Sicilian Defense: Dragon Variation, Levenfish Variation (B71)

The Dragon Variation, Levenfish Variation is a variation of the Sicilian Defense, catalogued as ECO B71. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6 6. f4, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.

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

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Sicilian Defense: Dragon Variation, Levenfish Variation — position after f4 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6 6. f4

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c5
2Nf3d6
3d4cxd4
4Nxd4Nf6
5Nc3g6
6f4

ECO: B71

Stockfish: 0.00 at depth 18

Practice this line free →

Related Sicilian Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Dragon Variation, Levenfish Variation?

The Dragon Variation, Levenfish Variation goes 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6 6. f4. It is a variation of the Sicilian Defense and is catalogued as ECO B71.

What is the ECO code for the Dragon Variation, Levenfish Variation?

The Dragon Variation, Levenfish Variation is ECO B71. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Sicilian Defense.

Is the Dragon Variation, Levenfish Variation good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6 6. f4 at 0.00 at depth 18, which is balanced. 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 Dragon Variation, Levenfish Variation lead to?

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