Modern Defense: Semi-Averbakh Variation, Pterodactyl Variation
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Statistics from Lichess
4,904 games: White 41.4% / Draw 6.9% / Black 51.8%
| Next move | Games | White / Draw / BlackW / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| 3,4973,497 | ||
| 1,3801,380 | ||
| 2121 | ||
| 55 | ||
| 11 |
Rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, from the Lichess opening explorer, updated Nov 7, 2026
Engine evaluation
+0.50 White is slightly better
Best play: 5. Nc3 cxd4 6. Nxd4 Nc6 7. Be3 d6 8. Be2 Bxd4 9. Bxd4 Nxd4
Stockfish 19, depth 30, after the line's last move. Scores are in pawns, from White's side.
Overview
Modern Defense: Semi-Averbakh Variation, Pterodactyl Variation (ECO A04, Flank Openings) is a variation of the Zukertort Opening: Sicilian Invitation, reached after 1. Nf3 c5 2. c4 g6 3. d4 Bg7 4. e4 Qa5+ (4 moves).
In 4,904 rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, White won 41.4%, Black 51.8% and 6.9% were drawn. White's most played move here is 5. Nc3, in 71% of those games.
It continues into one named variation, Pterodactyl Defense.
Written from the Lichess opening list and explorer. Know this line well? Write about it.
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How to play against the Modern Defense: Semi-Averbakh Variation, Pterodactyl Variation
5. Bd2 scores best for White: 48.8%, with White winning 45.0% and Black 47.4% of 1,380 games. The most played answer, 5. Nc3, scores lowest: 43.4% in 3,497 games. Stockfish's first choice is 5. Nc3.
Main answers: those played in at least 5% of these games. Score: White's wins plus half the draws, in rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500. How to play against other popular openings
Variations (1)
Cite this page
Caissa Codex. “Modern Defense: Semi-Averbakh Variation, Pterodactyl Variation (A04)”. Lichess data as of 7 Nov 2026. https://chesscodex.org/openings/modern-defense-semi-averbakh-variation-pterodactyl-variation