ECO code: B72
Opening Name: Sicilian Defense, Dragon Variation with 6.Be3 Bg7
Moves: 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6 6. Be3 Bg7
Description: This line is part of the famous Dragon Variation of the Sicilian Defense. Black fianchettoes the dark-squared bishop to g7, aiming for strong control over the long diagonal and active piece play on the kingside. White’s 6.Be3 is a key developing move, preparing to support a central and queenside expansion with moves like f3, Qd2, and long castling, setting up for a sharp attacking battle.
Characteristic of 6.Be3: This move supports the d4-knight and prepares for the aggressive Yugoslav Attack setup by reinforcing control over the center and enabling queenside castling. It signals White’s intention to launch a direct kingside assault on Black’s fianchettoed bishop and king.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, this position is highly attacking, focusing on rapid development and an aggressive pawn storm on the kingside. Black’s setup is both defensive and counterattacking—solidifying the king’s position and aiming for counterplay along the c-file and center.
Central Control: Both sides contest the center: White holds a strong pawn on e4 and knight on d4, while Black challenges the center indirectly with pieces and timely pawn breaks. The opening is dynamic, with White striving for central and kingside dominance and Black seeking counterplay and control over key squares.
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.Be3 Bg7, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 13 - Move #8 white