Theoria
8765432abcdefgh1

Modern Defense

Semi-Averbakh Variation, Pterodactyl Variation

A04offbeataggressive

  1. 1.Nf3c5
  2. 2.c4g6
  3. 3.d4Bg7
  4. 4.e4Qa5+
64 games44%56%

A rare Pterodactyl-style line of the Modern Defense where Black meets White's broad c4-d4-e4 center with ...c5, ...Bg7 and an early check on a5.

Train it in Theoria

About the Pterodactyl Variation

Reached here via 1. Nf3, this line combines the Pterodactyl's early ...c5 with the queen check 4...Qa5+, aimed at White's pawn trio on c4, d4 and e4. The check forces a block on the a5-e1 diagonal. 5. Nc3 is the usual reply, leaving the knight pinned while the g7-bishop and c5-pawn bear down on d4. 5. Bd2 is the less common alternative. Engines give White a slight edge. The line is seldom played.

Popular continuations