Drona

Who Drona is

Drona, son of the sage Bharadvaja, was born in a vessel (drona), from which he took his name, and became the supreme teacher of arms to the Kaurava and Pandava princes (Adi Parva). After his pupils displayed their skill before the court, he asked as his teacher's fee that they capture King Drupada, the friend of his youth who had spurned him. When Bhishma fell he took command of the Kaurava army, arraying it in formations such as the chakravyuha, and he laid down his arms after hearing that Ashwatthama was dead (Drona Parva).

“I have taught princes every formation of war. Now show me what you have learned.”

How Drona plays chess

The great theoretician, he plays the deepest main lines and knows every variation by heart.

The Classicist: Sound, balanced chess: develops, castles and takes what the position offers.

Opening repertoire: Ruy Lopez, Closed · Semi-Slav Defence, Meran · Sicilian Defence, Najdorf

Drona's trial lies beyond the Level 30 gate, but you can play Drona any time in free play.

Sources

• Mahabharata, Adi Parva
• Mahabharata, Drona Parva

Placement on the path reflects chess difficulty only — a game-design choice, not a ranking of anyone's spiritual standing.