Pterodactyl Defense: Fianchetto, Rhamphorhynchus
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Statistics from Lichess
765 games: White 45.8% / Draw 5.2% / Black 49.0%
| Next move | Games | White / Draw / BlackW / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| 311311 | ||
| 233233 | ||
| 126126 | ||
| 5353 | ||
| 4242 |
Rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, from the Lichess opening explorer, updated Oct 30, 2026
Engine evaluation
+0.46 White is slightly better
Best play: 5. Bd2 Qxc5 6. Nc3 d6 7. Nge2 Bg4 8. Bg2 Nc6 9. h3 Bxe2
Stockfish 19, depth 30, after the line's last move. Scores are in pawns, from White's side.
Overview
Pterodactyl Defense: Fianchetto, Rhamphorhynchus (ECO B06, Semi-Open Games) is a variation of the Modern Defense, reached after 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. g3 c5 4. dxc5 Qa5+ (4 moves).
In 765 rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, White won 45.8%, Black 49.0% and 5.2% were drawn. White's most played move here is 5. c3, in 41% of those games.
Written from the Lichess opening list and explorer. Know this line well? Write about it.
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How to play against the Pterodactyl Defense: Fianchetto, Rhamphorhynchus
5. Bd2 scores best for White: 51.7%, with White winning 48.9% and Black 45.5% of 233 games. The most played answer, 5. c3, scores lowest: 46.6% in 311 games. Stockfish's first choice is also 5. Bd2.
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
Cite this page
Caissa Codex. “Pterodactyl Defense: Fianchetto, Rhamphorhynchus (B06)”. Lichess data as of 30 Oct 2026. https://chesscodex.org/openings/pterodactyl-defense-fianchetto-rhamphorhynchus