Classical Dragon
A positional approach to the Dragon where White develops naturally with Be2 and castles kingside. Less forcing than the Yugoslav Attack but offers solid development and good practical chances.
ECO Code
B72-B73
Difficulty
Intermediate
Style
Positional
Key Players
Karpov, Kramnik, Aronian
Main Continuations
7...0-0 8.Be3
The main line where White develops the bishop to e3 and prepares central control.
The Bh6 System
White exchanges the powerful Dragon bishop, aiming for a positional advantage.
8.h3 Setup
White prepares Bh6 or maintains the bishop pair with flexible development.
The f4 Advance
A more aggressive approach where White aims for kingside space and attack.
Strategic Ideas
- Bishop vs Dragon bishop: White often aims to exchange with Bh6
- Central control: White maintains pressure on d6 and the center
- Kingside safety: Both kings are relatively safe with same-side castling
- Piece coordination: Focus on harmonious piece development
- Pawn structure: Less sharp than Yugoslav lines but still dynamic
White's Typical Plan
White develops pieces naturally while keeping pressure on Black's position.
Black's Response
Black completes development and seeks counterplay on the queenside.
Critical Decisions
The Bh6 Exchange: Should White trade bishops? This depends on the position and Black's piece coordination.
f4 Timing: When to play f4 is crucial - too early and it weakens e4, too late and Black equalizes.
Central Tension: Managing the d6-e4 pawn tension requires precise calculation.
Typical Endgames
Bishop vs Knight Endgames
After piece exchanges, the bishop pair often gives White practical chances in the endgame.
Queenside Majority
Black's potential queenside pawn majority can become important in simplified positions.
King Safety
With same-side castling, king safety is less of a concern compared to Yugoslav lines.
Black's Counterplay Options
Black has several ways to create activity and challenge White's setup.
Why Play the Classical Dragon?
The Classical Dragon is perfect for positional players who want the Dragon's dynamic potential without the ultra-sharp tactical complications. It offers rich middlegames with good practical chances for both sides, making it an excellent choice for players building their opening repertoire.
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Back to Dragon Variation Try the Yugoslav Attack