ECO code: B70
Opening Name: Sicilian Defense: Dragon Variation, 6.Bc4 Bg7
Moves: 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6 6. Bc4 Bg7
Description: The Dragon Variation of the Sicilian Defense is known for its sharp and dynamic play. After Black fianchettoes the dark-squared bishop with ...g6 and ...Bg7, White develops the bishop to c4, targeting the sensitive f7-square and aiming to put immediate pressure on Black’s kingside and center.
Characteristic of 6.Bc4: This move is an aggressive and classical approach, often called the Yugoslav Attack setup when combined with moves like Be3 and Qd2 later. Placing the bishop on c4 leverages control over the critical d5 square and eyes Black’s kingside, particularly the f7 pawn, which is a common tactical target in the Dragon.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, this move is decidedly attacking, as it helps White prepare for a kingside offensive, frequently involving castling queenside and launching a pawn storm. For Black, the move ...Bg7 is part of a solid but flexible setup that is both defensive and counter-attacking, aiming to control the long diagonal and challenge White’s center and activity.
Center Control: Both sides contest the center actively. White exerts pressure on the center with the knight on d4 and bishop on c4, while Black supports the center with the pawns on d6 and the fianchettoed bishop. The Dragon Variation is known for dynamic central and flank play rather than a direct occupation of the center by pawns.
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 Sicilian: Dragon, 6.Bc4 Bg7, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 4 - Move #19 black