ECO code: A22
English Opening: Bremen, Reverse Dragon, 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Bg2
This variation arises after the moves 1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. g3 d5 4. cxd5 Nxd5 5. Bg2. It is known as the Reverse Dragon because White adopts a setup resembling the Dragon Variation of the Sicilian Defense, but with colors reversed.
Characteristic: The key feature of this line is White’s fianchettoed bishop on g2, which exerts strong pressure on the long diagonal and supports central and queenside activity. By capturing on d5 early, White clarifies the center and invites dynamic play.
Attacking or Defensive: As White, this opening is generally considered to be flexibly aggressive. White aims to control key squares and prepare for central and queenside counterplay, maintaining tension rather than purely defending. Black, having challenged the center immediately with ...d5, seeks active piece play and central presence, so both sides engage in a balanced fight for the initiative.
Center Control: While White does not occupy the center with pawns immediately, the opening targets central squares indirectly through piece pressure and timely pawn breaks. Black contests the center directly with ...d5 and knight placement, so this line features dynamic central tension rather than a static pawn center.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the English: Bremen, Reverse Dragon, 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.Bg2, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 17 - Move #7 black