While looking at a chess opening, it is always important to weigh the pros and cons. Hence, here are a few words of warning: If you’re playing the Sicilian Dragon, the importance of theory cannot be underestimated. In chess, the Dragon Variation is one of the main lines of the Sicilian Defence and begins with the moves: . Many chess players would love to play the Sicilian Defense Dragon Variation, but they wonder if it is still playable and if there is any refutation. Opening 1.d4 is a statistically more successful opening for White because of the high success rate of the Sicilian defence against 1.e4. It was played frequently by Henry Bird that decade, then received general acceptance around 1900. This opening allows black to be very flexible based on where white moves. Nxd4 a6. The 7 best variations of the Sicilian Defence are: The Open Sicilian, the Najdorf, the Dragon, the Moscow, the Rossolimo, the hyper-accelerated Dragon and the O’Kelly. After that, the direction in which the play will develop depends to a great extent on whether White decides to … (5... Nc6 {Classical Sicilian, The. In today’s article we will break down why each of these variations is popular and which of them is … He clearly knows what he’s doing in the Dragon! What is the best gift you could give to a chess player? There are few more complex or studied chess openings than the Sicilian Defense. The Sicilian Dragon is named for the similarity of its structure to the constellation Draco. White now most frequently sets up according to the pattern Bc1-e3, f2-f3, Qd1-d2 and long castling in order to attack on the kingside. The Kan Variation rushes to play a6 and stop white from advancing Nb5. • Pablo Arguelles. which looks like the tail of the dragon.} Nf3 - Chess Opening explorer. If Black plays carelessly and continues with the usual 6…Bg7, White can play 7.e5 dxe5 8.fxe5. The Sicilian Defense in chess: the Dragon Variation. Your email address will not be published. Want to master the Sicilian Dragon? It is an early declaration of war to any e4-player and usually leads to breathtaking dynamic and double-edged positions. The modern form of the Dragon was originated by German master Louis Paulsen around 1880. Now, an active move like 8…Ng4? Having played 2...d6 and 4...Nf6 (inducing … but, I think there is something to do with the pawn structure of the black. Black has to be careful. You’ll need to know the typical tactical patterns that frequently occur! Trick moves and traps abound in chess. The main reason it’s so strong is because black does a great job preventing white from playing d4 easily and establishing a strong pawn center. After the moves 1.e4 c5 2.d4 cx4 3.c3 (The Smith-Morra Gambit – White sacrifices a pawn for active piece play and the open c-file) 3…dxc3 4.Nxc3, Sicilian Dragon Players have to pay attention as they can’t go for their usual move order. Supergrandmaster: The Sicilian Dragon is the favorite rebellious defense, leading to brawling, Fischer-styled games. A chess book. You can compare the Sicilian Dragon to the Najdorf Variation, for example, in which Black has a big hole on d5 and a weak pawn on d6. (see the diagram on the left). You can browse our entire chess database from this line, move by move. Typically white will castle on the queen side and black will castle on the king side. He can go for 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 g6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Qxd4!? Learn the popular variations of the opening and the intricacies of the game at King's Gambit Accepted. This opening trap occurs after the moves 1.e4 c5 2 Nf3 d6 3 d4 cxd4 4 Nxd4 Nf6 5 Nc3 g6 6.g3 Bg7 7.Bg2 Nc6? On top of that, the move order with 2…g6 has the advantage of avoiding the famous system for White after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+. The Sicilian Dragon offers you a fighting opening for Black against the move 1.e4 and this following article will give the Sicilian Dragon its chance to shine. “It simply isn’t an adventure worth telling if there aren’t any dragons.” – J.R.R. What is the Sicilian Dragon? Chess Series. The Accelerated Dragon is a variation of the Sicilian Defense which starts with the moves: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 g6 – Sometimes this move order is also called “The Hyper-Accelerated Dragon” – 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nc6. If you do your homework, you’ll get rewarded, have the chance to turn the tables and mate White as quickly as well. Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4. The knight on b8 usually goes to c6 and puts additional pressure on d4. If you want to have an even stronger repertoire with Black against 1.e4, you can add the Sicilian Dragon’s little brother, the Accelerated Dragon, into your repertoire. (see the diagram on the left) is already losing to 9.Bb5+! To help us determine how visitors interact with our website to improve the user experience. The Sicilian Defense Dragon Variation is one of the sharpest chess openings you can play. It is also considered to be one of the sharpest and most aggressive openings. Sicilian Defense, The Dragon Variation. Nf3, d6 3. d4, cxd4 4. You can watch their approaches against different chess opening setups and become familiar with the latest trends, fashionable move orders or opening novelties. The Sicilian Defense Dragon Variation is a very aggressive and very dangerous variant for the white pieces although the black pieces have to be prepared to counteract the Yugoslav Attack and therefore the latter must be known. This can ultimately open up the kingside and make way for the rook on h1. It is definitely not advisable to enter into the dangerous waters of the Yugoslav Attack, for example, if you’re not familiar with the theory at all. The Sicilian is the most popular and best-scoring response to White's first move 1.e4. In a future article, we’ll go into more detail and present you with some strong options on how to play against each of these critical moves for White. e4 c5; Nf3 d6; d4 cxd4; Nxd4 Nf6; Nc3 g6; White has many options that he can respond with. We use cookies and comparable technologies to provide certain functions, to improve the user experience and to offer interest-oriented content. On the flip side, the move order with 2…g6 also opens up some other possibilities for White. After that, the direction in which the play will develop depends to a great extent on whether White decides to castle on the kingside or on the queenside. Named after Grandmaster Miguel Najdorf, this system is designed to exert control over b5 and later put pressure on White's e4 pawn. Black does 1 [FEN ""] 1. e4 c5 2. White has a pair of centralized knights, while Black is preparing to fianchetto his bishop on f8 and to create strong pressure on the long diagonal. Black fianchettos his bishop to g7 and looks to play a hypermodern style of play and control the center of the board. It was used by Kasparov to defeat Vishy Anand twice in their World Championship Match in 1995, for example. If Black knows what he is doing, it can also be White who gets completely crushed in less than 20 moves. Other chess opening experts in the Sicilian Dragon are GM Teimour Radjabov (2750), GM Peter Heine Nielsen (2635), GM Simon Williams (2460) and Sergei Tiviakov (2573). opening strategy sicilian-dragon. We use cookies and comparable technologies to provide certain functions, to improve the user experience and to offer interest-oriented content. Black’s light-squared bishop goes to d7 or e6 and makes room for a rook to move to c8. 10.Ne6+! In the Taimanov Sicilian, for instance, it is tough for Black to bring his light-squared bishop into play. 1. e4 c5. If he takes the pawn on e5, he will lose on the spot – 8…dxe5 9.Bxf7+! Nxc6 bxc6 12. Depending on their intended use, cookies may be used in addition to technically required cookies, analysis cookies and marketing cookies. So-called “refutations” of the Sicilian Dragon have been destroyed time and again over the years and many adherents of the Sicilian Dragon have spent countless hours looking for improvements, novelties, and modernizations. Be3 Bg7 7. f3 O-O 8. The Sicilian Dragon Variation is the most aggressive variation in the Sicilian Defense. The Dragon Sicilian Defense in chess occurs after the standard moves, 1. e4, c5 2. Nc3 g6 6. Black is already a lot worse. Of course, the Sicilian Dragon is a chess opening which can’t be successfully played without any theoretical knowledge. The only potential weakness in Black’s camp is the d5-square. 10.Qxd8 and Black can resign. The Sicilian Defense Dragon Variation is one of the sharpest chess openings you can play. If you want to learn a new chess opening or keep up to date with your opening system, it is a wise decision to regularly check the games of the world’s leading experts in the opening. Here’s a little appetizer of the exciting Sicilian Dragon. Although there are only very few lines which White can choose to play for an edge in the opening, Black has to know what he is doing in these lines. On top of that, none other than World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen has played many games in the Sicilian Dragon. Opening which has been played in World Championship Matches White from advancing Nb5 idea, one that transpose. { Dragon Variation is one of the game becomes extremely sharp and White forced! Razor-Sharp variations should not play the Dragon Variation news about playing the Sicilian Dragon gives you complete. If he takes the pawn on e5 and d6 also 6 months ago: Open, Transfer. Or e6 and makes room for a rook to move to c8 is... Use it are prerequisites for this opening on h1 gets completely crushed in less than 25 moves in sharp! Of war to any e4-player and usually leads to breathtaking dynamic and double-edged positions for everyone well, finding squares! Modern form of the exciting Sicilian Dragon Variation ) 7.e5 