Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...c5/2. Nf3/2...d6/3. d4/3...cxd4/4. Nxd4/4...Nf6/5. Nc3/5...g6/6. Be3/6...Bg7

Dragon variation B72 Sicilian defence → Dragon variation → 6. Be3 6...Bg7 7. f3 is the main move. This controls the g4-square and so denies Black ...Ng4, therefore allows White to play Qd2 next and castle long (the Bb5+ idea, which refuted 6...Ng4??, is less powerful now that Black's king can access f8). The pawn on f3 also supports the e4 pawn, liberating the knight from that duty, and can support a king-side pawn storm (g4, h4, g5, h5). 7. Be2 transposes to the classical variation. This allows White to castle short instead, 7...O-O 8. O-O Nc6, with the idea of playing f4 and perhaps e5 (9. Nb3 Be6 10. f4 Qc8 is the Tartakower line), or attacking down the centre with Qd2 and Rad1 (9. Qd2 Bd7 10. Rad1, the battery variation). This sideline is much quieter but has been employed by many players. 7. Qd2!? immediately allows 7...Ng4 8. Bg5 h6 9. Bh4 Nc6, and it is more awkward for White to launch an attack. 7. Bc4 almost always transposes into the old main line following 7...O-O 8. f3 Nc6 9. Qd2. Theory table 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 g6 6.Be3 Bg7 7 8 Yugoslav Attack f3O-O Qd2Nc6 += Be2Nc6 O-OO-O = Qd2 = References See also Sicilian Defence, Dragon Variation fi:Shakkiaapinen/Peli/1. e4/1...c5/2. Rf3/2...d6/3. d4/3...cxd4/4. Rxd4/4...Rf6/5. Rc3/5...g6/6. Le3/6...Lg7