Owen Defense · B00

Hekili-Loa Gambit

1. e4 b6 2. d4 c5 3. dxc5 Nc6

An early pawn trade leaves the c-file as Black's avenue and the d-file as White's - both sides get real winning chances down their own file. White is up material out of the opening - Black is banking on activity to show for it.

The first 4 moves, explained

• 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... b6 Prepares the fianchetto: the bishop will take the long diagonal via b7. Theory calls this the Owen Defense.
• 2. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2... c5 Challenges the pawn on d4 - the central tension has to resolve.

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