Hi Igor, THANK YOU for your videos on 1.b3 and 1... b6. I've always struggled at tournaments. I watched your videos, went to a tournament and won. (Tied 1st and 2nd). I won my first two games, drew the third game (against the highest rated player in my section [U1800] and co-winner), took a bye on the fourth, and won the fifth round for a total score of 4/5. I've never played these openings, but wow! They suit my personality with strong counter attack possibilities. In the second game I was forced to play an exchange sacrifice (R for N + P) and easily won the end game. In the last game, my opponent played what you called "a known mistake" and I went after it with all my energy and won a piece in the first five moves. I have to say, I love this opening complex and the concepts you present. In two hours I learned more than I could possibly imagine and played better than I have every played before. BTW, none of my opponents followed your lines (Nc3/Nc6)... but I think your point was to know the principles so this can be played against *anything* the opponent would do (or not do). Thank you, thank you, thank you! P.S. I also purchased your "Chess Psychology" book. I haven't finished it yet, but a lot of my mentality during the game was based on your principles. I did lose my opening advantage in the middle game (but maintained a won end game in all but one game.. so maybe it was more like giving up the initiative). But I kept telling myself to make "good moves" rather than look for the perfect move. By the end of the game all but one of my opponents were in time trouble (game in 90) while I was comfortable with plenty of time. I also shifted between calculating specific variations and thinking strategically based on your advice of when to do what. Which saved me a lot of time and energy. Again, I can not thank you enough. Chess has become fun again.
WOW!!! That's great, Dan! I, too, can hardly wait to use the b6 opening, to foil my opponents opening preparation, like Fischer did against Spassky, with the Benoni. I haven't watched the b3 videos but will momentarily. I have a question. If experienced in your games, how did b6 fair against the Italian Game, or b3 against the Sicilian? Let me know. Also, Congratulations on your milestone tournament Victories! Check it Out! Ciao!!!
One thing I like about the Owen Defense is that White frequently usually makes the most common and predictable moves. White sees that Black is "ceding" the center and usually tries to take advantage of it by playing d4. Then White sees that his e-pawn is under attack and then plays either Nc3 or Be3. Then, when Black plays Nf6, adding even more pressure on the e-pawn, White either pushes that pawn or plays Qe2. Black is going to see these moves from White time and time again. I've been experimenting with Owen Defense and I have seen this setup from White very frequently - and it seems White is making these moves more out of reaction than any kind of "book" knowledge. I've also noticed that White frequently loses his e-pawn in those lines when his c3 knight is pinned. Black can frequently play Bxc3 (removing one of the e-pawn's defender) and follow it up with Bxe4. Losing the bishop pair is usually worth being a pawn up, especially when that is a center pawn.
At first I was irritated by his thick accent but by now Igor has grown on me. He has a great ability to explain these ideas too. Definitely gonna play this one at some time in the future.
Please start with GM's secrets for a start as it explains the basics of a chess games in a simple way and teaches how to find good moves in any position. I think this course is a foundation for our chess games and is a good place to start with. Although the ideas are simple we need to practice to master the method to achieve good results. Best of luck.
that's surely possible but rather unambitious, if you dont take the center you cannot hope to refute black's setup, but if you are satisfied with an equal midlegame that's ok.
Both part 1 and 2 is well delivered. Good pacing, clear to understand accent (mostly lol) and not skipping small tactical resources. It ends with a conclusion. What's I was missing were a few odds and ends, such as why it isn't in some cases bad to play ...d7-d5. Also long-term middlegame plans weren't covered. Opening has far less meaning without it actually. For the first oddity/end, here's this variation which I came up with in seconds, but have no real answer to it: 1. e4 b6 2. d4 Bb7 3. Bd3 e6 4. Nc3 Bb4 5. Bd2 * After 10 hours of thinking, Stockfish 11 @ 5.5 MNodes/Sec came up with 5...d4. But am I not locking up my Bb7?
Been playing this opening for a week or so now, been getting some really nice positions, keep rewatching this video to betrer understand the variations, thanks for the great video!
I know this video is old, but really I find the Owens Defense isn't played because after e4, b6, d4, Bb7 white can play Nd2. (which for some reason was ignored on this video) He doesn't have to play Bd3 like black would in reverse (nimzo-larsen attack). That one tempo prevents the black player from playing a sort of tarrasch you would similarly see the white player utilize against the french defense. White will never be in fear of a pin from our light squared bishop as c3 can be played at a moments notice after Nd2.
@@excalibur5434 Yes but in that variation it is an improved version of the french tarrasch just like I said. If you're not familiar with the Tarrasch and the types of structures then you may not understand why until you play out a few games and compare.
@@excalibur5434 from there white can play either nf6 to reinforce the idea of e5 or qe2. If you go nc6 you might fall into d5 which leads to material gain for white. If white wishes, he could just play the simple yet conseritave ne2 cementing the pawn duo in the centre of the board. In all variations white would have a sizable advantage to the idea of c5 d6. All other plans still fail to the simple idea (give white a solid advantage) of ne2 from white creating a solid pawn duo not even having to play e5 right away.
I've played this opening way too much in my blitz games.. and I love it, lol. Mainly cuz that 1st line you discussed often happens, and it's just so pleasant for black that I have no comments.
Exactly! The moves that White makes in this video frequently happen. They are natural/logical moves that the Owen Defense is designed to deal with. For years, I used to think people who played 1...b6 were just being silly and I no realize that they may have been quite prepared.
I watched 12 minutes of this and couldn't wait to try it out...I went and played two blitz games on chess.com. In the first I was ahead in position and time but, blundered my queen...ouch. In the second I was ahead in position, time and my opponent miscalculated...I won! Can't wait until I know this defence better! Thanks GM Smirnov.
