6.f3 e5: against the pawn storm is variation 5 of 6 in the Sicilian Classical and Scheveningen course, a advanced opening course for Black (ECO B56). It runs 22 moves and begins 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 …. White prepares a kingside storm. Black kicks the knight with the e-pawn and castles. Then the a-pawn and the b4 square give quick queenside play. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – White takes the centre and frees the queen and the f1 bishop.
1... c5 – The Sicilian. Black fights for d4 from the side and keeps the game unbalanced.
2. Nf3 – White develops the knight and prepares d4.
2... d6 – Black covers e5 and opens a path for the c8 bishop.
3. d4 – White opens the centre to use the lead in development.
3... cxd4 – Black trades a wing pawn for a centre pawn. The c-file is now half open for Black.
4. Nxd4 – White takes back with the knight, which now stands in the centre.
4... Nf6 – Black develops with an attack on e4, so White must defend it.
5. Nc3 – White guards e4 and develops another piece.
5... Nc6 – The Classical Variation. The knight develops and challenges the d4 knight.
6. f3 – White prepares a pawn storm. The bishop goes to e3, the queen to d2 and the king castles long.
6... e5 – Black kicks the knight and grabs space in the centre.
7. Nb3 – The main retreat. The knight keeps the d4 square in view.
7... Be7 – Black develops and gets ready to castle.
8. Be3 – The bishop develops and covers c5 and b6.
8... O-O – Black castles.
The lesson goes on for 6 more moves, each with its explanation.
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