Sicilian Defense: Dragon Variation, Yugoslav Attack (B79)

The Dragon Variation, Yugoslav Attack is a variation of the Sicilian Defense, catalogued as ECO B79. 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 10. h4 Qa5 11. O-O-O Rfc8 12. Bb3, reaching the position shown below after 23 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at four minor pieces each. It is Black to move after 12 moves. The kings have gone to opposite wings (White queenside, Black kingside), which usually means both sides attack with pawns and the faster attack wins.

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 Bb3 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
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 10. h4 Qa5 11. O-O-O Rfc8 12. Bb3

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c5
2Nf3d6
3d4cxd4
4Nxd4Nf6
5Nc3g6
6Be3Bg7
7f3O-O
8Qd2Nc6
9Bc4Bd7
10h4Qa5
11O-O-ORfc8
12Bb3

ECO: B79

Stockfish: +0.67 at depth 18

Practice this line free →

Position characteristics

Related Sicilian Defense lines

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 10. h4 Qa5 11. O-O-O Rfc8 12. Bb3. It is a variation of the Sicilian Defense and is catalogued as ECO B79.

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

The Dragon Variation, Yugoslav Attack is ECO B79. 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 White?

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 10. h4 Qa5 11. O-O-O Rfc8 12. Bb3 at +0.67 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for White. 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 Black to move. The kings have gone to opposite wings (White queenside, Black kingside), which usually means both sides attack with pawns and the faster attack wins.