Sicilian Defense: Open Scheveningen Classical Paulsen
Sicilian Defense
Definition
The Sicilian Defense arises after the moves 1.e4 c5. Black immediately fights for central influence from the flank rather than mirroring White’s pawn on e4 with …e5. It is the most popular and best-scoring response to 1.e4 in master play.
Typical Move Order
- 1.e4 c5
- 2.Nf3 (or 2.Nc3, 2.c3, 2.d4, etc.) …
From move two onward the opening branches into an entire “family tree” of systems such as the Najdorf, Dragon, Scheveningen, Classical, Paulsen, Sveshnikov, and many more.
Strategic Themes
- Asymmetrical pawn structure: White’s central pawn on e4 vs. Black’s half-open c-file.
- Unbalanced positions that lead to dynamic, tactical play.
- Long-term endgame chances for Black because of the extra center pawn (…d6 or …e6) vs. the isolated a- and h-pawns White often acquires after castling long.
Historical Significance
The name “Sicilian” comes from the 1594 treatise of Italian priest Giulio Polerio, but it gained real fame in the 20th century thanks to masters like Miguel Najdorf, Bent Larsen, and Garry Kasparov. Nearly half of World Championship games beginning with 1.e4 feature the Sicilian.
Example
The diagram shows the starting position of the Najdorf, one of many Sicilian branches.
Interesting Facts
- In modern databases the Sicilian accounts for roughly 25-30 % of all recorded games.
- Karpov, famous for his positional style, almost never played 1.e4 because he did not like facing the Sicilian!
Open Sicilian
Definition
The term “Open Sicilian” refers to the main line continuation 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6/…Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4, where the central pawn exchange opens the position and gives each side a half-open file (White: d-file; Black: c-file).
Why It Matters
Choosing an Open Sicilian commits both players to sharp, theoretical play. White sacrifices the d-pawn’s presence in the center for rapid development, while Black gains long-term structural trumps.
Main Branches after 4.Nxd4
- 4…Nc6 5.Nc3 —> Najdorf, Classical, Dragon, Scheveningen, Paulsen, & others
- 4…Nf6 5.Nc3 or 5.e5 —> Sveshnikov, Kalashnikov
Historical Tidbit
The “Open” label distinguished it from the previously fashionable Closed and Alapin Sicilians where White avoids an early d4.
Illustrative Game
Kasparov – Anand, Wijk aan Zee 1999, demonstrates the dynamic imbalance typical of an Open Sicilian Najdorf.
Fun Fact
Engine statistics show that in the Open Sicilian White scores just under 54 %, making it one of the most double-edged main lines in chess.
Scheveningen (Sicilian Scheveningen Setup)
Definition
The Scheveningen is a pawn structure and variation of the Sicilian characterized by Black pawns on d6 and e6, usually reached via 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e6.
Key Features
- Solid central “small center” with pawns on d6-e6.
- Flexible piece placement: …a6, …Qc7, …Be7, …b6, …Nbd7.
- Risk of a kingside pawn storm from White after g2-g4, h2-h4 if Black castles short.
Strategic Ideas
- Black aims for …d6–d5 break; White often tries f2-f4-f5 or g4-g5.
- Minor-piece battles on d5 and e4 squares are crucial.
Historical Notes
Named after the Dutch seaside town of Scheveningen where a 1923 tournament popularized the setup. Anatoly Karpov used the Scheveningen almost exclusively in the late 1970s, while Garry Kasparov’s razor-sharp attacking wins (e.g., vs. Polugaevsky, USSR Ch. 1981) made it legendary.
Example Position
The classic tabiya after 9…Nbd7. Both sides have completed development; tension revolves around the central break …d5.
Interesting Fact
After suffering a crushing loss to Kasparov in the famous 1986 “Trade-of-Queens” game, many top players switched from the Scheveningen to the Najdorf with …a6 first, avoiding deadly Keres Attack lines (6.g4!).
Classical Sicilian (Boleslavsky/Classical System)
Definition
The Classical Variation of the Sicilian Defense begins with 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 Nc6. Black develops both knights before committing the kingside bishop, leading to rich, “classical” piece play.
Main Lines
- 6.Bg5 —> Rauzer (Richter-Rauzer) Attack
- 6.Bc4 —> Sozin / Fischer-Sozin
- 6.Be2 —> Modern Classical
- 6.g3 —> Fianchetto Variation
Strategic Essence
Black often accepts a backward d-pawn on d6 but gains dynamic piece activity along the c- and e-files. The positional theme of outpost squares d5 (for White) versus e5 (for Black) is omnipresent.
Historical Perspective
The system was refined by Soviet theoreticians Isaac Boleslavsky and later Efim Geller. Bobby Fischer’s attacking masterpieces against Najdorf players actually sprang from the Classical with 6.Bc4.
Illustrative Fragment
White threatens a central expansion with f2-f4 while eyeing d5; Black prepares …d6-d5 break.
Anecdote
In Kasparov – Azmaiparashvili, USSR Ch. 1988, the future World Champion unleashed a stunning rook sacrifice on d5 in a Classical Rauzer, illustrating the razor-sharp tactics lurking beneath seemingly “classical” development.
Paulsen Variation (Sicilian Kan/Paulsen)
Definition
The Paulsen Variation (also called the Kan) is a flexible Sicilian line beginning 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 a6. Black postpones …Nc6 and …d6, aiming for a harmonious setup with pawns on a6-e6-d6 and pieces that can adjust based on White’s plan.
Key Concepts
- …a6 controls b5 and prepares …b5, expanding on the queenside.
- The “Paulsen pawns” on e6 and a6 give Black a hedgehog-like shell.
- Black can choose between …Qc7, …Nf6, …d6, …Bb4+ depending on White’s 5th move.
Typical Continuations
- 5.Nc3 Qc7 6.Be2 Nf6 7.O-O d6 — Quiet Schemes.
- 5.Bd3 Bc5!? — Aggressive Fischer variation.
- 5.c4 — Maroczy-Bind structures where Black stays solid.
Strategic Hallmarks
The Paulsen often leads to Hedgehog formations (pawns on a6, b6, d6, e6) where Black sits compact, awaiting the right moment to strike with …d5 or …b5.
Historical Background
Louis Paulsen, a 19th-century German master, introduced the idea of delaying knight development to c6. The modern “Kan” label honors Ilya Kan, who revived the line in Soviet events during the 1930s.
Example Game
Anand – Ivanchuk, Linares 1992, shows Black absorbing pressure before breaking with …d5.
Curious Fact
The Paulsen is one of the few Sicilians allowing Black to adopt a Keres Attack-proof move order: since …a6 is played before …d6, White’s typical 6.g4 thrust loses venom.