ECO code: B00
Owen Defence: 3.Bd3 e6
The Owen Defence begins with 1. e4 b6, where Black prepares to fianchetto the queen's bishop to b7. After 2. d4 Bb7 3. Bd3 e6, Black supports the central squares and prepares to develop the dark-squared bishop, often aiming for a solid but flexible setup.
Characteristic of the move 3...e6: This move strengthens Black’s control over the central dark squares, especially d5, and opens the way for the development of Black's light-squared bishop and the queen. It is a solid, somewhat cautious approach, reinforcing the center rather than immediately challenging White’s pawn duo.
Attacking or Defensive: As Black, this setup is primarily defensive and positional, focusing on solid development and counterplay rather than immediate attack. White, on the other hand, enjoys a freer central presence and more space to coordinate an attack on the center.
Center Control: White maintains a strong hold on the center with pawns on e4 and d4. Black’s pawn moves and bishop fianchetto aim to challenge and undermine White’s center over time, but the opening itself does not directly attack the center aggressively early on.
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 e6, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 19 - Move #6 white