Sicilian Defense: Dragon Variation, Yugoslav Attack (B77)

The Dragon Variation, Yugoslav Attack is a variation of the Sicilian Defense, catalogued as ECO B77. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6 6. Be3 Bg7 7. f3 O-O 8. Qd2 Nc6 9. Bc4 Bd7, reaching the position shown below after 18 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at four minor pieces each. It is White to move after nine moves. Black has castled while White’s king is still uncommitted.

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, Yugoslav Attack — position after Bd7 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6 6. Be3 Bg7 7. f3 O-O 8. Qd2 Nc6 9. Bc4 Bd7

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c5
2Nf3d6
3d4cxd4
4Nxd4Nf6
5Nc3g6
6Be3Bg7
7f3O-O
8Qd2Nc6
9Bc4Bd7

ECO: B77

Stockfish: +0.49 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Dragon Variation, Yugoslav Attack?

The Dragon Variation, Yugoslav Attack goes 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6 6. Be3 Bg7 7. f3 O-O 8. Qd2 Nc6 9. Bc4 Bd7. It is a variation of the Sicilian Defense and is catalogued as ECO B77.

What is the ECO code for the Dragon Variation, Yugoslav Attack?

The Dragon Variation, Yugoslav Attack is ECO B77. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Sicilian Defense.

Is the Dragon Variation, Yugoslav Attack good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6 6. Be3 Bg7 7. f3 O-O 8. Qd2 Nc6 9. Bc4 Bd7 at +0.49 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 Dragon Variation, Yugoslav Attack lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at four minor pieces each. It is White to move. Black has castled while White’s king is still uncommitted.