Sicilian Dragon: The Real Deal! (Part 3) - Chess Opening Software Download
by Chris Ward

Following on from Part 1, where important themes and concepts were explained, now it's time to delve into the theory that has shaped this exciting opening over the years. From reasons why once popular variations are played no more (but with revival suggestions!) to coverage of the more modern systems currently deployed by the World's elite, this Part 3 has it all!

Everybody loves Yugoslav Attack encounters, and in this video course it is the sharp 9.Bc4 line that takes center stage. While these days most players focus on the Soltis, Topalov, and Chinese Variations (covered here of course), other Black options also come under the microscope. Deviations from the Yugoslav Attack are also visited, including the trendy "Long Castles Classical" approach.

With his constant monthly monitoring of Dragon games Worldwide on the "chesspublishing" site, Chris argues that rather than being analyzed to death as many had predicted, in fact the opening has flourished in recent times with new ideas and variations frequently popping up. The viewer won't be overwhelmed with myriads of moves to learn but, with a nice choice of systems, will receive a good grounding in all chapters - a fantastic springboard for further investigation. There is simply no doubt that with these video courses assimilated, the user will be more ready than ever to enter the Dragon!

• Video running time: 6 hours (English)
• With interactive training including video feedback
• Extra: Training with ChessBase apps - Memorize the opening repertoire and play key positions against Fritz on various levels

Languages: English
Level: Advanced, Tournament player, Professional
System: Windows 10 or higher, Mac OS X (only download)
Streaming: for iPad & tablet
Delivery: Download
Published: October 2022

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Soltis Variation Part 2: 9...Bd7 10.0-0-0 Ne5 11.Bb3 Rc8 12.Kb1
Chinese Variation Part 1: 9...Bd7 10.0-0-0 Rb8 11.Bb3 Na5 12.Kb1/g4
Chinese Variation Part 2: 9...Bd7 10.0-0-0 Rb8 11.h4 b5 and 11.Bb3 Na5 12.Bh6
Topalov System 9...Bd7 10.0-0-0 Rc8 11.Bb3 Nxd4 12.Bxd4 b5
9...Nxd4 10.Bxd4 Be6/Qa5
Old Variations: 9...Nd7; 9...Bd7 10.0-0-0 Qb8/Qc7
Old Variations: 9...Bd7 10.0-0-0 Rc8 without h5; 9...Bd7 10.0-0-0 Qa5
9...Bd7 10.Bb3 and h4
Non-Yugoslav lines
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 g6
Long Castles Classical Variation: 6.Be2 Bg7 7.Be3 Nc6 8.Qd2 0-0 9.0-0-0
Classical Variation: 6.Be2 Bg7 7.0-0
Modern Classical Variation: 6.Bc4
Fianchetto Variation: 6.g3
Levenfish 6.f4 and 6.Bg5