Theoria
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Sicilian Defense

Richter-Rauzer Variation, Dragon Variation

B60offbeatpositional

  1. 1.e4c5
  2. 2.Nf3Nc6
  3. 3.d4cxd4
  4. 4.Nxd4Nf6
  5. 5.Nc3d6
  6. 6.Bg5g6
956 games50%46%

Sicilian line in which Black meets the Richter-Rauzer's 6. Bg5 with the Dragon fianchetto 6...g6, accepting structural damage after Bxf6.

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About the Dragon Variation

Here Black plays 6...g6 despite the pin on f6, aiming for a Dragon-style fianchetto. The problem is that the f6-knight loses a defender. The usual reply, 7. Bxf6, damages Black's kingside pawns before the bishop can reach g7. White's main alternatives are 7. Qd2 and 7. Bb5. Kurt Richter introduced 6. Bg5 partly to discourage this setup. The engine gives White a slight edge, and White scores best after 7. Bxf6.

Popular continuations