Sicilian Defense: Open Accelerated Dragon Modern Variation
Sicilian Defense
Definition
The Sicilian Defense is the family of chess openings that begin with the moves 1. e4 c5. Black immediately fights for the center from the flank by attacking the d4–square with the c-pawn instead of mirroring White’s e-pawn. The ECO code range is B20–B99, making it the single largest opening complex in modern theory.
How it is used in chess
The Sicilian is employed by players who wish to unbalance the game from the very first move. By creating an asymmetrical pawn structure, it promises rich middlegame positions and winning chances for both sides. It is especially popular in competitive, must-win situations.
Strategic and historical significance
- Counter-punching spirit: Black avoids the symmetrical 1…e5 and seeks dynamic counterplay.
- Theory-heavy: Because it is so popular, the Sicilian is one of the most deeply analyzed openings in chess literature.
- World-Championship pedigree: Bobby Fischer, Garry Kasparov, and Magnus Carlsen have all made the Sicilian key to their repertoires.
Relevant examples
- Fischer – Spassky, Game 6, Reykjavík 1972 (Fischer used the Open Sicilian as White and won a celebrated game.)
- Kasparov – Anand, World Championship 1995, Game 10 (Kasparov unleashed a deep novelty in the Scheveningen variation.)
Interesting facts
The oldest known mention of the Sicilian Defense is by Giulio Polerio in the late 16th century, but it was Louis-Charles Mahé de La Bourdonnais who popularized it in the 1830s. A modern statistical quirk: in elite databases the move 1…c5 scores marginally better for Black than any other reply to 1.e4.
Open Sicilian
Definition
The term Open Sicilian refers to the main line sequence 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6/Nc6/e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4. By playing 3.d4 White “opens” the position with an early pawn exchange, leading to the characteristic structure with Black’s c-pawn traded for White’s d-pawn.
Usage and typical move-order
White’s choice on move 3 to play d2–d4 commits them to sharp, theoretical battles, whereas alternatives such as 3.Bb5+ or 3.c3 are called Anti-Sicilians.
Strategic ideas
- Central majority: After …cxd4 Nxd4, White enjoys a mobile e- and d-pawn duo.
- Imbalance creation: Black often gets a pawn majority and half-open c-file for counterplay.
- Lead in development vs. structural trumps: White tries to exploit activity before Black organizes …e6 or …d6 and …d5 breaks.
Historical notes
Bobby Fischer famously wrote, “In the Sicilian Defense, Black is playing for a win.” The Open Sicilian is a staple at every level because it guarantees a fight.
Accelerated Dragon
Definition
The Accelerated Dragon is a sub-variation of the Open Sicilian that begins (one common move-order): 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 g6. The distinguishing feature is the early …g6 and …Bg7 without first playing …d6, allowing Black to reserve the option of a swift …d7–d5 break in one move.
Key ideas
- Fianchettoed bishop: Black places the dark-squared bishop on g7, exerting long-range pressure on the center.
- …d7–d5 in one go: Skipping …d6 saves a tempo compared with the “classical” Dragon.
- Hyper-modern strategy: Black concedes central space in order to undermine it later.
Strategic significance
The Accelerated Dragon gives Black a healthier pawn structure (no weakened d6-square) at the cost of allowing dangerous setups such as the Maróczy Bind (with c4) for White. It therefore rewards precise piece play and tactical alertness.
Example position
After 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 g6 5.c4 (Maróczy Bind) Bg7 6.Be3 Nf6 the board shows White’s pawns on e4 and c4 clamping down on …d5 while Black aims for breaks like …Ng4 and …d5.
Interesting anecdote
Grandmaster Gennady Sosonko once quipped that the Accelerated Dragon is “for players who love the Dragon’s bishop but hate the Dragon’s pawn weaknesses.” Magnus Carlsen used it to score a quick win over Viswanathan Anand in the 2010 Bilbao Masters, illustrating its surprise value at the highest level.
Modern Variation (of the Accelerated Dragon)
Definition
The Modern Variation of the Accelerated Dragon—catalogued as ECO B37—arises after:
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 g6 5. Nc3 Bg7 6. Be3 Nf6 7. Bc4.
White’s bishop comes to c4 instead of the more restrained Be2 or f1, eyeing the f7-square and discouraging Black’s thematic …d5 break.
Typical continuations
- 7…O-O 8.Bb3 a5 9.a4 d6 (quiet development)
- 7…Qa5 8.O-O O-O 9.Bb3 d6 (pinning tactics on c3)
- 7…Ng4!? 8.Qxg4 Nxd4 9.Qd1 (ultra-sharp “Perelshteyn Gambit” line)
Strategic themes
- Pressure on f7 and d5: The bishop on c4 coordinates with a knight on d4 or f3 to attack f7, making …d5 hard to achieve.
- Delayed Maróczy: Sometimes White still plays c2-c4 later, blending two strategic plans.
- Structural flexibility for Black: Without the pawn on d6, Black can choose setups with …a5, …Qa5, …d6, or the immediate pawn break …d5 if tactics allow.
Historical and practical notes
The line gained “Modern” status in the 1960s when grandmasters such as Bent Larsen and Lajos Portisch began experimenting with early Bc4 ideas against the Accelerated Dragon. More recently, it has been championed by American GM Eugene Perelshteyn, who authored several theoretical surveys on the subject.
Illustrative miniature
Below is a digest version of a well-known attacking game:
White’s initiative down the d-file and the exposed Black king illustrate the latent attacking power of the Modern Variation.
Interesting fact
Because the Modern Variation sidesteps the heavily analyzed Maróczy Bind, it is frequently used as a surprise weapon—even top grandmasters may find themselves “out of book” after 7.Bc4!?