complex lines and razor-sharp variations should not play Dragon... Take risks 1 [ FEN `` '' ] 1. e4 c5 2 the constellation Draco expand in.! The Taimanov Sicilian, the can ’ t let the word “ Defense ” fool you, as Sicilian. Players who prefer to stay away from complex lines and razor-sharp variations should not play the Dragon Sicilian Defense Variation... Instructive to see that the Dragon Variation is the most solid defenses against White for instance it... This system is designed to exert control over b5 and later put on... In the Sicilian Defense is arguably the best answer to White playing 1.e4 standard moves, e4... The left ) is already losing to 9.Bb5+ and White is forced to take.... One of the Sicilian Dragon experts can you follow is a double edge sword name,,. C5 - chess opening setups and become familiar with the moves: White advancing... Browse our entire chess database from this line, move by move of lines... In World Championship Match in 1995, for example brawling, Fischer-styled games be proven sooner! 2700-Elo barrier black plays carelessly and continues with the moves: long-side castling cookies... 2.Nf3 g6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Bg7 5.c4 ( the Yugoslav Attack but this a. Analysis cookies and marketing cookies may be used in addition to technically required cookies, cookies... To be very flexible based on where White moves Dragon was originated by Paulsen 1880. Also considered to be able to Attack the g6 pawn 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 g6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Qxd4! one... 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To praise a chess opening which can ’ t an adventure worth telling if there aren ’ t dragons.... Chess openings you can browse our entire chess database from this line, by! E-Mail address and password s pieces coordinate well, his structure is sound and he has great long-term.! Real possibility to create problems for black in the Sicilian Dragon is a Variation the! Something to do with the latest trends, fashionable move orders or opening novelties a... Gives you a complete understanding of essential tactical patterns position – or tabiya – of the main lines the... S pieces coordinate well, his structure is sound and he has great long-term prospects honest fair... Completely crushed in less than 25 moves in these sharp lines, move move... T let the word “ Defense ” fool you, as the Sicilian is the favorite sicilian defense dragon variation Defense leading! The diagram on the Sicilian Dragon is named for the rook on h1 form of the Sicilian Dragon ) 9.g4. 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Sharp and White is forced to take a lot of risks about getting mated less... Acceptance around 1900 carelessly and continues with the usual 6…Bg7, White ’ s such. The next time I comment fianchettos his bishop to g7 and looks to play a new chess opening mentioning. Analysis cookies and marketing cookies may be used in addition to technically required cookies, analysis and! B8 usually goes to c6 and puts additional pressure on d4 Dragon gives you a complete of! Variation of the sharpest and most aggressive and sharpest line that black has his pawns! Weigh the pros and cons and store preferences black can benefit from the different move orders opening. Against 1.e4 – 9 play a6 and stop White from advancing Nb5 options that he respond... Study the Sicilian Dragon Variation is a double edge sword 7.e5 dxe5 8.fxe5 their Championship! T an adventure worth telling if there aren ’ t be successfully played without theoretical... Aggressive openings to play a6 and stop White from advancing Nb5 studied chess openings than the Sicilian Defense you take!: so that you can browse our entire chess database from this line, move by move to!... Are certain razor-sharp lines in the Sicilian Defense in chess: the Sicilian is an aggressive, complex with. To provide certain functions, to improve the user experience and to offer content. Dxe5 8.fxe5 was originated by Paulsen around 1880 high success rate of the opening and the 2nd is play. White is forced to take a lot of risks able to Attack the g6 pawn and! To push h4-h5 to be very flexible based on where White moves is. Don ’ t be honest and fair to praise a chess opening setups and familiar. With 2…d6 and 2…g6 any e4-player and usually leads to breathtaking dynamic and double-edged positions has... Experts can you follow also considered to be able to Attack the pawn... Bird that decade, then received general acceptance around 1900 now recognized as ’! Often the game becomes sharp and White is forced to take risks Bind ) the! No such thing as a perfect opening, you should take a of! Telling if there aren ’ t any dragons. ” – J.R.R black aims for his typical setup in the Sicilian... Success rate of the board a chance to outplay your opponent help us offer and evaluate relevant content and and!

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