Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Sozin Velimirovic
Sicilian Defense
Definition
The Sicilian Defense arises after 1.e4 c5. Black immediately challenges White’s central presence from the side rather than mirroring it with …e5, creating an imbalanced pawn structure and un-symmetrical play that makes the opening one of the sharpest and most heavily analysed in chess.
Typical Move Order
1.e4 c5
Play can branch on move two, but by far the most common continuation is 2.Nf3 followed by 3.d4 (the Open Sicilian). From here, Black chooses a system such as the Najdorf, Scheveningen, Classical, Dragon, Taimanov, et al.
Strategic Ideas
- Asymmetric pawn structure gives Black counter-chances on the queenside (…b5, …b4) while White often seeks a kingside initiative.
- The half-open c-file for Black and the half-open d-file for White become key highways for heavy pieces.
- Central tension—especially the e- and d-pawns—defines middlegame plans. A timely …d5 break is a thematic equalising resource for Black.
Historical Notes
Although its modern popularity dates from the 20th century—thanks to Alapin, Najdorf, and later Fischer, Kasparov, and Anand—the Sicilian was analysed in the 16th century by Giulio Polerio and was later championed by the Sicilian master Luigi Boi, giving the opening its name.
Illustrative Mini-PGN
This is the starting position of the famous Najdorf variation, a flagship line of the Sicilian Defense.
Interesting Facts
- Over one-third of master-level games that begin 1.e4 feature the Sicilian.
- Both Deep Blue vs. Kasparov matches (1996 & 1997) showcased critical Sicilian battles.
- The ECO (Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings) dedicates an entire volume—codes B20-B99—to the Sicilian.
Open Sicilian
Definition
The term “Open Sicilian” refers to the continuation 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 (Nc3 or c3 are alternatives) and, most importantly, 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4. By exchanging the d-pawn for Black’s c-pawn, White opens the position and accepts an isolated knight on d4 in return for rapid development and central influence.
Why It Matters
- It is the gateway to the sharpest and most theoretically rich Sicilian systems—Najdorf, Dragon, Scheveningen, Sveshnikov, Classical, etc.
- Initiates asymmetrical play straight out of the opening; both sides must know copious theory.
- Preferred weapon of many attacking players (Fischer, Kasparov, Topalov) because it keeps winning chances high with either colour.
Canonical Position
After 4…g6 the Sicilian Dragon arises; had Black played 4…Nf6 5.Nc3 e6, the game might transpose to a Scheveningen.
Interesting Anecdote
When Bobby Fischer unveiled the Open Sicilian after years of 1.e4 e5 as a junior, older masters complained they suddenly needed to “learn a new language.” Fischer’s lifetime score in the Open Sicilian with White was an extraordinary 82%.
Scheveningen (Variation / Pawn Structure)
Definition
The Scheveningen is a pawn structure (…e6 & …d6) and a variation of the Sicilian that typically arises after
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e6.
Black builds a small but flexible centre, keeping the f7-pawn unadvanced and retaining options for …a6, …Nc6, …Be7, or …Qc7.
Strategic Hallmarks
- Black aims for the central break …d5, often prepared with …a6 & …Qc7.
- White’s quintessential attacking plans include f4-f5 or the English Attack (Be3, Qd2, 0-0-0, g4).
- The d6-e6 “small centre” provides resilience; if either pawn advances too early, tactical holes appear (d6 → weak d6, e6 → d5 square).
Historical Significance
Named after the 1923 Scheveningen tournament where the structure appeared frequently. It became Anatoly Karpov’s go-to weapon as Black, while Garry Kasparov refined many attacking templates against it during their world-championship duels (1984-1990).
Sample Reference Game
Karpov – Kasparov, World Championship (10), Moscow 1985.
Kasparov equalised comfortably in a Classical Scheveningen with …a6 & …b5, showing the robustness of the setup.
Fun Fact
The Scheveningen pawn duo also appears in completely different openings (e.g., the French Tarrasch) and even in reversed form in some English Opening lines, underlining that it is primarily a structure rather than a fixed move order.
Sozin Main Line
Definition
The Sozin (also called the Fischer-Sozin Attack) is an aggressive system for White against the Najdorf or Scheveningen where the bishop lands on c4:
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 (or …a6) 6.Bc4.
The “Main Line” generally refers to Black replying 6…e6 7.Bb3 and then …Be7, …0-0, often followed by …a6 and …Nbd7.
Strategic Themes
- The bishop on c4 targets f7, discouraging …e5 breaks and preparing tactics based on Nf5, Qg4, or f4-f5.
- White frequently castles long or keeps the king in the centre while flinging kingside pawns (f4, g4).
- Black fights back with …a6-b5 expanding on the queenside and aims for the vital …d5 liberating thrust.
Historical Background
Russian master Veniamin Sozin analysed the line in the 1930s, but it gained international fame when Bobby Fischer used it to demolish several top players in the 1960s (e.g., Fischer – Geller, Candidates 1962).
Illustrative Continuation
Trivia
In pre-computer days the Sozin was feared for its seemingly endless tactical complications. Modern engines have revealed many hidden resources for Black, yet the line remains a favourite “ambush” weapon because one inaccurate move can still spell disaster.
Velimirovic Attack
Definition
The Velimirovic Attack is the most violent offshoot of the Sozin, named after Serbian grandmaster Dragoljub Velimirović. After the standard Sozin moves, White ejects the queen to e2 and rapidly castles long:
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6 6.Bc4 e6 7.Be3 Be7 8.Qe2 a6 9.0-0-0.
Typical Plans
- White: Push g- and h-pawns, sack on e6/f5/h7, and exploit the open c- and d-files against the black king’s shelter.
- Black: Counter with …b5-b4 kicking the bishop, strive for …d5 or …d6-d5, and use the c-file to invade White’s queenside castle.
Signature Combinations
Classic sacrifices include Bxe6 (undermining f7), Nf5, or the famous “Greek Gift” Bxh7+. Velimirović himself was known for sacrificial masterpieces—most notably Velimirović – Rellstab, Solingen 1974, where he offered three minor pieces in succession!
Theoretical Status
While engines have shown that precise defence gives Black reasonable chances, the Velimirovic remains a dangerous practical weapon, especially in rapid and blitz formats where remembering long forcing lines is problematic.
Sample PGN Segment
Did You Know?
- Velimirović nicknamed the attack “The Perfect Storm” because both sides’ king positions come under fire simultaneously.
- Garry Kasparov used a Velimirovic-type idea (with an early Qe2 and 0-0-0) to beat Veselin Topalov in Wijk aan Zee 1999, producing what many call “the game of the century.”