Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Matanovic Attack

Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation, Matanovic Attack

Definition

The Matanovic Attack is a sharp, aggressive line against the Scheveningen set-up of the Sicilian Defense. It arises after the moves:

1. e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e6 6.g4!?

White immediately launches the g-pawn in order to accelerate a kingside pawn storm, often following with g5 to chase Black’s knight from f6 and seize space. The line is named after the Yugoslav grandmaster Aleksandar Matanović, who popularized 6.g4 in the 1950s—well before the splashy Keres Attack (6.g4 against the Najdorf) became fashionable.

Typical Move Order

Core sequence leading to the tabiya:

• 1.e4 c5
• 2.Nf3 d6
• 3.d4 cxd4
• 4.Nxd4 Nf6
• 5.Nc3 e6 (defining the Scheveningen “small center” …e6/…d6)
• 6.g4!? (the Matanovic pawn thrust)

From here the most common replies are:

• 6…h6 trying to slow down g4-g5
• 6…Nc6 developing and eyeing d4
• 6…e5 transitioning to a Najdorf-style center

Strategic Themes

• White’s Plan
  • Push g4-g5 to dislodge the f6-knight.
  • Follow with g5-g6 or h4-h5, gaining space and lines.
  • Castle long (0-0-0) and aim pieces at Black’s king.
  • Control the d5-square; a timely Nd5 can be disruptive.
• Black’s Plan
  • Maintain the Scheveningen pawn chain and strike in the center with …d5 or …e5.
  • Exploit weakened light squares (f4, h4) after g-pawn advances.
  • Consider a flexible king placement—castling short, long, or even keeping the king in the center until the position clarifies.

Tactical Motifs to Watch For

• The e4–e5 break by White when Black neglects kingside development.
• Piece sacrifices on e6 or g7 once lines open.
• …Nxe4 tactical shots exploiting the loose knight on d4 after g4-g5.
• Exchange sacrifice …Rxc3 in positions where White’s queen lands on g4 and rooks stack on the g-file.

Illustrative Mini-PGN

Key moves of the opening in PGN placeholder form:

The arrow highlights the key pawn thrust 6.g4, and the green square marks its landing on g4.

Historical & Practical Significance

Before the era of powerful engines, the Scheveningen was considered one of Black’s most solid Sicilian constructions. Matanović’s 6.g4 injected new life into White’s attacking options and foreshadowed later trends toward early pawn storms. The line was a precursor to the now-famous Keres Attack (6.g4 against the Najdorf: 5…a6).

Notable practitioners include Garry Kasparov, Alexei Shirov, and Judit Polgar—players renowned for uncompromising attacking styles.

Famous Games Featuring 6.g4

• Matanović – Ivkov, Yugoslav Championship 1953: the pioneer game where White’s pawn storm set the strategic template.
• Kasparov – van der Weide, Wijk aan Zee 1995: Kasparov unleashed a crushing kingside attack, demonstrating the line’s relevance at elite level.
• Sokolov – Anand, Reggio Emilia 1992: Anand defended resourcefully and ultimately prevailed, highlighting Black’s counterplay in the center.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• In several 1990s super-GM events, the move 6.g4 scored over 60% for White—an impressive figure in Sicilian theory.
• Aleksandar Matanović later became editor-in-chief of the renowned Yugoslav chess encyclopedia series “Šahovski Informator,” ensuring his surname remained prominent both at and away from the board.
• Because it is playable against both the Scheveningen and many Najdorf setups, some modern repertoire books simply call 6.g4 the “Keres–Matanović Attack.”

When to Choose the Matanovic Attack

Opt for 6.g4 if you relish sharp, double-edged play and are willing to invest preparation time mastering typical sacrifices and defensive resources. Conversely, players preferring a more positional squeeze might select 6.Be2 or 6.Bg5 instead.