Chess opening · ECO B70
Sicilian Defense: Dragon Variation
The Sicilian Defense: Dragon Variation starts 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6. It ranks #121 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.
Move by move
- 1. e4White pushes the e-pawn two squares to e4, staking a claim in the center.
- 1... c5Black pushes the c-pawn two squares to c5.
- 2. Nf3White develops the kingside knight to f3.
- 2... d6Black advances the d-pawn to d6.
- 3. d4White pushes the d-pawn two squares to d4, staking a claim in the center.
- 3... cxd4Black takes the pawn on d4 with the c-pawn.
- 4. Nxd4White recaptures on d4 with the knight.
- 4... Nf6Black develops the kingside knight to f6.
- 5. Nc3White develops the queenside knight to c3.
- 5... g6Black advances the g-pawn to g6.
What players choose next, by rating
The three most common White moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. Among players rated 1200–1399, the most popular next move is Bg5; among players rated 2000 and up, it is Be3.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1200–1399 | Bg5 53% | Be3 47% | – |
| 1400–1599 | Be3 33% | Bg5 18% | Bc4 16% |
| 1600–1799 | Be3 31% | Bc4 16% | f3 13% |
| 1800–1999 | Be3 41% | Bc4 14% | Be2 14% |
| 2000 and up | Be3 42% | f4 17% | Be2 15% |
Related openings
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