Scheveningen Variation | Sicilian Defense Theory

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The Scheveningen Variation of the Sicilian Defense – a deadly opening choice which seems to be losing popularity (which makes is a great surprise weapon!).

If you are unfamiliar with the basics of the Sicilian Defense, here is an introductory video I made that covers the main opening principles and common variations: youtu.be/impkeLfyyVM

The Scheveningen Sicilian was much more popular in the mid and late 20th century than it is today. It was played by many great Soviet grandmasters (such as Keres or Kasparov). Lately, though, it seems to be getting replaced by all the Najdorfs and other more popular lines.

The main reason for its decline might be the aggressive Keres Attack (6. g4), the main line with which players with white challenge the Scheveningen small center (the pawn structure with characteristic pawns on e6 and d6). The move g4 exploits the fact that black has blocked the bishop from defending the square and forces black to go on the defensive right out of the opening.

Other variations white could choose to play are not as aggressive. I would definitely recommend making the Keres Attack your main weapon against the Scheveningen Sicilian. And if you choose to play 5… e6 with black. Remember the crucial 8… d5 line!

Here are the timings for the five variations of the Scheveningen the video covers:

Keres Attack 2:01
Classical Variation 18:52
English Attack 29:37
Fisher-Sozin 36:00
Tal Variation 47:00

For more Sicilian Defense theory try out these variations:

Sicilian Dragon Yugoslav Attack: youtu.be/Q4_OTquKti0
Sicilian Dragon (part 2), Levenfish, Fianchetto, Classical: youtu.be/Up_bhR0McTQ
The Accelerated Dragon: youtu.be/rd1eKLJ3DGQ
Prins Variation: youtu.be/T7qzruXqPsw
The Alapin Sicilian: youtu.be/VGP0qWscORM
The Grand Prix Attack: youtu.be/hqJOyV9_Bms
The Najdorf (part 1): youtu.be/BPg1bSeJYNg
The Najdorf (part 2): youtu.be/Ls5I8pC26Zc
Sicilian Kan: youtu.be/9CxgfDX44Ug
Kramnik Variation: youtu.be/04mHPHxmdkg
The Smith Morra Gambit: youtu.be/OTcd3onnOWA
Taimanov Variation: youtu.be/4QYD_MEUmt4
Rossolimo Attack: youtu.be/iddK1iAVP70

#chess #siciliandefense #scheveningen