Pterodactyl Defense · B27
Sicilian, Rhamphorhynchus
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 g6 3. d4 Bg7 4. dxc5 Qa5+ 5. Nc3
An early pawn trade leaves the c-file as Black's avenue and the d-file as White's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file. Black's kingside bishop takes the long diagonal. White's knight on c3 is pinned against the king.
The first 4 moves, explained
- 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 1... c5 Fights for d4 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the Sicilian Defense.
- 2. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5.
- 2... g6 Prepares the fianchetto: the bishop will take the long diagonal via g7. Theory calls this the Hyperaccelerated Dragon.
Sign in to read every move's note and train this line — 5 more moves in this line, 9 in all.
Where this fits
This line is one of 33 in the Pterodactyl Defense. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.