I played it for more than two years and I think it's definitely a good opening. However, the best move in the Nc3 variations is eventually transposing into a safer variation of the Dragon. I don't think Black has real problems there after Na5 against both f3 and h3. The real problem is the Maroczy bind. White secures a small but lasting and comfortable edge. Black has to suffer pretty much the entire game (having a hard time getting counterplay) and has only a draw to show for it. In fact, in some lines, White has great endgame chances. Oddball ways to play the Maroczy bind are also not very good. I've thoroughly looked at b6 Bb7 ideas, as well as Bg7 Qb6 and they are certainly no better than the now standard Nc6 Nf6 system aiming for a6-b5. So does the Maroczy bind refute the Accelerated Dragon? Of course not! But it does offer White a risk-free edge.

Needless to say, I gave it up just a few weeks ago. Although, it is notable that at my level, 2000+ on ICC, I have almost always faced Nc3 if White went for an Open Sicilian. Thus, I gave it up more for theoretical reasons after intense study of the bind rather than practical problems. I scored quite well with it.  I still am not sure on a replacement, but I'm pretty sure it will be a Sicilian.

ArKheiN wrote on 03/31/07 at 18:52:13:



I really don't know much about the Accelerated Draga. But during the ICC coverage of the the Chorus Supertournament, Tiviakov came under severe criticism for his choice of openings including the Accelerated Dragon. The commentators seemed to think it really wasn't viable at the level period. The impression I got was that White can comfortably play for a risk free  win  while holding the draw in hand. 

But you are not playing at the 2650+ level of course. 

Right, but does the "Normal" Dragon have a better Yugoslav because of that (I know there is an additionnal option for Black but I don't know if it is good enough)? (f course, they managed to avoid the Yugoslav without Bc4 because of the Accelerated move order.

1) Yes
2) Is it: Tiviakov, Malakhov are near 2700 ELO and played it a lot. Tiviakov used it 3 times I think, in the last Corus. 

3 and 4)The reason why it isn't played so much? Because at that level it is hard to win with the accelerated Dragon, there are solid weapon like the Maroczy Bind against the accelerated Dragon. So they prefer to play the Najdorf, Sveshnikov, which are sharper, where there is still something to discover in everygame, and give good winning chance for Black. 

5)The Maroczy bind is maybe the reason, but even with Be3 and Nc3 without c4, White should get a small edge everywhere. BUT IT IS TOTALLY PLAYABLE but less chance to win as Black compared to others sicilian.