Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...c5/2. Nf3/2...d6/3. d4/3...cxd4/4. Nxd4/4...Nf6/5. Nc3/5...e6

Scheveningen Variation rd nd bd qd kd bd rd pd pd pd pd pd pd pd nd nl pl nl pl pl pl pl pl pl rl bl ql kl bl rl Scheveningen Variation 5... e6, building a so-called "small center", is the signature move of the Scheveningen Variation of the Sicilian Defence. 5... e6 strengthens Black's control of the important d5 square and opens e7 for the development of his dark-squared bishop. If Black is able to safely play ... d5 later on, he will have a good position. In contrast to the Najdorf Variation, 5... a6, the Scheveningen commits Black earlier to a certain pawn structure in the center and delays queenside operations, but does more to promote Black's early development and castling. Both systems are considered very solid choices for Black, however 5... a6 has been played by even the best Scheveningen specialists (including Garry Kasparov) to avoid the dangerous Keres Attack, 5... e6 6. g4! (Although by no means winning for White, statistics sharply favour the white pieces.) Theory table . 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e6 6 7 8 9 English Attack Be3a6 f3b5 g4Bb7 Qd2Nfd7 +=/= Classical Be2Nc6 O-OBe7 Be3O-O f4a6 = Keres Attack g4h6 h4Nc6 Rg1d5 Bb5Bd7 +/= g3Be7 Bg2O-O O-Oa6 b3Qc7 = f4Nc6 Be3Be7 Qf3Qc7 Bd3a6 = Sozin Attack Bc4Be7 Bb3O-O O-ONa6 f4Nc5 = Sicilian Defence, Scheveningen Variation References Sicilian English Attack JeremySilman.com fi:Shakkiaapinen/Peli/1. e4/1...c5/2. Rf3/2...d6/3. d4/3...cxd4/4. Rxd4/4...Rf6/5. Rc3/5...e6