Theoria
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Pterodactyl Defense

Central, Benoni Beefeater Pterodactyl

A40offbeatpositional

  1. 1.d4g6
  2. 2.c4Bg7
  3. 3.Nc3c5
  4. 4.d5d6
  5. 5.e4Bxc3+
  6. 6.bxc3Qa5
57 games44%47%

A rare Pterodactyl line in which Black, facing White's Benoni-style d5, gives up the g7-bishop to double White's c-pawns and then attacks them with ...Qa5.

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About the Benoni Beefeater Pterodactyl

This line combines the Eastern Benoni structure, in which White meets ...c5 with d5 and closes the long diagonal, with the Pteranodon idea of giving up the dark-squared bishop. After 5...Bxc3+ 6. bxc3 Qa5 Black targets the doubled c-pawns, and the c3-pawn is pinned against the king. 7. Bd2 is the usual reply, ahead of 7. Qc2 and 7. Qb3. Engines give White a clear advantage from the bishop pair and extra space, though the line is rarely played.

Popular continuations