King's English Variation, Two Knights Variation, Reversed Dragon

The Reversed Dragon arises when Black answers the Carls-Bremen System with 3...d5, striking in the center one move before 4. Bg2 would let White overprotect d5. If White exchanges on d5 and Black recaptures with the knight, the pawn structure is that of the Sicilian Dragon with colors reversed. White has the fianchetto, an extra tempo and a half-open c-file, and aims the g2-bishop and queenside pieces at the knight on d5 and Black's queenside. Black holds the broad e5-d5 center and the space and free development that come with it, so the game resembles an Open Sicilian in which Black plays the side that normally attacks.

The immediate 4. cxd5 is by far the most common reply, chosen in roughly three quarters of games. The main alternative, 4. Bg2, keeps the tension and invites Black to decide the fate of the d5-pawn. The rare 4. b3 has scored poorly for White. The engine rates the position as roughly balanced. Results are close to even, with White slightly ahead, and draws are uncommon.