Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation, Keres Attack

A sharp and aggressive chess opening, the Keres Attack aims to challenge Black's pawn structure and create early kingside threats.

The Keres Attack is named after the Estonian Grandmaster Paul Keres and is a popular and aggressive variation of the Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation. In this opening, White aims to challenge Black's pawn structure and create early kingside threats by advancing the g-pawn to g4. This pawn push can lead to a pawn storm against Black's king if it decides to castle kingside.

The Scheveningen Variation is characterized by Black's pawn structure with pawns on d6 and e6, providing a solid and flexible setup. However, the Keres Attack can put significant pressure on Black's position, forcing them to react carefully to White's aggressive intentions.

Black has several options to counter the Keres Attack, such as playing h6 to prevent White's pawn from advancing further, or opting for a quick queenside counterplay with moves like Nc6 and Bd7. Another option is to delay castling and focus on central play with moves like Be7 and Qc7.

White's main plan in the Keres Attack is to open up the kingside, either by exchanging pawns or by pushing the g-pawn further to g5, forcing Black's knight to move and weakening Black's pawn structure. White can also aim to control the center and develop their pieces harmoniously, preparing for a potential kingside attack.

The Keres Attack is a double-edged opening that can lead to sharp and complex positions, requiring both players to be well-prepared and familiar with the arising middlegame plans and tactics.