The Scheveningen Sicilian: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3... 6.g4 arises after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e6 6.g4 and falls under ECO code B81. With 6. g4, White initiates the Keres Attack, one of the most aggressive and theoretically significant systems in the Scheveningen. Black's earlier 5...e6 has locked in the light-squared bishop and surrendered control of the g4 square, which White now exploits. The plan is to follow up with 7. g5, driving the f6-knight backward and claiming additional kingside territory. Kingside pawn storms are a recurring theme against the Sicilian, as seen in the English Attack, and 6. g4 fits that strategy perfectly. Black's most popular reply is 6...h6, halting the g-pawn's advance. Moves like 6...Nc6 do not prevent g5 and typically lead to 7. g5 Nd7, leaving Black's knight on a passive square while White's pawns press dangerously close to the kingside castling position. Even after 6...h6, Black should avoid rushing to castle kingside in this sharp environment. The counterattacking attempt 6...e5 is comfortably handled by 7.Bb5+ Bd7 8.Bxd7+ Qxd7 9.Nb3, after which White has exchanged light-squared bishops and can set up the standard English Attack formation. This vulnerability to Bb5+ is precisely why many Scheveningen practitioners prefer to use a Najdorf move order first and transpose, since the presence of a pawn on a6 discourages the check. When the Scheveningen is reached via the Najdorf and White plays g4, the resulting lines are known as the Perenyi Attack rather than the Keres Attack. With 130,420 Lichess games across all rating levels, it is a specialized opening choice.
History and Notable Players
It arises from the Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation. Among the most prolific practitioners on the White side are Ljubomir Ljubojevic (25 games), John D M Nunn (20 games), Nigel D Short (20 games). On the Black side, notable exponents include Gyula Sax (51 games), Mihai Suba (44 games), Andrei Sokolov (43 games).
Statistics
Based on 130,420 Lichess games across all rating levels:
- White wins: 54.8%
- Black wins: 40.2%
- Draws: 5%
White has a significant statistical advantage in this line, reflecting the initiative that comes with the first move.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring the opponent's kingside attack: In many Sicilian lines, White will castle queenside and push pawns toward your king. If you don't create counterplay on the queenside or in the center, White's attack will arrive first.
Practice on Chessiverse
The best way to learn the Scheveningen Sicilian: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3... 6.g4 is through practice. On Chessiverse, you can play chess against computer opponents from any opening or custom position. 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.
