Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation, Classical Variation (B83)

The Scheveningen Variation, Classical Variation is a variation of the Sicilian Defense, catalogued as ECO B83. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 d6 6. Be2, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one. It is Black to move after six moves.

On the Sicilian Defense generally: The most popular and aggressive response to 1.e4. Black fights for the center asymmetrically, leading to rich tactical play.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation, Classical Variation — position after Be2 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 d6 6. Be2

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c5
2Nf3e6
3d4cxd4
4Nxd4Nf6
5Nc3d6
6Be2

ECO: B83

Stockfish: +0.43 at depth 18

Practice this line free →

Position characteristics

Related Sicilian Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Scheveningen Variation, Classical Variation?

The Scheveningen Variation, Classical Variation goes 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 d6 6. Be2. It is a variation of the Sicilian Defense and is catalogued as ECO B83.

What is the ECO code for the Scheveningen Variation, Classical Variation?

The Scheveningen Variation, Classical Variation is ECO B83. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Sicilian Defense.

Is the Scheveningen Variation, Classical Variation good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 d6 6. Be2 at +0.43 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Scheveningen Variation, Classical Variation lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one. It is Black to move.