Lesson
White to move. Main line: 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Be2 e6 7. O-O Nbd7
Sicilian Defense: Najdorf Variation, Scheveningen Variation (B84). The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Be2 e6 7. O-O Nbd7 — the move order matters, and this is the one the theory follows.
The move 5...a6 controls b5 and prepares ...b5 without committing the king. White’s restrained Be2 setup usually follows with O-O, f4 and pressure in the center rather than an immediate pawn storm.
Watch the two pawn breaks that define the position: White wants f4-f5 or e4-e5, while Black answers with ...b5 or ...d5. Development is only the opening act; the first successful break sets the agenda.