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Train this openingAbout this opening
Black fianchettoes on the queenside and aims the bishop at your pawn on e4 from b7. It is offbeat and it concedes the center immediately, which is why you score well against it. d4 is the most played move here and simply takes what is offered. The one thing to know is that the bishop on b7 is a real piece, so defend e4 properly rather than assuming an unusual opening is a bad one. Bd3 and Nc3 both cover it while developing. If you build the center and castle, the extra space gives you a comfortable game with no weaknesses to worry about.
Plans
- Play d4 and take the center Black has conceded.
- Defend e4 with Bd3 or Nc3 before the bishop bites.
- Develop quickly and castle short.
- Push c4 to take even more space once you are developed.
Where the pieces belong
- Pawn: d4, the center taken at once
- Bishop: d3, defending e4 against the fianchetto
- Knight: c3, a second defender of e4
- Pawn: c4, widening the center
- King: castled short by move seven
You are simply better with more space. Keep the pawn on e4 properly defended and the bishop on b7 stays a spectator for the rest of the game.
Variations
Owen Defense: Guatemala Defense
2. d4 Ba6
Owen Defense: Hekili-Loa Gambit
2. d4 c5 3. dxc5 Nc6
Owen Defense: Matovinsky Gambit
2. d4 Bb7 3. Bd3 f5 4. exf5 Bxg2 5. Qh5+ g6
Owen Defense: Naselwaus Gambit
2. d4 Bb7 3. Bg5
Owen Defense: Smith Gambit
2. d4 Bb7 3. Nf3
Owen Defense: Wind Gambit
2. d4 Bb7 3. f3 e5