Sicilian Defense: Richter-Rauzer Variation, Dragon Variation (B60)

The Richter-Rauzer Variation, Dragon Variation is a variation of the Sicilian Defense, catalogued as ECO B60. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 d6 6. Bg5 g6, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. Development is level at three minor pieces each. It is White 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.

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Sicilian Defense: Richter-Rauzer Variation, Dragon Variation — position after g6 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 d6 6. Bg5 g6

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c5
2Nf3Nc6
3d4cxd4
4Nxd4Nf6
5Nc3d6
6Bg5g6

ECO: B60

Stockfish: +0.52 at depth 18

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Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Richter-Rauzer Variation, Dragon Variation?

The Richter-Rauzer Variation, Dragon Variation goes 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 d6 6. Bg5 g6. It is a variation of the Sicilian Defense and is catalogued as ECO B60.

What is the ECO code for the Richter-Rauzer Variation, Dragon Variation?

The Richter-Rauzer Variation, Dragon Variation is ECO B60. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Sicilian Defense.

Is the Richter-Rauzer Variation, Dragon Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 d6 6. Bg5 g6 at +0.52 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 Richter-Rauzer Variation, Dragon Variation lead to?

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