Sicilian Defense: Scheveningen Variation, Modern Variation

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

The opening in question is a popular and flexible choice for Black, aiming to create a solid pawn structure and good piece coordination. In this opening, Black allows White to establish a strong pawn center with pawns on e4 and d4, while focusing on counterplay on the wings and in the center. Black's pawn structure is characterized by pawns on d6 and e6, which can support a later d5 pawn break to challenge White's center.

The variation features an early development of the light-squared bishop to e2, which is a more modest approach compared to the aggressive English Attack with Be3 and Qd2. This allows White to maintain a solid position and prepare for a potential kingside attack or central expansion with f4.

Black has various plans in this opening, such as playing a6 and b5 to expand on the queenside, or focusing on piece play with moves like Be7, O-O, and Qc7. The variation is known for its flexibility, as Black can often transpose into other Sicilian lines, such as the Najdorf or Taimanov, depending on the specific move order.

Overall, this opening is a solid and reliable choice for Black, offering a good balance between pawn structure, piece coordination, and counterplay opportunities.