Scheveningen Variation
A solid and flexible defense where Black maintains pawns on d6 and e6. Named after the Dutch town where it was analyzed, this system offers excellent practical chances and has been trusted by world champions. The structure provides both defensive solidity and dynamic potential.
ECO Code
B80-B89
Difficulty
Intermediate-Advanced
Style
Solid/Flexible
Key Players
Karpov, Gelfand, Anand
Main White Systems
English Attack
White's most aggressive setup with f3, Be3, and queenside castling. Leads to sharp attacking races.
Positional Line
A more restrained approach where White builds up slowly with Be2 and f4.
Keres Attack
White plays f4 early, preparing kingside expansion and keeping central flexibility.
Sozin Attack
The bishop goes to c4, supporting f4-f5 advances and keeping pressure on f7.
Strategic Ideas for Black
- The d6-d5 break: Central liberation, often prepared with ...Nbd7 and ...Qc7
- Queenside counterplay: Use ...a6, ...b5, and ...Bb7 to create threats
- The ...e6-e5 advance: Central space gain when properly supported
- King safety: Castle early and maintain solid defensive setup
- Piece activity: Activate the light-squared bishop and coordinate pieces
Typical Black Development
Black develops harmoniously while preparing central and queenside counterplay.
Black's Main Pawn Breaks
These pawn advances help Black achieve equality and create counterplay in different areas.
Critical Defensive Points
The f7 weakness: Always be aware of tactical shots on this square, especially after f4-f5.
King safety: In English Attack lines, precise defensive moves are essential to survive the attack.
Timing pawn breaks: Playing ...d5 or ...e5 at the wrong moment can be disastrous.
Key Tactical Themes
Common Motifs
- f4-f5 breakthrough: White's main attacking idea in many lines
- ...b4 counter-thrust: Black's queenside counterplay against the knight
- Nd5 sacrifices: Tactical blows based on the central knight outpost
- ...Nxe4 tactics: Capturing the e4 pawn when White's pieces are misplaced
- Back rank themes: Important in positions with opposite-side castling
Why Choose the Scheveningen?
Solid Foundation
The pawn structure provides excellent defensive resources and king safety.
Flexible Setup
Black maintains multiple options for piece development and pawn breaks.
Proven Results
Used successfully by world champions in the most important games.
Universal Application
The ideas work against almost any White setup, making it very practical.
Learning the Scheveningen
Focus on understanding the typical plans rather than memorizing endless variations. The Scheveningen rewards players who understand pawn structures and piece coordination. Study games by Karpov and Gelfand to see how masters handle both attacking and defensive duties.
Historical Significance
World Championship Weapon
Featured in numerous world championship matches, proving its reliability at the highest level.
Theoretical Development
Decades of analysis have refined both the attacking and defensive techniques.
Computer Era
Modern engines have validated many of Black's defensive resources and attacking ideas.
Timeless Appeal
Remains popular because the resulting positions reward understanding over memorization.
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Master the Scheveningen
A time-tested defense that combines solid foundations with rich strategic and tactical possibilities.
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