Summary
The Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation arises after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e6 and falls under ECO code B80. The hallmark of the Scheveningen is 5...e6, establishing a compact "small center" that reinforces Black's grip on the critical d5 square and clears e7 for the dark-squared bishop's development. If Black can eventually achieve a safe ...d5 advance, the resulting position is very comfortable. Compared to the Najdorf (5...a6), the Scheveningen commits Black to a specific central pawn formation sooner and postpones queenside activity, but in return it accelerates piece development and castling. Both systems are regarded as highly reliable for Black, though even dedicated Scheveningen practitioners — Garry Kasparov among them — have sometimes preferred 5...a6 to sidestep the dangerous Keres Attack (5...e6 6. g4!), which, while not outright winning for White, produces statistics that heavily favor the first player. With 1.9 million Lichess games across all rating levels, it is a well-established opening choice.
- Pawns on e6 and d6 give Black a modest small centre: a solid defensive barrier that holds the critical d5 and e5 squares while staying flexible.
- Black keeps the pawn breaks ...e5 and ...d5 in reserve and in the main lines looks for counterplay on the queenside.
- White often attacks on the kingside with pawn storms, most dangerously via the Keres Attack 6.g4, or the heavily analysed English Attack with 6.Be3.
History and Notable Players
It arises from the Sicilian Defense (2.Nf3). Among the most prolific practitioners on the White side are Robert Zelcic (44 games), Efim Geller (36 games), Aleksandar Matanovic (35 games). On the Black side, notable exponents include Mihai Suba (209 games), Gyula Sax (156 games), Andrei Sokolov (137 games).
The setup drew international notice at the 1923 tournament in Scheveningen, where several players including Max Euwe adopted it, and it grew popular through the 1920s. Many distinguished grandmasters have advocated it since, Garry Kasparov among them. The opening offers Black sound chances and plenty of scope for creativity.
Named after: The Dutch seaside village of Scheveningen near The Hague, where the variation drew international notice at a 1923 tournament.
Notable players: Max Euwe, Garry Kasparov
Statistics
Based on 1.9 million Lichess games across all rating levels:
- White wins: 47.3%
- Black wins: 48%
- Draws: 4.7%
The statistics show a roughly balanced opening where both sides have equal chances.
Main Lines and Variations
After 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e6, the main continuations include:
- Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation, Keres Attack
- Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation, Matanovic Attack
- Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation, Classical Variation
- Sicilian Defense: Sozin Attack
Each of these lines leads to distinct types of positions and requires its own understanding of the resulting pawn structures and piece placements.
Practice on Chessiverse
The best way to learn the Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation is through practice. On Chessiverse, you can play chess against computer opponents that specialize in this opening. Our AI bots range from beginner to grandmaster level, each with unique playing styles — from aggressive attackers to solid defenders. Choose a bot that matches your rating and work your way up as you master the opening's key ideas.
