The invention relates to a method and a device for improving the efficiency of a four-stroke-cycle internal combustion engine. The main purpose of the invention is to obtain an effective compression ratio that is capable of automatic variation without introducing additional elements whatever the load, but only by adapting the engine cycle timing diagram. Said timing diagram includes an overlap stage between the lifts of at least one exhaust valve and at least one intake valve, said intake valve being closed near or before the bottom dead center of the piston, and said exhaust valve being closed beyond the instant of fixed closing of the intake valve.