Pterodactyl Defense: Eastern, Benoni

The opening move 1. d4 is one of the most popular starts in chess. This move contributes to controlling the center of the board, which is crucial for developing a strong position. White also aims to create pawn structures that will block Black’s attempts to control the center. The move d4 opens up lines of the queen and bishop which can be used to put pressure on Black’s position. This opening can be used to transition into a variety of different pawn structures depending on Black’s response.

The move g6 by Black is aimed at controlling the light-squared diagonal and preparing to fianchetto their bishop on the g7 square. Black’s pawn on g6 also supports their potential moves on f5, which can generate a strong counterattack. Playing g6 also discourages White from immediately pushing their pawn to e5, which can limit Black’s counterplay. This move may also lead to a more open game, as Black’s pawn on g6 can serve as an anchor for a kingside pawn storm.

Playing e4 by White allows them to gain further control of the center of the board, simultaneously attacking Black’s pawn on g6 and limiting the scope of their bishop on g7. By playing e4, White is also preparing to develop their knight to f3 and their bishop to e2, with the potential to castle kingside and fortify their position. This move may also open up lines for White’s queen and potentially prepare to exploit weak squares in Black’s pawn structure. In sum, the move e4 is a logical continuation of White’s plan to gain control of the center and limit Black’s counterplay.

In the Pterodactyl Defense: Eastern, Benoni, Black's move Bg7 serves the purpose of fianchettoing their bishop and exerting pressure on the long diagonal. This move can complement Black's pawn on g6, which also aims to control the same diagonal. Additionally, having the bishop on g7 increases the defense of Black's king, especially if White castles kingside. The bishop on g7 may also serve as a potential attacker towards White's kingside pawn structure. In sum, the move Bg7 is a key part of Black's strategy in the Pterodactyl Defense, helping to control the board and generate counterplay.

By playing Nc3 in response to Black's move Bg7, White is further developing their knight and exerting control over the center of the board. This move also prepares to attack the pawn on d5, which Black may play to challenge White's central control. The placement of the knight on c3 also defends the pawn on e4 and prepares to castle kingside. Additionally, this move may discourage Black from playing d6, which can limit the mobility of their c8 bishop. In sum, the move Nc3 is a key part of White's strategy to strengthen their position and limit Black's potential counterplay.

In response to White's move Nc3, Black plays c5 to challenge White's central control and fight for space. This move also attacks the d4 pawn, potentially forcing White to make a decision between defending the pawn or allowing it to be captured. By advancing the c-pawn, Black also prepares to open up lines for their queen and bishops, which can increase their attacking potential. Additionally, this move can limit the mobility of White's knights on b1 and d2, potentially forcing them to move to less ideal squares. In sum, the move c5 is a key part of Black's strategy to generate counterplay and potentially gain an advantage on the board.

In the Pterodactyl Defense: Eastern, Benoni, White's move d5 is a typical response to Black's move c5. This move aims to gain space in the center of the board while challenging Black's control over the d5 square. The move d5 also opens up lines for White's queen and light-squared bishop, which can put pressure on Black's position. Furthermore, by capturing Black's pawn on c5 with the d-pawn, White can potentially open up the c-file for their rook and launch an attack on Black's queenside. In sum, the move d5 is an important part of White's strategy to gain space in the center of the board and create attacking opportunities.