Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation, English Attack, with f3

A sharp and aggressive chess opening that leads to rich middlegame positions with chances for both sides.

In this popular and aggressive opening, an early pawn push to f3 supports the center and prepares for a kingside pawn storm. Black counters White's central pawn duo with a flexible pawn structure and active piece play, while the pawn on e6 supports the d5 break and the pawn on a6 prevents any annoying Nb5 jumps. Black's main plan is to play for d5, leading to a freeing of their position and active piece play.

White aims to launch a kingside attack by playing g4 and h4, followed by Qd2 and 0-0-0, castling queenside. This results in sharp middlegame positions where both sides have chances for a successful attack. The opening is named after the English Grandmaster Nigel Short, who popularized it in the 1980s and 1990s, and it has since become a main weapon for White against this variation.

The opening is known for its rich middlegame positions, where both sides have chances to outplay their opponent. It is an excellent choice for players who enjoy sharp, tactical battles and are not afraid to take risks.