The Owen’s Defense is a chess opening for Black that arises after the moves 1.e4 b6. It’s an unconventional but sound way of facing 1.e4. The Owen’s Defense is a perfect choice to surprise White and take them out of their comfort zone right away. This opening is also known as the Queen's Fianchetto Defense.
There is not too much theory around the Owen’s Defense, which can be a problem for some and an appealing feature for others.
Currently, the Owen’s Defense is not used by elite Grandmasters in classical play, although it has a place in rapid and blitz games, and even Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura have used it.
Most Played Line in the Owen’s Defense
1.e4 b6 2.d4 Bb7
White occupies the center with their central pawns. Black develops their bishop to the natural square b7.
3.Bd3 e6
White protects their pawn, while Black opens the diagonal for their other bishop.
4.Nf3 c5
White is now ready to castle. Black strikes in the center.
5.c3 Nf6
White decides to simply support their d4 pawn with c3. Black attacks the e4 pawn.
6.Qe2 Be7
White protects their e4 pawn. Black is now also ready to castle.
7.O-O Nc6
Other Lines in the Owen’s Defense
Even though the existing theory on the Owen’s Defense is scarce, there are a few well-known lines you can learn.
Exchange Variation
The Exchange Variation in the Owen’s Defense happens after 1.e4 b6 2.d4 Bb7
3.Bd3 e6 4.Nf3 c5
5.c3 cxd4
6.cxd4 Bb4+ 7.Nc3
4…d5
Some authors suggest that Black is better after playing 4…d5 instead of 4…c5.
In this case, the line goes like this:
1.e4 b6 2.d4 Bb7
3.Bd3 e6 4.Nf3 d5
After this, the game could continue with:
5. exd5 Qxd5 6.Nc3 Bb4
3…Nf6
Instead of playing 3…e6, Black can play with 3…Nf6 and then with Nfd7:
1.e4 b6 2.d4 Bb7
3. Bd3 Nf6
4.Qe2 e6
5.Nf3 d5
6.e5 Nfd7
7.0-0 c5
Transposing to the English Defense
White also has the chance to transpose to the English Defense if they play 4.c4 instead of 4.Nf3:
1.e4 b6 2.d4 Bb7
3.Bd3 e6 4.c4
Model Games
