Sicilian Defense: Dragon Variation, Yugoslav Attack, Panov Variation (B76)

The Dragon Variation, Yugoslav Attack, Panov Variation 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 O-O 8. Qd2 Nc6 9. g4, 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. 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.

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Sicilian Defense: Dragon Variation, Yugoslav Attack, Panov Variation — position after g4 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. g4

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c5
2Nf3d6
3d4cxd4
4Nxd4Nf6
5Nc3g6
6Be3Bg7
7f3O-O
8Qd2Nc6
9g4

ECO: B76

Stockfish: +0.65 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

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

The Dragon Variation, Yugoslav Attack, Panov Variation 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. g4. 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, Panov Variation?

The Dragon Variation, Yugoslav Attack, Panov Variation 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, Panov 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. Be3 Bg7 7. f3 O-O 8. Qd2 Nc6 9. g4 at +0.65 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, Panov Variation lead to?

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