The Accelerated Dragon (or Accelerated Fianchetto) is a

chess opening A chess opening or simply an opening is the initial stage of a chess game. It usually consists of established theory; the other phases are the middlegame and the endgame. Many opening sequences have standard names such as the "Sicilian Defens ...

variation of the

Sicilian Defence The Sicilian Defence is a chess opening that begins with the following moves: :1. b:Chess Opening Theory/1. e4, e4 b:Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...c5, c5 The Sicilian is the most popular and best-scoring response to White's first move 1.e4. Ope ...

that begins with the moves: :1. e4 c5 :2. Nf3 Nc6 :3. d4 cxd4 :4. Nxd4 g6 The Accelerated Dragon features an early ...g6 by Black. An important difference between this line and the

Dragon A dragon is a reptilian legendary creature that appears in the folklore of many cultures worldwide. Beliefs about dragons vary considerably through regions, but dragons in western cultures since the High Middle Ages have often been depicted as ...

is that Black avoids playing ...d7–d6, so that they can later play ...d7–d5 in one move, if possible. Black also avoids the Yugoslav Attack, but since White has not been forced to play Nc3 yet, 5.c4 (the

Maróczy Bind In chess, the Maróczy Bind () is a term alternately used to refer to an opening or its associated pawn structure, named for the Hungarian grandmaster Géza Maróczy. When the Bind is discussed as an opening, it is defined as 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 ...

) is possible. The Accelerated Dragon generally features a more style of play than many other variations of the Sicilian.

Main line

One of the main lines continues: 5. Nc3 Bg7 6. Be3 Nf6 7. Bc4 (see diagram). At this point the most important Black continuations are 7...0-0 and 7...Qa5. White should not castle after 7...Qa5, unlike in the Yugoslav Attack. 7... 0-0 is the main line, after which White should proceed with 8. Bb3. If Black plays 8...d6, White usually plays 9.f3 as in the Yugoslav Attack. Although, Black often plays 8...a5 or 8...Qa5, after which castling queenside can be dangerous, and it is often a better idea for White to castle .

Passmore Variation

Another common line that has been seen in tournaments continues: 5. Nxc6 bxc6 6. Qd4 Nf6 7. e5 Ng8 (7...Nd5 works as well) 8. e6 Nf6 9. exf7+ Kxf7 (see diagram). At this point both sides have equal chances. Many times the continuation 10.Bc4+ will be seen, attempting to add kingside pressure while developing a minor piece. However, Black defends easily with 10...d5 or 10...e6, resulting in a position where his king is safe. Both players can choose to play the game positionally or otherwise will have variable results. Statistically, White's best move is 10.Be2 followed with 11.0-0.

Main line

Passmore Variation

See also

References

Further reading