Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation, Fianchetto Variation

A flexible and solid chess opening for Black, focusing on pawn structure and piece development while allowing for various plans and counterplay.

The opening in question is a popular and flexible choice for Black in chess, characterized by a solid pawn structure in the center and on the kingside, while allowing for various plans and counterplay on the queenside. Black's pawn structure is designed to control key central squares and to create a solid foundation for piece development.

In this variation, White opts for a fianchetto setup with the pawn on g3 and the bishop on g2, aiming to exert pressure on the long diagonal and potentially target Black's d6 pawn. Black's main idea is to play for d5, a central pawn break that can help to equalize the position and challenge White's central pawn on e4.

Black can also opt for a Hedgehog setup, with pawns on a6, b6, d6, and e6, and pieces on d7, e7, and b7, creating a flexible and solid position that can adapt to various pawn structures and plans from White.

This variation is a favorite among many strong players due to its flexibility and potential for counterplay. It has been played by numerous world champions and grandmasters, including Garry Kasparov and Anatoly Karpov, showcasing its viability at the highest level of chess.