The Semi-Averbakh Variation, Pterodactyl Variation Declined is a variation of the Modern Defense, catalogued as ECO B06. The line runs 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. c4 c5 4. Nf3 d6 5. Be2 Qa5+, reaching the position shown below after 10 half-moves.
White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and e4, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move after five moves.
On the Modern Defense generally: Similar to the Pirc but more flexible. Black fianchettoes the king's bishop early.
You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.
See all 9 Modern Defense variations →
The Semi-Averbakh Variation, Pterodactyl Variation Declined goes 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. c4 c5 4. Nf3 d6 5. Be2 Qa5+. It is a variation of the Modern Defense and is catalogued as ECO B06.
The Semi-Averbakh Variation, Pterodactyl Variation Declined is ECO B06. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Modern Defense.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 g6 2. d4 Bg7 3. c4 c5 4. Nf3 d6 5. Be2 Qa5+ at +0.50 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.
White holds the centre with pawns on d4 and e4, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at two minor pieces each. It is White to move.