Sicilian Defense · B85

Scheveningen Variation, Classical Variation, Paulsen Variation, after 2... e6, through 9. f4

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nc6 5. Nc3 Qc7 6. Be2 a6 7. O-O Nf6 8. Be3 d6 9. f4

An early pawn trade leaves the c-file as Black's avenue and the d-file as White's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file. The small centre (...d6 plus ...e6) is a spring: solid now, and the freeing ...d5 break is always in the air.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... c5 Fights for d4 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the Sicilian Defense.
• 2. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5.
• 2... e6 Supports the centre, adding control of d5. Theory calls this the French Variation.

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