ECO code: B00
Owen Defence: 3.Bd3
The Owen Defence begins with 1.e4 b6, where Black prepares to fianchetto the queen's bishop to b7, aiming to exert pressure on the central light squares from a distance. After 2.d4 Bb7, White plays 3.Bd3, developing the bishop to a strong central square, supporting the e4-pawn and preparing for kingside activity.
Characteristic of 3.Bd3: This move is a natural and flexible developing move, reinforcing White's control over the center and preparing for a quick kingside castle. It also helps to counter Black’s fianchettoed bishop by controlling key central squares.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, 3.Bd3 is an attacking and proactive move, aiming to dominate the center and maintain spatial advantage. For Black, the Owen Defence is generally considered somewhat defensive or hypermodern, as Black challenges the center indirectly rather than occupying it immediately.
Center Control: White’s setup with 3.Bd3 strongly supports central control, especially over the e4 and d4 squares, while Black’s plan with ...b6 and ...Bb7 targets the long diagonal to pressure the center from the flank.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Owen Defence: 3.Bd3, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 30 - Move #5 black