1.e4 — the open games
Owen's Defence
1.e4 b6ECO B00
Black fianchettoes the queen's bishop with …b6 and …Bb7, striking at e4 from the flank in hypermodern style. Flexible and offbeat, it lets Black avoid mainstream theory and play for a slow counterpunch.
Key ideas
- …Bb7 pressures e4 along the long diagonal; Black follows with …e6, …Nf6 and flexible development.
- Black often strikes with …f5 or …c5 to challenge White's centre once developed.
- The risk is passivity and a broad White centre — Black must find the timely central break.
Who it suits
Hypermodern players who like offbeat, flexible setups and taking opponents out of book.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Owen's Defence move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer