Pterodactyl Defense: Western, Rhamphorhynchus

This chess opening is characterized by an early fianchetto of the dark-squared bishop and a quick counterattack on the queen's side.

1. e4 2. g6 3. d4 4. Bg7 5. Nf3 6. c5 7. dxc5 8. Qa5+

The opening is an offbeat and aggressive choice for Black, aiming to create an unbalanced position and catch the opponent off guard. It is part of the larger family of openings known for their unusual and provocative move order. The specific variation involves Black's dark-squared bishop fianchettoing on g7, followed by a quick counterattack on the queen's side.

This opening can lead to sharp and complex positions, as Black is willing to sacrifice a pawn in order to gain rapid piece activity and pressure on White's center. The early queen sortie can be a double-edged sword, as it can either lead to quick counterplay or expose the queen to potential attacks.

White has several ways to respond to this opening, including solidly defending the center or trying to exploit Black's early queen move. It is essential for both players to be well-prepared and familiar with the resulting middlegame positions, as the opening can quickly become tactical and complicated.

While not a mainstream choice, this opening can be an effective surprise weapon for Black, especially against opponents who are not well-versed in its intricacies. However, it is important for Black to be cautious and precise in their play, as the opening can also lead to early difficulties if not handled correctly.

Frequency: 19 %Stockfish score: 0.7, depth 42
Games Statistics:
White/Draws/Black
48.3%
5.5%
46.2%
Bookmoves score:
RateWhiteBlack
0...180064.651.7
1800...200069.752.3
2000...220063.551.5
2200...250062.350.2
2500...57.547.7

Variations:

Pterodactyl Defense: Sicilian, Rhamphorhynchus

The Pterodactyl Defense is a flexible and unorthodox chess opening that aims to create a dynamic and asymmetrical position.

Frequency: 1.2 %