Sicilian Defense: Accelerated Dragon, Modern Bc4 Variation (B35)

The Accelerated Dragon, Modern Bc4 Variation is a variation of the Sicilian Defense, catalogued as ECO B35. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 g6 5. Nc3 Bg7 6. Be3 Nf6 7. Bc4, reaching the position shown below after 13 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at four minor pieces each. It is Black to move after seven moves.

On the Sicilian Defense generally: The most popular and aggressive response to 1.e4. Black fights for the center asymmetrically, leading to rich tactical play.

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Sicilian Defense: Accelerated Dragon, Modern Bc4 Variation — position after Bc4 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 g6 5. Nc3 Bg7 6. Be3 Nf6 7. Bc4

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c5
2Nf3Nc6
3d4cxd4
4Nxd4g6
5Nc3Bg7
6Be3Nf6
7Bc4

ECO: B35

Stockfish: +0.35 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Accelerated Dragon, Modern Bc4 Variation?

The Accelerated Dragon, Modern Bc4 Variation goes 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 g6 5. Nc3 Bg7 6. Be3 Nf6 7. Bc4. It is a variation of the Sicilian Defense and is catalogued as ECO B35.

What is the ECO code for the Accelerated Dragon, Modern Bc4 Variation?

The Accelerated Dragon, Modern Bc4 Variation is ECO B35. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Sicilian Defense.

Is the Accelerated Dragon, Modern Bc4 Variation good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 g6 5. Nc3 Bg7 6. Be3 Nf6 7. Bc4 at +0.35 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Accelerated Dragon, Modern Bc4 Variation lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at four minor pieces each. It is Black to move.