ECO code: B72
Opening Name: Sicilian Defense: Dragon Variation
Moves: 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6 6. Be3
Description: The Dragon Variation of the Sicilian Defense is a sharp and dynamic opening where Black fianchettoes the dark-squared bishop with ...g6, aiming for strong control over the long diagonal and active piece play. White's move 6. Be3 is characteristic of the Yugoslav Attack setup, preparing to castle queenside and launch a direct kingside assault.
Characteristic of the Move 6. Be3: This move develops the bishop to a strong central square, supports the d4-knight, and prepares for a quick queenside castle, enabling White to initiate a powerful attacking plan against Black’s kingside.
Attacking or Defensive: White’s setup in the Dragon Variation is highly attacking, focusing on aggressive play against Black’s king. Black, meanwhile, aims for counterplay mainly on the queenside and through pressure on the center, blending defense with active counterattacks.
Center Control: Both sides contest the center—White establishes a strong presence with pawns and knights, while Black challenges the center indirectly through piece pressure and counterattacks rather than immediate pawn occupation.
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 Defense: Dragon Variation, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 14 - Move #8 white