Pterodactyl Defense · A42

Main line

1. Nf3 c5 2. c4 g6 3. d4 Bg7 4. e4 Qa5+ 5. Nc3 d6

Black's kingside bishop takes the long diagonal. White's knight on c3 is pinned against the king.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5. Theory calls this the Zukertort Opening.
• 1... c5 Fights for d4 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the Sicilian Invitation.
• 2. c4 Fights for d5 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the Symmetrical Variation.
• 2... g6 Prepares the fianchetto: the bishop will take the long diagonal via g7.

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