Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation

Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation

Definition

The Scheveningen Variation is a flexible system within the Sicilian Defense characterized by Black placing pawns on d6 and e6 without committing the kingside knight’s pawn to …g6 or the queenside pawn to …a6. The typical starting position arises after the moves 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e6, though the exact order can vary. The resulting pawn structure (often called the “little center”) gives Black a compact yet resilient setup and leaves options open for piece play on both wings.

How It Is Used in Chess

The Scheveningen serves as a middle ground between the sharp Najdorf and the solid Classical Sicilian lines. By delaying or omitting …a6 and …g6, Black keeps maximum flexibility to react to White’s plan—whether that be a kingside pawn storm (the Keres Attack), an English Attack–style setup with Be3, f3, and g4, or more positional approaches such as 6. Be2 and 7. 0-0.

Typical Move Order & Transpositions

The canonical sequence is:

• 1. e4 c5
• 2. Nf3 d6
• 3. d4 cxd4
• 4. Nxd4 Nf6
• 5. Nc3 e6

However, the same structure can arise from:

• Najdorf move orders (…a6 first, then …e6 and …d6)
• Classical Sicilian orders (…Nc6, …e6, then …d6)
• The Paulsen/Taimanov (…e6, …Nc6, later …d6)

Flexible move orders allow players to sidestep certain theoretical lines or reach favored variations.

Strategic Themes

• Pawn Structure: Black’s d6 & e6 pawns form a sturdy barrier controlling central dark squares (d5, f5). White often tries to break with e4–e5 or f2–f4–f5.
• d4–d5 Break: White can strive for d4–d5 in some lines, gaining space and displacing Black’s pieces.
• Minor-Piece Battles: The placement of Black’s light-squared bishop—often on e7, sometimes b4 or c5—affects every plan. Black’s knight usually heads to c6 or d7 depending on pawn breaks.
• King Safety vs. Initiative: Because Black castles kingside behind only two pawns (f7 and g7 remaining unmoved), well-timed attacks with g4, h4-h5, and sacrifices on e6 are common weapons for White.

Typical Plans for White

1. Keres Attack: 6. g4 quickly storms the kingside, trying to drive away the f6-knight and open files (an approach popularized by Paul Keres in the 1950s).
2. English Attack–Style: 6. Be3, f3, Qd2, 0-0-0 with a pawn storm (g4-g5, h4) against Black’s king.
3. Classical Development: 6. Be2 and 7. 0-0, aiming for piece pressure on the d6 pawn and the d5 break.

Typical Plans for Black

1. Counter-Thrust …d5: Black’s dream is to timely achieve …d5, freeing the position and activating pieces.
2. Minor-Piece Pressure: …Bb4 or …Bc5 pins and pressure on e4. Sometimes …b5 expands on the queenside first.
3. Kingside Flexibility: Delaying …g6 keeps the g7-square free for rook lifts (Rg8) or bishop fianchetto later depending on White’s setup.

Illustrative Example

A backbone “tabiya” (starting point) of Scheveningen theory:

Historical Significance

The name “Scheveningen” originates from an international tournament held in Scheveningen, a district of The Hague, Netherlands, in 1923. Dutch master Arnold van den Hoek first employed the setup, but the line truly gained prominence when Max Euwe used it to great effect in the 1930s. In the 1970s–80s, Garry Kasparov made the Scheveningen (sometimes via a Najdorf move order) a centerpiece of his black repertoire, energizing the variation with modern ideas and precise theory.

Famous Games

• Kasparov – Andersson, Niksic 1983: A model display of Black’s …d5 break after timely preparation.
• Karpov – Kasparov, World Championship 1985 (Game 16): Kasparov equalizes from a Scheveningen and goes on to win, swinging the match momentum.
• Ivanchuk – Short, Linares 1991: White’s Keres Attack shows both the danger and resourcefulness of Black’s defense.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Because the structure is so flexible, many databases tag “Scheveningen” games even if they started as Najdorf or Classical Sicilians. Kasparov wryly called it a “state of mind” rather than an opening.
• The English grandmaster John Nunn once recommended the Scheveningen to players who like “keeping all doors unlocked but not yet open,” emphasizing how Black can choose the moment to counter.
• Modern engines confirm that the Scheveningen remains practically sound, but they often suggest razor-sharp sidelines with early g4 or h4 that keep theory continuously evolving.

Summary

The Sicilian Scheveningen is a strategically rich and dynamically balanced variation that rewards deep understanding of pawn structures and timing. Whether chosen via direct move order or reached by transposition, it offers Black a fighting yet resilient answer to 1. e4 and gifts both sides ample room for creative play.