Modern Defense: Semi-Averbakh Variation, Pterodactyl Variation
1. Nf3 c5 2. c4 g6 3. d4 Bg7 4. e4 Qa5+
5. Nc3+0.59
White is slightly better. Stockfish 18, depth 18.
Analyze this positionIn the Modern Defense: Semi-Averbakh Variation, Pterodactyl Variation (A04), reached after 1. Nf3 c5 2. c4 g6 3. d4 Bg7 4. e4 Qa5+, Stockfish 18 recommends 5. Nc3 for White. White is slightly better (+0.59).
Top engine moves
- +0.595. Nc3 d6 6. Be2 cxd4 7. Nxd4 Nc6 8. Be3 Nxd4 9. Bxd4 Bxd4
- +0.415. Bd2 Qb6 6. Bc3 cxd4 7. Bxd4 Bxd4 8. Qxd4 Qxd4 9. Nxd4 Nc6
- −0.525. Qd2 Qxd2+ 6. Bxd2 cxd4 7. Na3 Nc6 8. Nb5 Rb8 9. c5 b6
Frequently asked questions
What is the best move in the Modern Defense: Semi-Averbakh Variation, Pterodactyl Variation?
After 1. Nf3 c5 2. c4 g6 3. d4 Bg7 4. e4 Qa5+, Stockfish 18 at depth 18 recommends 5. Nc3 for White, continuing d6 6. Be2 cxd4 7. Nxd4 Nc6 8. Be3 Nxd4 9. Bxd4 Bxd4. White is slightly better (+0.59). The next best moves are 5. Bd2 (+0.41) and 5. Qd2 (−0.52).
Is the Modern Defense: Semi-Averbakh Variation, Pterodactyl Variation a good opening?
Stockfish rates the position at +0.59: white is slightly better. Evaluations this early in the game are small, so practical results depend far more on knowing the plans and typical structures than on the engine's number.
What is the ECO code of the Modern Defense: Semi-Averbakh Variation, Pterodactyl Variation?
A04. ECO codes classify chess openings from A00 to E99; A is the volume for flank openings.
Opening names from the Lichess opening book (CC0). Pieces by Colin M.L. Burnett (GPLv2+).