ECO B80 · for Black
Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation
The line below is what Lichess 1600-1800 players actually play: after the opening's defining moves, each move is the most common choice at that point. The notes are Chessbook's move notes, the same ones shown while building a repertoire.
429,420 games in this band reached the Scheveningen Variation position. From there Black won 49% and drew 4%.
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e6 6. Bg5 Be7
Moves 1 to 2
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6
1. e4
"Best by test" according to Bobby Fisher.
1... c5
A counter-attacking opening. The asymmetry generally leads to sharp games.
2. Nf3
2... d6
Preventing white from playing e5 so that the knight can be developed to f6.
Moves 3 to 4
3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6
3. d4
Advancing the pawn to d4 is the Open Sicilian, aiming to control the center and open lines for the pieces. This move also prepares for a quick development of the bishop and queen.
3... cxd4
Capturing the pawn on d4 is the main line of the Sicilian Defense, aiming to trade a central pawn for a bishop's pawn and open up the c-file for future rook activity.
4. Nxd4
Recapturing the pawn, centralizing the knight and preparing for rapid development and kingside castling.
4... Nf6
Developing the knight to a natural square, preparing to castle kingside and putting pressure on the e4 pawn.
Moves 5 to 6
5. Nc3 e6 6. Bg5 Be7
5. Nc3
Developing the knight to a natural square, preparing to castle kingside and controlling the center. This move also opens up the possibility for the bishop to be developed to either e2 or d3.
5... e6
Opening up lines for the bishop and queen, and preparing to develop the knight to d7. This move also supports a potential d5 pawn break in the future.
6. Bg5
6... Be7
Plans for Black in this position
What Black usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- The light-squared bishop is typically fianchettoed on b7
- Black generally castles kingside
- The queenside knight usually develops to c6
- The queen often develops to c7
- Common pawn moves are h6, b5, and a6
Related opening guides
- Sicilian Defense for Black
- French Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense for Black
- Caro-Kann Defense for Black
- Scandinavian Defense: Mieses-Kotroc Variation for Black
- Philidor Defense for Black