Sicilian Defense: Dragon Variation, Yugoslav Attack, Modern Line (B76)

The Dragon Variation, Yugoslav Attack, Modern Line is a variation of the Sicilian Defense, catalogued as ECO B76. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6 6. Be3 Bg7 7. f3 Nc6 8. Qd2 O-O 9. O-O-O, reaching the position shown below after 17 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is Black to move after nine 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, Modern Line — position after O-O-O a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6 6. Be3 Bg7 7. f3 Nc6 8. Qd2 O-O 9. O-O-O

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c5
2Nf3d6
3d4cxd4
4Nxd4Nf6
5Nc3g6
6Be3Bg7
7f3Nc6
8Qd2O-O
9O-O-O

ECO: B76

Stockfish: +0.43 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Sicilian Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

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

The Dragon Variation, Yugoslav Attack, Modern Line goes 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 g6 6. Be3 Bg7 7. f3 Nc6 8. Qd2 O-O 9. O-O-O. It is a variation of the Sicilian Defense and is catalogued as ECO B76.

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

The Dragon Variation, Yugoslav Attack, Modern Line is ECO B76. 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, Modern Line 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 Nc6 8. Qd2 O-O 9. O-O-O at +0.43 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, Modern Line lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at three 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.