Owens Defense & Smith Gambit Overview
Owen’s Defense
Definition
Owen’s Defense is a flank opening for Black that begins with the move 1…b6 against either 1.e4 or 1.d4. The fianchetto of the queen’s bishop to b7 (and often a later …Bb7) defines the structure. Its ECO codes are B00 (after 1.e4) and A40 (after 1.d4).
Typical Move-Order
The most common sequence occurs after 1.e4:
- 1.e4 b6 2.d4 Bb7 3.Nc3 e6
However, Owen’s Defense is flexible:
- 1.d4 b6 2.c4 Bb7 is fully possible, transposing to a form of the English Defence.
- Even 1.c4 b6 2.d4 e6 can lead back to Owen-style positions.
Strategic Ideas
- Hypermodern Concept: Black allows White to occupy the center and then attacks it from the flanks with the fianchettoed bishop, …f5, or timely pawn breaks such as …c5 or …e5.
- Piece Play over Pawns: Because Black concedes space, swift development and activity of the bishop pair are essential.
- Flexible Pawn Structure: Black can choose French-style setups (…e6 & …d5), King’s Indian plans (…g6 & …Bg7), or double-fianchetto systems.
Historical Significance
The opening is named after the 19th-century English clergyman and master John Owen. He famously used the line to defeat Paul Morphy in an 1858 offhand game in London. Though rarely seen at elite level, notable proponents include Ulf Andersson, Dieter Keller, and modern rapid specialist Hikaru Nakamura, who has experimented with it online.
Illustrative Game
Key Point: Black quickly contests e4 and d4 while the b7-bishop rakes the long diagonal.
Modern Assessment
The defense is considered sound but slightly passive. Engines give White a small edge (+0.3 to +0.6) after best play, yet it remains viable because:
- Many White players are unfamiliar with the subtleties.
- It steers the game away from mainstream theory early.
- There are numerous transpositional tricks.
Interesting Facts
- Because the b7-bishop often “eyes” the e4-pawn, club players jokingly call it the “sniper” bishop.
- In bullet chess, Owen’s Defense is occasionally paired with an immediate …g6, humorously dubbed the “Double-O (007) Setup.”
Smith Gambit (Smith–Morra Gambit)
Definition
The Smith Gambit—more commonly known today as the Smith–Morra Gambit—is an aggressive line for White against the Sicilian Defense where a pawn is sacrificed to accelerate development:
- 1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3
If Black accepts, play continues 3…dxc3 4.Nxc3. White obtains rapid piece activity and open lines for the bishops and queen.
Naming
The gambit is named for American players Pierre Morra (who analyzed 3.c3 in the 1950s) and Kenneth Smith, a Dallas master who tirelessly promoted it via books and magazine articles in the 1960s-80s. “Smith Gambit” and “Morra Gambit” are used almost interchangeably; combining the surnames respects both contributors.
Main Lines and Ideas
- Accepted (3…dxc3): White places rooks on c1 and d1, pressures the c- and d-files, and targets f7 with sacrifices like Bc4, Ng5, and sometimes Nxb5 or Bxf7+.
- Declined (3…Nf6 or 3…d5): Black retains material equality, but White still gains a lead in development at no pawn cost.
Strategic Themes
- Tactical Pressure: Open c- and d-files plus the a2–g8 diagonal often facilitate mating attacks.
- Endgame Considerations: Down a pawn, White aims to avoid queen trades unless compensation is secure.
- Piece Placement: Typical set-ups involve Bc4, Qe2, Rd1, Rac1, and sometimes Nb5 to harass d6 and c7.
Historical & Practical Significance
Though rarely chosen by World Championship contenders, the Smith–Morra is a favorite at club and online blitz levels:
- GM Marc Esserman scored several spectacular victories with it, documented in his book “Mayhem in the Morra.”
- GM Hikaru Nakamura unleashed it in high-level speed chess, notably versus GM Ian Nepomniachtchi (Titled Tuesday, 2020).
- According to the BigBase database, White’s practical score exceeds 54% in games under 2400 rating.
Illustrative Miniature
The game (Esserman–van de Oudeweetering, Wijk aan Zee Amateur 2011) ended shortly after, showcasing the classic theme of overwhelming piece activity for the pawn.
Theoretical Verdict
Engines and top GMs currently assess the gambit as objectively dubious if Black knows precise defensive moves such as …a6, …e6, …d6, Nf6, and Be7. Nevertheless, in practical play the compensation is sufficient, especially in rapid formats where memorization of lengthy Sicilian theory is harder.
Interesting Tidbits
- The line 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4!? cxd4 4.c3 is nicknamed the “Delayed Smith–Morra.”
- Ken Smith once reportedly mailed free pamphlets on the gambit to every master on the USCF membership list.
- Online databases show the gambit spikes in frequency each year during Chess.com’s “Morra May” thematic arenas.