The line
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 g6
Your moves, explained
- 1... c5 Grabs share of d4 without mirroring White, giving Black active counterplay.
- 2... Nc6 Pressures d4 and keeps options open for the Accelerated Dragon.
- 3... cxd4 Forces an exchange that gives Black the half-open c-file and a clear plan.
- 4... g6 Launches the Accelerated Dragon, putting pressure along the h8-a1 diagonal.
Key moments in the video
Want the theory behind it? Read our Sicilian Accelerated Dragon guide.
Frequently asked questions
What are the moves of the Sicilian Accelerated Dragon?
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 g6. You play Black; Play Nc6 and g6 early to steer into the Accelerated Dragon and use the same setup against many White systems.
How do I practise the Sicilian Accelerated Dragon?
Watch GothamChess's video, then play the line yourself on the board on this page. You make all 4 of Black's moves; a wrong move is undone with a hint, and the key moments jump the video to where GothamChess explains each move.
Do I need an account?
No. The practice is free and runs in your browser. Sign up only if you want Chess DNA to find the openings that lose you games in your own Chess.com or Lichess history.
More videos to practise
- Caro-Kann Exchange Variation (GothamChess)
- French Defense Advance Variation (GothamChess)
- Sicilian Najdorf (thechesswebsite)
- Alekhine Defense Four Pawns Attack (thechesswebsite)
- King's Gambit Accepted (Chess Talk)
- Ruy Lopez Queen Sacrifice Trap (Remote Chess Academy)
- All Watch & practice videos
The video is embedded from YouTube and belongs to GothamChess. Chess DNA is not affiliated with the creator. Updated Nov 10, 2026.