Sicilian Defense: Open Scheveningen Fianchetto
Sicilian Defense
Definition
The Sicilian Defense is a chess opening that begins with the moves 1. e4 c5. Black immediately contests the centre from the flank, avoiding the symmetrical pawn structure that arises after 1…e5. The ECO codes for the Sicilian span B20–B99, reflecting the opening’s enormous theoretical breadth.
Typical Move Order
After 1. e4 c5 play can branch rapidly, but a representative “starting position” of the Sicilian may arise after 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3, when Black chooses between numerous set-ups such as the Najdorf (5…a6), the Scheveningen (5…e6), or the Dragon (5…g6).
Strategic Themes
- Imbalance: From move one the Sicilian creates an asymmetrical pawn structure, increasing winning chances for both sides.
- Counter-punching: Black concedes space in the centre in order to obtain queenside majority, open c-file pressure, and dynamic piece play.
- Theoretical depth: Because of its popularity, the Sicilian is one of the most heavily analysed openings in chess literature and engines.
Historical Significance
The Sicilian was known in the 16th century (Polerio, Greco) but became mainstream after World War II when players like Miguel Najdorf, Mikhail Botvinnik, and Bobby Fischer proved its soundness at elite level. Today more than 25 % of master-level games beginning with 1. e4 feature 1…c5.
Illustrative Example
Interesting Facts
- Kasparov scored nearly 60 % with Black in the Najdorf against world-class opposition—an unprecedented achievement.
- In amateur play, the Sicilian often leads to unbalanced tactical melees, making it a favourite of club players seeking decisive results.
Open Sicilian
Definition
The term “Open Sicilian” refers to any Sicilian line in which White plays 2. Nf3 and 3. d4, exchanging the d-pawn for Black’s c-pawn: 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6/ d6/ e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4. The resulting position is the main battlefield of modern Sicilian theory, contrasted with “Closed” or “Anti-Sicilian” approaches where White avoids an early d4.
How It Is Used
The Open Sicilian maximises central space and piece activity for White, while granting Black an extra central pawn (the e-pawn) and half-open c-file counterplay. Almost every major Sicilian sub-system—Najdorf, Dragon, Sveshnikov, Scheveningen, Classical—arises from the Open Sicilian.
Strategic Nuances
- White usually attacks on the kingside or centre (f4–f5 or e4–e5 breaks).
- Black seeks queenside play (…a6, …b5, …Rc8) and pressure on c- and e-files.
- Open files lead to heavy piece activity; both sides castle quickly but not always on the same wing.
Historical Note
Bobby Fischer’s famous quote “Openings are for the books, but the Sicilian is for the brave” was directed specifically at the Open Sicilian, which he used as White and Black.
Famous Game
Fischer – Taimanov, Candidates 1971 (Game 3) featured a classic Open Sicilian Najdorf where Fischer’s piece sacrifice on f5 became an instructional model.
Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen System
Definition
The Scheveningen (ECO B80–B89) is a pawn structure within the Sicilian characterised by Black pawns on d6 and e6 without …a6 or …g6 having been played yet. A common move order is:
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e6.
Strategic Ideas
- Flexible centre: …e6 and …d6 blunt White’s e4-e5 break while keeping the f8-bishop alive.
- Minor-piece harmony: Knights often develop to d7 and c6; bishops to e7 and b7 or g7.
- Counter-attacking lever: …d5 strike in one move is the dream freeing break.
- Kingside safety: Black delays …a6, reserving the possibility of a swift …g5 pawn storm if castling opposite sides.
Historical Background
The name comes from the Scheveningen system of team tournaments (Scheveningen, Netherlands 1923) where the structure was analysed. Garry Kasparov made the variation famous in the 1980s, using it to defeat Karpov in multiple World Championship games.
Classic Example Position
Interesting Facts
- Many modern Najdorf move orders (5…a6) can transpose back to Scheveningen if Black later plays …e6 without advancing the d-pawn.
- The “English Attack” (Be3, f3, Qd2, g4, 0-0-0) became so dangerous that Scheveningen specialists often adopt hybrid setups with …a6 to blunt it.
Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen, Fianchetto Variation
Definition
The Fianchetto Variation of the Scheveningen arises after White plays an early g3, developing the bishop to g2. A canonical move order:
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e6 6. g3. (ECO B80/B81)
Purpose of 6.g3
- Control of the dark squares e4 and d5, reducing the power of Black’s potential …d5 break.
- Long-term king safety: White often castles kingside, avoiding the sharp opposite-side attacks common in Be3, f3 lines.
- Flexibility: The queenside knight can later hop to b3 or f3, and c2-c4 can clamp the centre.
Strategic Battles
Because White’s setup is slightly slower, Black must decide whether to strike immediately in the centre with …d5, expand on the queenside with …a6 …b5, or mirror the fianchetto by playing …g6 heading for a Dragon-like formation. Typical middlegames feature:
- Minor-piece manoeuvres (Nd4-b5, Bf4, Qd2) versus (Nb8-c6-e5, Bb7).
- Pawn breaks c4 or f4 for White; …d5 or …b5 for Black.
- Endgames where the g2-bishop exerts long-range pressure on the queenside.
Historical & Practical Notes
The variation was popularised by grandmasters such as Bent Larsen and Sergey Tiviakov, who prized its solidity and surprise value. In modern practice it is considered a sound but slightly less ambitious alternative to the razor-sharp English Attack.
Illustrative Game
Tiviakov – Kotlerman, European Ch. 2007, followed 6.g3 a6 7.Bg2 Qc7 8.0-0 Be7 9.f4 Nc6 10.Be3, after which White’s central control and kingside flexibility secured a positional edge.
Interesting Tidbits
- Because the move order 6.g3 sidesteps many prepared Najdorf/Scheveningen traps, it is a favoured “practical weapon” for players who wish to avoid heavy theoretical debates.
- In some databases the same line is indexed under the code B26 when Black delays …d6, illustrating how transpositional the Sicilian can be.