Modern: c4 Pterodactyl

Before the first move

The c4 Pterodactyl is a hypermodern approach where Black allows you to build a massive pawn center, only to strike back immediately with c5. It combines elements of the King's Indian and the Sicilian, challenging your central control from the very start. Get ready for a sharp battle where space meets piece activity.

1. d4White · your move

Push your pawn to d4 to seize control of the center and open lines for your queen and dark-squared bishop. This move establishes a solid foundation for your game, claiming space and preparing for a structured development.

1... d6Black

Black replies with d6, a modest-looking move that is actually quite flexible. While d5 is the most traditional response, Black might also try the English Defense with b6 or the sharp Englund Gambit with e5.

Other paths here: Na6 (Australian Defense) · g5 (Borg Defense: Borg Gambit) · b6 (English Defense) · e5 (Englund Gambit)

2. c4White · your move

Advance your pawn to c4. By placing pawns on both d4 and c4, you are building a powerful 'Maroczy' style bind that restricts Black's counterplay and prepares to develop your knight behind the pawn.

Other paths here: Bg5 (Neo-Old Indian: 2.Bg5) · g3 (Neo-Old Indian: 2.g3) · Nf3 (Neo-Old Indian: 2.Nf3)

2... g6Black

Black continues with g6, signaling a commitment to the Modern or King's Indian structures. Alternatively, Black could challenge the center immediately with e5, known as the English Rat, or develop normally with Nf6.

Other paths here: e5 (Rat Defense: English Rat) · Nf6 (Old Indian Defence)

3. Nc3White · your move

Develop your knight to c3. This move reinforces your control over the d5 and e4 squares and prepares for further central expansion. It is the most natural way to support your d4 pawn.

Other paths here: e4 (Neo-Old Indian: Modern, 3.e4) · Nf3 (Neo-Old Indian: Modern, 3.Nf3)

3... Bg7Black

Black completes the fianchetto with Bg7. The bishop is now perfectly placed to support the coming central breaks. This is the standard setup for the Modern Defense, focusing on piece activity over early pawn presence.

4. e4White · your move

Push your pawn to e4. You have now established a full classical pawn center with pawns on c4, d4, and e4. This 'Averbakh' setup gives you a massive space advantage and controls many key squares.

Other paths here: Nf3 (Neo-Old Indian: Modern, 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.Nf3)

4... c5Black

Black plays c5, the thematic breakthrough of the Pterodactyl. Instead of the more passive c6 or e5, Black chooses to blow the center open. White must now decide whether to push to d5 or trade on c5.

Other paths here: c6 (Modern: Averbakh, 4...c6) · e5 (Modern: Averbakh, 4...e5) · Nd7 (Modern: Averbakh, 4...Nd7) · Nc6 (Modern: Averbakh, Kotov, 5.Be3)

Where you stand

The position is tense and strategically rich. White has a significant space advantage, but Black's pieces are ready to spring into action. White will likely push d5 to close the center, while Black will look to pressure the queenside and use the powerful g7 bishop to create counterplay. Accuracy in the next few moves will determine who dictates the rhythm.

• d4-d5 Push to d5 to gain space and cramp Black
• g1-f3 Develop the knight to support the center
• g7-c3 Pressure the c3 knight and queenside
• e7-e6 Challenge the d5 pawn with e6