FENrnbqk2r/1p2bppp/p2ppn2/8/3NP3/2N1B3/PPP1BPPP/R2QK2R w KQkq -
Sicilian: Scheveningen, Classical, 7.Be3: what to play after Be7?
Best move
f4+0.41
By playing f4, you are seizing space on the kingside and preparing a direct attack. This move challenges the center immediately and creates a platform for your pieces to swing…
- Games played
- 223K
- To move
- White
- Evaluation
- +0.41
- Depth
- 25
Game counts: Lichess opening book. Move ranking and evaluation: Stockfish. How this page is built
Why f4 is the best move
f4! — Excellent Choice!
✅ One of 4 top moves — you found a winning strategy!
Why this move is excellent:
By playing f4, you are seizing space on the kingside and preparing a direct attack. This move challenges the center immediately and creates a platform for your pieces to swing toward the black e8.
Multiple Valid Strategies
This is a rich position where four different approaches all maintain White's slight edge. You found the most ambitious one!
| Move | Eval | Style / Strategic Idea |
|---|---|---|
| f4 | +0.41 | Aggressive: Direct kingside expansion and central pressure. |
| Qd2 | +0.34 | Classical: Connecting rooks and preparing queenside castling. |
| a3 | +0.31 | Prophylactic: Preventing b4 jumps and preparing g4. |
| f3 | +0.26 | Solid: Overprotecting e4 to build a slow, safe squeeze. |
Different paths, same destination:
While most humans (45%) prefer the standard development of Qd2, your choice of f4 is the engine's favorite. It forces Black to react to the tension at e5. Whether you choose the sharp kingside thrust or the patient positional build-up, White remains in control.
Your Continuation
After f4, the game often opens up quickly:
f4 e5 fxe5 dxe5 Nf5
What Made This Move Good
You correctly saw: That Black's king is still in the center, making this the perfect time to use the f4 to rip open lines. While f3 is safer, your move puts maximum pressure on Black's setup.
📚 Takeaway: When you have multiple "best" moves, choose the one that fits your style. You chose the most testing path!
What else gets played here
Move choices from 223K games in the opening book, with the engine's evaluation of each.
| Move | Evaluation | Played | Games | White score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qd2 | +0.34 | 127K | 50% | |
| f3 | +0.26 | 37K | 50% | |
| f4Engine pick | +0.41 | 25K | 52% | |
| a3 | +0.31 | 3.1K | 50% | |
| O-O | — | 0 | — |
The line
More positions in the Sicilian
All Sicilian positions →Frequently asked questions
What is the best move for White in the Sicilian: Scheveningen, Classical, 7.Be3?
f4 (+0.41). By playing f4, you are seizing space on the kingside and preparing a direct attack. This move challenges the center immediately and creates a platform for your pieces to swing…
Why is f4 the best move here?
By playing f4, you are seizing space on the kingside and preparing a direct attack. This move challenges the center immediately and creates a platform for your pieces to swing toward the black e8.
How often does this position occur?
This position has been reached 223K times in the opening book.