Dragon Variation
One of the sharpest openings in chess. Black fianchettoes the king's bishop, creating a formation that resembles a dragon. The resulting positions often feature opposite-side castling and mutual attacks.
ECO Code
B70-B79
Difficulty
Advanced
Style
Ultra-Sharp
Key Players
Carlsen, Nakamura, Grischuk
Critical Lines
Yugoslav Attack
The main line and most dangerous attack. White castles queenside and launches h4-h5.
Learn More →Classical Dragon
A positional approach where White castles kingside. Less forcing but still offers good chances.
Learn More →Levenfish Attack
An aggressive system with f4, creating immediate tactical complications.
Learn More →Dragadorf (Hybrid)
A modern twist combining Dragon and Najdorf ideas, keeping maximum flexibility.
Learn More →Tactical Themes
- Exchange sacrifice on c3: ...Rxc3 is a common theme to damage White's structure
- The h-file attack: White often plays h4-h5-hxg6 to open lines against Black's king
- The ...Nxe4 tactic: When White's pieces are misplaced, this can win material
- Dragon bishop: The g7 bishop is Black's most important piece
- Queenside counterplay: Black must create threats with ...b5, ...Rc8, ...Nc4
The Race in the Yugoslav Attack
Both sides race to checkmate. Precision is essential - one tempo can decide the game.
Must-Know Theory
The 9.Bc4 Line: After 9.Bc4, Black must know the Chinese Dragon with 9...Bd7 or the ultra-sharp 9...Nxd4.
The Soltis Variation: 10...Rc8 11.Bb3 Re8 12.h4 h5! - Black blocks the h-file at the cost of weakening g5.
Why Play the Dragon?
The Dragon is for brave souls who enjoy tactical melees and aren't afraid of sharp theory. While it requires extensive preparation, it offers Black excellent winning chances. The positions are so sharp that even strong players can lose quickly if they don't know the theory.
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