Sicilian Defense Open Scheveningen Classical Variation
Sicilian Defense – Open Scheveningen, Classical Variation
Definition
The Sicilian Defense, Open Scheveningen, Classical Variation is a branch of the Sicilian Defense that arises after the moves:
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e6 6. Be2
Here, Black has adopted the “Scheveningen” pawn structure (…e6 and …d6 with no early …a6 or …g6), while White chooses the “Classical” treatment with 6.Be2 (instead of the sharper 6.Be3 English Attack or 6.g4 Keres Attack). This line balances sound development and flexible pawn structures for both sides, making it a favorite among players who enjoy rich middlegame play without excessive early theory.
Typical Move Order and Key Position
After the initial six moves, the most common continuation is:
6... Be7 7. O-O O-O 8. f4 Nc6 9. Be3 Bd7
At this point both sides have completed development, and the characteristic Scheveningen structure is visible:
- Black pawns on d6 & e6 create a sturdy central wall.
- White has a broad center with pawns on e4 and f4, eyeing a potential e4–e5 break.
- Pieces are harmoniously placed for kingside, queenside, and central operations.
Strategic Themes
- Central Tension: White’s main plan is to push e4–e5 or f4–f5 to gain space, while Black aims for …d6–d5 or …e6–e5 breaks to free his position.
- Kingside vs. Queenside Play: White usually attacks on the kingside (f4–f5, g2–g4) and Black counters on the queenside with …a6, …b5, and …Rc8.
- Minor-Piece Battles: The Be2–f3 maneuver and the deployment of the Black knights to c6 & f6 often dictate whether the long dark-squared diagonal (a1–h8) will favor White or Black.
- Pawn Levers: Breaks such as g4–g5 (for White) or …b5 (for Black) are timed to coincide with piece pressure, requiring accurate calculation.
Historical Significance
The Scheveningen set-up appeared in tournament practice as early as the 1923 Scheveningen tournament in the Netherlands (hence the name). The Classical Variation gained fame in the 1980s World Championship matches:
- Anatoly Karpov vs. Garry Kasparov (1985–1990): Kasparov relied on the Scheveningen to neutralize Karpov’s 1.e4. Game 11 of the 1985 match is a textbook example.
- Safe yet Dynamic: Grandmasters such as Vassily Ivanchuk, Boris Gelfand, and more recently Fabiano Caruana have kept the line alive, valuing its balance of solidity and counter-attacking potential.
Illustrative Game
Karpov–Kasparov, World Championship (Game 11), Moscow 1985. The game illustrates the delicate balance of the Classical Scheveningen: Black equalized, but precise defense was required to avoid Karpov’s piece pressure on the kingside.
Practical Tips
- For White: Don’t rush pawn storms. Complete development first (Be3, Qe1, Kh1, Rad1) before committing to e4–e5 or f4–f5.
- For Black: Time the …d6–d5 break carefully; if White’s pieces are poised for kingside action, you may need to delay it and play …a6, …b5 first.
- The “Najdorf Transposition Trick”: Black can reach identical positions via 5…a6 6.Be2 e6, keeping the opponent guessing.
Interesting Facts
- Grandmaster Paul Keres popularized the aggressive 6.g4 against the Scheveningen, but the Classical 6.Be2 remains the theoretical backbone.
- In the human–machine matches of the 1990s, computers often preferred the Scheveningen because its pawn structure offers clear strategic plans that engines calculate well.
- The line is prized in correspondence chess: with precise preparation, Black holds excellent drawing chances, yet over-the-board it still promises winning opportunities for both sides.