Tree path 8 levels King's Pawn Game › Sicilian Defense › Sicilian Defense › Hyperaccelerated Dragon › Sicilian Defense: Hyperaccelerated Dragon › Sicilian Defense: Hyperaccelerated Pterodactyl › Pterodactyl Defense: Western, Rhamphorhynchus › Pterodactyl Defense: Sicilian, Rhamphorhynchus
- Caissa Codex
- King's Pawn Game B00
- Sicilian Defense B20
- Sicilian Defense B27
- Hyperaccelerated Dragon B27
- Sicilian Defense: Hyperaccelerated Dragon B27
- Sicilian Defense: Hyperaccelerated Pterodactyl B27
- Pterodactyl Defense: Western, Rhamphorhynchus B27
- Pterodactyl Defense: Sicilian, Rhamphorhynchus B27 you are here
Pterodactyl Defense: Sicilian, Rhamphorhynchus
Overview
Pterodactyl Defense: Sicilian, Rhamphorhynchus is a specific line in the Semi-Open Games family (ECO B27), arising from a recognised theoretical position.
The Semi-Open Games group covers semi-open games — replies to 1.e4 where Black declines the symmetrical 1…e5 in favour of an asymmetric pawn structure.
It begins with 9 plies and takes 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 g6 3. d4 Bg7 4. dxc5 Qa5+ 5. Nc3 to reach the canonical position.
The line refines Pterodactyl Defense: Western, Rhamphorhynchus, which traces back to the root opening King's Pawn Game.
It continues primarily into one named line, Pterodactyl Defense: Sicilian, Pteranodon.
Together the deeper variations number 2 across the full subtree.
Explore the position on the interactive board, study its real-world results from Lichess, and challenge the engine when you are ready.
- ECO code
- B27
- Group
- Semi-Open Games (B)
- Plies
- 9
- Direct variations
- 1
- Total in subtree
- 2
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
97,328 games · White 48.0% / Draw 4.4% / Black 47.6%
| Moves | Games | W / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| Qxc5 | 61,562 | |
| Bxc3+ | 30,886 | |
| Nf6 | 3,698 | |
| Nc6 | 719 | |
| Na6 | 226 | |
| Qb4 | 61 | |
| Qb5 | 50 | |
| e6 | 39 |
Source: Lichess Opening Explorer · cached 2026-09-26 02:00:16
Write a description
Markdown supported (headings ###, bold, lists, links).
Submissions are reviewed before publishing.