Sicilian Dragon
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 g6
A defense for Black
Fianchetto the bishop and unleash the dragon on the long diagonal.
Show me the opening
0 / 10 moves
The idea
Black fianchettoes the bishop to g7, creating a powerful piece on the long diagonal that targets White's queenside. The Dragon is famous for sharp, double-edged battles.
The plan
Fianchetto the bishop to g7, castle short, bring a rook to c8, and attack on the queenside with ...d5 or via the c-file while White attacks on the kingside.
What to play next
After fianchettoing the bishop, White sets up the Yugoslav Attack with Be3, f3, and Qd2. Black castles short and develops the knight to c6. Both sides are preparing opposite-wing attacks - White will castle queenside, Black aims for ...d5 and counterplay on the c-file.
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 g6 6.Be3 Bg7 7.f3 O-O 8.Qd2 Nc6
Watch the typical continuation
Show me the opening
0 / 16 moves
One tip for beginners
The Yugoslav Attack (White plays Be3, Qd2, O-O-O) is White's most dangerous weapon. Learn to spot it and know that ...Rc8 and ...d5 are Black's best counterplay.
What to watch out for
In the Yugoslav Attack, don't castle kingside into White's h-pawn storm. Know that castling queenside is sometimes Black's best option in the sharpest lines.
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