Common Lines in the Sicilian Defense

The Scheveningen (reached by move orders such as 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 e6) is a popular and ambitious system that allows Black to have a solid but flexible position that offers plenty of chances for counterplay on the queenside. Conversely, White has an obvious central space advantage and can choose from a variety of plans.

The Scheveningen variation is popular at the highest levels of chess, due to its complex and creative nature.