1.e4 — the open games
Scheveningen Sicilian
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e6ECO B80–B89
Black builds the famous 'small centre' with pawns on d6 and e6 — modest but immensely resilient and flexible, springing …d5 or …b5 breaks at the right moment. A strategic Sicilian favoured by Kasparov.
Key ideas
- The d6/e6 duo is solid and controls key central squares while keeping both breaks in reserve.
- White's critical try is the Keres Attack (6.g4) and the English Attack pawn storm.
- Black counters on the queenside with …a6, …b5 and pressure down the c-file.
Who it suits
Strategic Sicilian players who value a flexible, resilient structure over immediate sharpness.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Scheveningen Sicilian move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer