Chess opening · ECO B80

Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation

The Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation starts 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 d6. It ranks #145 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.

The position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 d6. White to move.

Move by move

  1. 1. e4White pushes the e-pawn two squares to e4, staking a claim in the center.
  2. 1... c5Black pushes the c-pawn two squares to c5.
  3. 2. Nf3White develops the kingside knight to f3.
  4. 2... e6Black advances the e-pawn to e6.
  5. 3. d4White pushes the d-pawn two squares to d4, staking a claim in the center.
  6. 3... cxd4Black takes the pawn on d4 with the c-pawn.
  7. 4. Nxd4White recaptures on d4 with the knight.
  8. 4... Nf6Black develops the kingside knight to f6.
  9. 5. Nc3White develops the queenside knight to c3.
  10. 5... d6Black advances the d-pawn to d6.

What players choose next, by rating

The three most common White moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. Among players rated 1200–1399, the most popular next move is Bg5; among players rated 2000 and up, it is Be3.

RatingMost commonSecondThird
1200–1399Bg5 100%––
1400–1599Bd3 26%Bg5 26%Be3 21%
1600–1799Bg5 29%Be2 15%Be3 14%
1800–1999Be3 24%Be2 20%Bg5 16%
2000 and upBe3 28%Bc4 20%Be2 20%

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