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Yet this thread again...
Of course I don't question the soundness of the dragon but I do think that it is very complicated to play the Black side of this opening.
I took the challenge posted by my now good friend LordOfTheChessboard and this is what came out of it:
Game 947146
Of course, this is hardly conclussive evidence that the dragon is undound but nonetheless I wanted to show what came out of this interesting debate. I am sure that LordOfTheChessboard will go back to his lab and refine his nefarious schemes in the dragon and proceed to crush me next time. For the time being he is trying his hand on the Sveshnikov [ I shall say that I find this opening positionally suspect but who can argue with Kramnik that uses it consistently? ]
Another game that I played against Dustnrogers with the dragon went like this:
Game 884216
Of course, I made lots of mistakes in both games and shall endeavour to correct them for future outings... I will say this aloud:
The dragon is not unsound but there are very, very narrow paths to equality that very few players know.
I hope these two games help to enrich this debate on the dragon.
you have to be careful with the dragon. d5 can be a major weakness, so DO NOT move your e-pawn until it is totally safe to do so, or he may lodge a knight on that square. try to generate play on the c-file, usually by trading your c6 knight for his e4 one (not early on, though.)
Originally posted by AlopintoI used to play the Dragon, i've switched to the Najdorf , at least i'm trying to, but i woulkd like to play the Dragon against you. I've lost a lot of games playing the Dragon, that's why i stopped playing it :-). But let's just see how it goes ok? I'm a player who still has to learn a lot, so don't be afraid, lol.
Yet this thread again...
Of course I don't question the soundness of the dragon but I do think that it is very complicated to play the Black side of this opening.
I took the challenge posted by my now good friend LordOfTheChessboard and this is what came out of it:
Game 947146
Of course, this is hardly conclussive evidence that the ...[text shortened]... hat very few players know.
I hope these two games help to enrich this debate on the dragon.
Originally posted by OutpostI am trying to reduce the load of games now so I am not taking the challenge. I am sure you are a terrific player...
I used to play the Dragon, i've switched to the Najdorf , at least i'm trying to, but i woulkd like to play the Dragon against you. I've lost a lot of games playing the Dragon, that's why i stopped playing it :-). But let's just see how it goes ok? I'm a player who still has to learn a lot, so don't be afraid, lol.
Originally posted by XanthosNZIndeed! You have been one of the few that has managed to contain the attack and earn chances of winning. I offered you a draw already because you will get a perpetual...
Playing the Dragon as black is indeed like walking a tightrope. One seemingly innocent developing move can spell the end.
I think I am teetering in the game I'm playing against you.
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Originally posted by AlopintoAnd for those reading this thread looking for Dragon games here's the one we are talking about:
Indeed! You have been one of the few that has managed to contain the attack and earn chances of winning. I offered you a draw already because you will get a perpetual...
Game 965485
One of the most enjoyable (and nerve-destroying games) I've played on here.
Originally posted by XanthosNZYou too XanthosNZ 🙂
And for those reading this thread looking for Dragon games here's the one we are talking about:
Game 965485
One of the most enjoyable (and nerve-destroying games) I've played on here.
You were a very classy opponent... I had a crises when I saw that you could almost lock my queen and prevent her from participating...
You owe me two cups of coffee 🙂
btw, you are elite
Originally posted by AlopintoThe only trouble is finding improvements on the game. When things get that complicated I don't trust Fritz as it tends to get confused. What I really need is a top player with experience in the Dragon. However they are a rarity.
You too XanthosNZ 🙂
You were a very classy opponent... I had a crises when I saw that you could almost lock my queen and prevent her from participating...
You owe me two cups of coffee 🙂
btw, you are elite
Originally posted by XanthosNZMove 21 by you deserve a couple of exclams. I couldn't find anything better than 22.Rd5 and I don't know if there is truly anything better for White in that position. That was a very critical move for me because had I allowed my queen to get diverted from the main scenario of operations Black would have had a terrible attack.
The only trouble is finding improvements on the game. When things get that complicated I don't trust Fritz as it tends to get confused. What I really need is a top player with experience in the Dragon. However they are a rarity.
I don't trust engines for these complicated openings... One can only play the game and hope for the best 😕 because as far as I am concerned Black can also unleash a killer move out of a position that you thought completely equal...
I can't get over the fact that out game is finished because I learned a lot and because I miss the rush of seeing what was about to come...
I am no specialist of the dragon and so I have a question that many will consider dumb:
Why is it that 13.Bg5 is played instead of the straightforward 13.Bh6?
Originally posted by AkashicYes... I have seen the 9. 0-0-0 and they are also hot stuff. I play the 9. Bc4 because I find it easier to remember the theory and the themes while I don't have much experience with 9. 0-0-0
The 9. 0-0-0 lines are giving black a lot more trouble than the Yugoslav attack. White basically starts his g4/h4 kingside pawnstorm a move earlier.
Maybe I will give it a try someday!
One thing is certain: I am still confused about the Soltis variation of the Dragon. ðŸ˜
Originally posted by XanthosNZPretty game. 🙂
And for those reading this thread looking for Dragon games here's the one we are talking about:
Game 965485
One of the most enjoyable (and nerve-destroying games) I've played on here.
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Originally posted by AlopintoMove 21 is a theme that is often repeated in these types of Sicilians. As a matter of fact I believe I have played the same move in similar games twice in the past couple of days. I picked it up from a master game somewhere where the queen ended up completely trapped.
Move 21 by you deserve a couple of exclams. I couldn't find anything better than 22.Rd5 and I don't know if there is truly anything better for White in that position. That was a very critical move for me because had I allowed my queen ...[text shortened]... is it that 13.Bg5 is played instead of the straightforward 13.Bh6?
I think perhaps Rd4 would have been the best move at 22w.
22. Rd4 Nh7 (aiming to keep the queen on h6) 23. fxg4 Ne5 24. Rb4 Qe8 (needed to stop Bxf7+ followed by Qg6+) 15. Rxb7 ±.
Personally I'm not really sure why 13. Bg5 rather than 13. Bh6. It seems to me to have little point. White doesn't want to trade away the bishop for the average knight on f6 and on g5 it just seems to get in the way of the pawn storm. The only advantage seems to be it doesn't allow the exchange sac on c3 (thanks to the queen still defending the knight).