1.e4 — the open games
Sicilian, Scheveningen Variation
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 e6ECO B80–B89
The 'small centre' Sicilian: Black places pawns on d6 and e6, a modest but flexible structure that supports the key …d5 and …e5 breaks and gives every piece a natural square. Rich and resilient, it was a cornerstone of Kasparov's repertoire — though White's Keres Attack (g4) keeps it sharp.
Key ideas
- The d6/e6 pawn pair is solid and flexible, preparing …d5 or …b5 counterplay at the right moment.
- Black develops harmoniously (…Be7, …O-O, …Nc6/…Nbd7, …Qc7) and strikes in the centre later.
- White's most testing try is the Keres Attack with an early g4; otherwise it's a rich strategic battle.
Who it suits
Sicilian players who like a flexible, piece-play structure and don't mind facing sharp attacks.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Sicilian, Scheveningen Variation move by move against the board until it's second nature.
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