Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation, Classical Variation

Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation

Definition

The Scheveningen Variation is a flexible set-up for Black in the Sicilian Defense characterized by the “small center” pawns on d6 and e6. A typical move order is:
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e6.
After these five moves Black has avoided committing the queenside knight, keeping maximum choice while building a resilient pawn shield around the king.

Typical Move-Order Ideas

• Black delays …a6 (Najdorf) and …Nc6 (Classical), reserving both possibilities.
• White chooses between slow development (6.Be2, 6.g3) or sharp attacking plans (6.g4 Keres Attack, 6.Be3 English Attack).

Strategic Themes

• Pawn structure: d6–e6 pawns form a sturdy barrier; the half-open c-file offers counterplay.
• King safety vs. activity: Black often castles kingside quickly, then strikes with …d5 or …b5.
• Minor-piece fights: Contests over the d4- and e4-squares dominate middlegame planning.

Historical Significance

Named after the 1923 Scheveningen tournament in the Netherlands, the set-up was popularized by Dutch master Jacobus Prins. It became mainstream when Soviet stars such as Anatoly Karpov and later Garry Kasparov adopted it as a main weapon during World Championship play in the 1970-80s.

Illustrative Game

Kasparov–Karpov, World Championship (Moscow) 1985, Game 16: Kasparov used the Keres Attack (6.g4) to tear open Black’s kingside and score a critical win, showcasing both the danger and richness of the variation.

Typical Plans for Both Sides

• White
  • Launch a pawn storm with f2–f4–f5 or g2–g4–g5.
  • Occupy d5 with a knight after exchanging on c6.
  • Play for a kingside attack after opposite-side castling.
• Black
  • Break with …d5 at the right moment, equalizing space.
  • Counterstrike on the queenside with …b5 and heavy use of the c-file.
  • Trade minor pieces to blunt White’s attack, steering into favorable endgames.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Karpov famously switched from his beloved Caro-Kann to the Scheveningen to surprise Kasparov in their 1984 match.
• The line 6.g4 was initially considered unsound; after being resurrected by Paul Keres in 1962 it became one of the most feared anti-Scheveningen weapons.
• Because many Najdorf players reach the Scheveningen by delaying …a6, modern databases often label hybrid positions “Najdorf/Scheveningen.”

Sicilian Defense: Classical Variation

Definition

The Classical Variation is one of the oldest and soundest branches of the Sicilian Defense. The standard position arises after:
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 Nc6.
By developing both knights before committing the dark-squared bishop or the a-pawn, Black builds a harmonious formation aimed at rapid piece activity.

Main Continuations

1. 6.Bg5 – Richter-Rauzer Attack: leads to razor-sharp play after 6…e6.
2. 6.Bc4 – Sozin/Velimirović Attack: White pressures f7, often castling long.
3. 6.Be2 & 6.Be3 – More positional choices, sometimes transposing to Scheveningen lines with …e6.

Strategic Themes

• Piece Pressure: The open c- and d-files generate tactical possibilities involving Nc6, Qd8, and Rc8.
• Central Tension: Black keeps …e5 and …d5 breaks in reserve, choosing which pawn lever best meets White’s set-up.
• King Safety: Both sides typically castle kingside, but opposite-side castling appears in the Sozin and Rauzer, prompting mutual attacks.

Historical Notes

The Classical was championed by early Sicilian pioneers such as Louis Paulsen and later refined by world champions Mikhail Botvinnik and Bobby Fischer. Fischer’s preference for the Sozin Attack (6.Bc4) against it forced Black theoreticians to upgrade their defensive resources in the 1960s–70s.

Example Game

Fischer – Spassky, World Championship (Reykjavík) 1972, Game 13: Fischer unleashed the Sozin Attack, winning a classic kingside assault and underscoring the line’s dynamism.

Typical Plans

• White
  • Seize space with f2–f4 (Rauzer) or launch Bc4/Qh5 mating nets (Sozin).
  • Exchange on c6 to ruin Black’s pawn structure, then exploit weak d6–d5 squares.
• Black
  • Prepare …d5 to liberate the position or …e5 to clamp the center.
  • Use the semi-open c-file for counterplay against White’s queenside.
  • In the Rauzer, aim for the thematic exchange sacrifice …Rxc3 to shatter White’s center.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• The Classical was once considered so solid that Emanuel Lasker used it exclusively in his training games to sharpen tactical vision.
• Modern engines confirm that the provocative 6…g6!? – known as the Dragon Transposition – is sound, adding another layer of versatility to Black’s repertoire.
• Many Najdorf specialists reach Classical positions by first playing 5…a6 and then …Nc6, blending two major Sicilian branches.