Tree path 3 levels Queen's Pawn Game › Modern Defense › Pterodactyl Defense: Fianchetto, Queen Pteranodon
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  2. Queen's Pawn Game A40
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  4. Pterodactyl Defense: Fianchetto, Queen Pteranodon A40 you are here
A40

Pterodactyl Defense: Fianchetto, Queen Pteranodon

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Overview

Pterodactyl Defense: Fianchetto, Queen Pteranodon is a specific line in the Flank Openings family (ECO A40), arising from a recognised theoretical position.

The Flank Openings group covers flank openings — systems that delay the central pawn break and instead develop pieces and pawns on the wings.

It is reached after 10 plies of play, with the move sequence 1. d4 g6 2. c4 Bg7 3. Nc3 c5 4. d5 Bxc3+ 5. bxc3 Qa5.

The line refines Queen's Pawn Game: Modern Defense, which traces back to the root opening Queen's Pawn Game.

Explore the position on the interactive board, study its real-world results from Lichess, and challenge the engine when you are ready.

ECO code
A40
Group
Flank Openings (A)
Plies
10
Parent
Queen's Pawn Game: Modern Defense

This overview is generated automatically from the opening's metadata. Know this line well? Write a description — submissions are reviewed before publishing.

Statistics from Lichess

33,448 games · White 46.0% / Draw 4.5% / Black 49.5%

MovesGamesW / D / B
Bd214,209
Qc211,497
Qb32,965
Qd31,545
Bb21,351
e41,308
Qd2203
Nf3146

Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 02:11:25

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