Theoria
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Pterodactyl Defense

Western, Siroccopteryx

B06offbeataggressive

  1. 1.e4g6
  2. 2.Nf3Bg7
  3. 3.d4c5
  4. 4.Bc4cxd4
  5. 5.Nxd4Qa5+
39 games41%56%

A rare Pterodactyl Defense line in which Black answers White's early Bc4 and knight recapture on d4 with the check 5...Qa5+, probing the dark squares.

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About the Siroccopteryx

The Western form of the Siroccopteryx arises when White meets the Pterodactyl setup with an early bishop development and recaptures in the center with the knight after 4. Bc4 cxd4 5. Nxd4. The check 5...Qa5+ forces White to interpose before consolidating, while the fianchettoed bishop bears down on the knight on d4. The usual reply is 6. c3, with 6. Nc3 and 6. Bd2 less frequent. The engine rates the position as level, and it is rarely reached in practice.

Popular continuations