The Sicilian Defense gives Black open, asymetrical play which avoids drawish equality.

The Sicilian Dragon is an opening which favors the dynamic player. It is distinct from Black's first move, answering e4 with c5. Rather than contest with White over the center squares, Black concedes an active center and the Kingside in trade for a passive hold on the center and a Queenside mastery. The open format of the Dragon is refreshing for both sides of the board and leads to interesting games.

This opening was a favorite of American Grandmaster Bobby Fischer, and is currently extremely popular, being both sensible and "fun." The variation above is called the "Dragon" because of the serpentine arangement of the pieces, as can be seen at the end of the eighth move.