Sicilian Defense: Dragon Variation, Classical Variation, Normal Line

1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 g6 6.Be2 Bg7 7.O-O O-O 8.Be3 Nc6 9.Nb3

ECO B74

The Sicilian Defense: Dragon Variation, Classical Variation, Normal Line is a chess opening line in the Sicilian Defense complex, reached after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 g6 6.Be2 Bg7 7.O-O O-O 8.Be3 Nc6 9.Nb3.

It is catalogued under code B74 in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO).

The defining move Nb3 is chosen by White on move 9.

The Sicilian Defense: Dragon Variation, Classical Variation, Normal Line is a line of the Sicilian Defense. The Sicilian Defense is a chess opening that begins 1.e4 c5. Read the complete Sicilian Defense guide: what it is, how to reach it, its main variations, how to play against it, and its history.

Study this line with a grandmaster

This position is covered in the Beat the Dragon Sicilian course: a GM-authored repertoire you study move by move, then practice against a human-like AI opponent.

Every chess term used here is defined in the chess terms glossary. Browse all opening courses or the full ECO code index.