Sicilian Defense · B74

Dragon Variation, Classical Variation, Stockholm Attack

1. e4 c5 2. Nc3 d6 3. f4 Nc6 4. Nf3 g6 5. d4 cxd4 6. Nxd4 Bg7 7. Be3 Nf6 8. Be2 O-O 9. Nb3 Be6 10. O-O Na5 11. f5 Bc4 12. Nxa5 Bxe2 13. Qxe2 Qxa5 14. g4

An early pawn trade leaves the c-file as Black's avenue and the d-file as White's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file. Black's kingside bishop takes the long diagonal. The g7 bishop is the whole point - it rakes the long diagonal while both sides race: White storms the h-file, Black sacrifices down the c-file.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... c5 Fights for d4 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the Sicilian Defense.
• 2. Nc3 Develops the knight to c3, eyeing d5 and e4. It also props up the e4 pawn.
• 2... d6 Supports the centre, adding control of e5.

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