ECO code: B00
Owen Defense: Smith Gambit
Moves: 1. e4 b6 2. d4 Bb7 3. Nf3
This opening begins with Black's somewhat uncommon 1...b6, aiming to fianchetto the queen's bishop to b7. The move 2...Bb7 pressures the central squares, especially e4 and d5. White responds with 3. Nf3, developing a knight to support the center and prepare for kingside safety.
Characteristics: The Smith Gambit in the Owen Defense is known for its asymmetrical pawn structure and dynamic potential. Black's 1...b6 is a hypermodern approach, inviting White to occupy the center early, which Black aims to challenge later with pressure from the fianchettoed bishop and timely pawn breaks.
Attacking or Defensive: For White, this setup is primarily attacking—White seizes central space early with pawns on e4 and d4, aiming to maintain and expand control. Black plays a more defensive and counterattacking role, seeking to undermine White's center from a flexible position.
Center Control: White clearly attacks and occupies the center from the start, while Black focuses on challenging that control indirectly rather than occupying the center immediately.
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 Defense: Smith Gambit, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 10 - Move #5 black