Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation

The Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation (ECO code B80) is a chess opening that begins with 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e6. A solid Sicilian setup with pawns on d6 and e6. Offers Black a flexible position with many plans including ...a6, ...Be7, and later ...b5. The Keres Attack (6.g4) is White's aggressive try.

The main line of the Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation is 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e6. It is classified under ECO code B80 and falls in the Semi-Open Game family of chess openings. From this starting position, both sides have well-established plans — White typically continues with natural developing moves while Black follows the response patterns described above.

The Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation is a reasonable choice for beginners who want exposure to semi-open game positions. The main line (1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e6) is easy to remember, and the resulting middlegame patterns are well-documented. Focus on understanding the typical pawn structure rather than memorizing 15 moves of theory — engine review of your own games at chess.rodeo is more useful than theory study at the club level.

The Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation is classified as ECO code B80. ECO (Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings) is the standard five-letter classification system developed by Chess Informant in the 1970s — A-codes cover flank openings, B-codes 1.e4 replies that aren't 1...e5, C-codes 1.e4 e5 openings, D-codes 1.d4 d5 systems, and E-codes Indian Defenses. You can browse all openings by ECO code in our free opening database.

Use chess.rodeo for full Stockfish analysis of your Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation games — no account required, no daily cap, no paywall. Paste your PGN and get instant engine evaluation on every move, including the opening phase. For move-by-move replay without engine output, use our free PGN viewer. Both are completely free with no signup.