility – Black’s central pawns can either advance with …d6–d5 (striking in the centre) or remain as a shield in front of the king after castling short.
- Counter-attack on the dark squares – Because Black’s d6 & e6 pawns control c5 & d5, the dark-squared bishop often exerts pressure along the a7–g1 diagonal.
- Pawn breaks – The key strategic decision for Black is choosing between …d5, …b5, or …f5 to create counterplay before White’s pawn storm arrives.
- King safety vs. dynamic play – White tries to open the h-file; Black seeks queen-side play and central tension.
Historical Development
Although ideas resembling the Scheveningen appeared in the 19th century, the structure was formally codified after the 1923 Scheveningen tournament. It gained popularity when Max Euwe employed it successfully in the 1930s, and it became a mainstay of Soviet opening theory post-WWII. The system enjoyed a golden era in the 1970s-80s thanks to grandmasters such as Lev Polugaevsky, Garry Kasparov, and Victor Korchnoi. Modern computer engines still rate the structure as sound, but its sharp tactical nature requires deep preparation, particularly against the fearsome English Attack (6. Be3, 7. f3, 8. Qd2, 9. O-O-O).
Classic Examples
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Kasparov – Karpov, World Championship, Moscow 1985 (Game 16)
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Kasparov, needing a win, steered the position into a Scheveningen where he unleashed a kingside assault culminating in the famous exchange sacrifice 24.Rxd5!. -
Polugaevsky – Korchnoi, Candidates (Évian) 1977, immortalised as the “Pearl of Wijk” for its razor-sharp complications and Black’s stunning queen sacrifice.
In the critical position Black played 24…Qxg2!! and eventually won, showcasing the latent tactical resources of the Scheveningen dark squares.
Modern Usage
Today the Scheveningen commonly appears through the Najdorf move order (…a6 first) to avoid certain anti-Scheveningen lines, leading to the nickname “Najdorf-Scheveningen Hybrid.” Top practitioners include Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana, and Anish Giri, who often reach the structure via different transpositions to keep opponents guessing.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The structure inspired a team tournament system of pairings—also called the “Scheveningen System”—in which every player of one team plays every player of the other team. The naming overlap is purely coincidental but often amuses chess historians.
- Kasparov’s childhood coach, Alexander Nikitin, recounted that the young Garry spent an entire summer analysing nothing but 6.Be3 against the Scheveningen, laying the groundwork for his famed attacking style.
- While celebrated for its dynamic potential, the Scheveningen was briefly “banned” by Anatoly Karpov’s seconds during his 1990 title match preparation because they felt the lines were “too double-edged” for the reigning champion’s solid approach.
- A well-timed exchange sacrifice on c3 or d4 is so thematic for Black that commentators jokingly call it the “Scheveningen tax” one must pay to survive White’s pawn storm.