Sean Mellers if white plays a3 to push the bishop out, black takes the knight and white ends up with double pawns, so as black this can give you a good endgame, also it removes a defender of e4 which makes your light bishop more powerful. So you endup with a positional advantage.
Sean Mellers also after exchange on c3, the only noticeable change for white is the position of his a-pawn. A whole tempo to argue your pawn is better on a3, just looks like giving black two moves in a row and white missing out.
gm smirnov, ur really r great mentor, and i appreciate ur video coz little by little i learn to play chess in a fashion way. ur really a great help for me to improve my know how in playing chess. before i was the lowest ranking member in our chess club, thus by ur lesson in some way its boost my game. thank you so much ur kind and great mentor ur amazing
I have played the Owen Defence severall times. And this video gives a very good explanation of the opening ideas. Now I'm curious what is advised when white play Pawn to a3 instead of Knight to f3. Kind regards
Thank you for the video. I play 1.b3 and 1.b6 alot. Its nice to see them get some attention from G.M. I pray in the future you might be inclined to do extensive video and pit it up for sale to us offbeat players.
I find in Blitz chess that (1. e4 b6 2. d4 Bb7 3. Bd3) 3...Nf6 can work very well considering at high speed the mistake 4.e5 can happen more often then you think!
Okay, this is only the third time I've played this opening. I won the first two games but not this one. I was playing someone who was +400 points on me. The opening worked to perfection, I just didn't play through well. I focused on the win when I had several chances to either force a draw or maintain some form of equality at the end. ANY advice on how to keep this game rolling from a psychological point of view? I know the first 10+ games are just training, according to the videos, but I really really really wanted this one.... Here's the game: [Event "Felix Schwarz Memorial"] [Site "?"] [Date "2016.11.12"] [Round "?"] [White "Jack, 2172."] [Black "Dan Waite, 1744."] [Result "1-0"] [ECO "B00"] 1. e4 b6 2. d4 Bb7 3. Nc3 e6 4. Nf3 Bb4 5. Bd3 Nf6 6. Qe2 d5 7. exd5 Qxd5 8. O-O Bxc3 9. bxc3 Qh5 {(Maybe 0-0)} 10. c4 {Unexpected. 10. Ba3 is also possible. Maybe 10. Bf4 or 10. Qe5 to a.) defend on the Kingside and b.) attack the loose c7 pawn and c.) Take control of the dark squares.} (10. Ba3 Bxf3 11. gxf3 Nbd7 12. Kh1 c5 13. Rg1 {Seems even but uncomfortable.} O-O) 10... O-O 11. Bb2 Nbd7 12. Qd1 {No need to rush this move? Maybe Rfe8 and push the e-pawn or c-pawn.} Bxf3 {Unexpected. My instincts tell me this was not the best move for white, yet the pawn structure will be the same?} 13. gxf3 {Or the immediate e5?} Rfe8 14. Kh1 e5 15. d5 ({Mixed emotions. I know this idea activates the B at b2 but the central activity looks very strong... I felt it could lead to a decisve long term advantage for Black.} 15. d5 e4 {The second idea behind 14... e5. I thought 15. de Nxe5 was good for Black.}) (15. dxe5 Nxe5 16. Bxe5 {It seems like White is "solid" but yet in shambles. I thought about getting the N to f4...} Rxe5) 15... e4 16. Be2 e3? (16... Ne5 {Keeps the pressure on White.} 17. Bxe5 Qxe5) 17. f4 ({Much better.} 17. Qd4) 17... Qf5 (17... Qh4 18. Bd4 exf2 19. Rxf2 Ne4 (19... Re4 20. Qd2) 20. Rg2) (17... Qh3) 18. fxe3 Rxe3 19. Bd3 Qh3 (19... Ne4 {Better but I don't like to be pinned and the Rook is on an island.}) 20. Bd4 {Unexpected. I had lost track of this Bishop coming to the center. I was to focused on what it would do on f6 and b7.} Rg3 (20... Ng4 21. Qd2 Ndf6) (20... Ne4 21. Kg1 Rg3+ 22. hxg3 Qxg3+ {Forces a draw. Which would be a big thing for a 1744 player against a 2172 player. But a.) I never considered this line and b.) I was focused on winning because I had worked so hard on getting this advantage. NOTE: time control was game in 45. I had 20 minutes left, my opponent had 4 at this point in the game. }) 21. Qe2 Re8 22. Qf2 Ng4 ?? {Blundering the piece and the game.} (22... Rxd3 {I looked at this move when I played ...Qh3 figuring the exchange sac plus all the week pawns would give me reasonable chances in the end. But I was still stuck on playing for the win.} 23. cxd3 Qxd3 24. Rac1 Ng4 25. Qg2 Qxd4 26. Qxg4 Nf6 27. Qd1 Qe4+ {Looks to be an even game with Whites exposed King and terribly vaunerable pawns.}) 23. Qxg3 {The game ended 1:0} 1-0
dan waite I guess that when you play a higher rated player, you should focus on neutralizing their threats and play as solid as possible hoping your time advantage will make you win or draw.
Thanks for the videos! They helped me a lot since i started playing again after an 8 year pause, and had almost no memory of lines i used to play before. Im an 1800 rated trying to get fit again. I felt i needed something easy to memorise with less possible lines. I could say it worked for me! I won weaker opponents and sometimes crushed by evenly mached and stronger ones, but after some games (and some unexpected endgame loses due to my inactivity) i got familliar with the position and even stronger opponents struggle to take me down! Thanks again, gr8 analysis
Just played it. Wasn't sure how to continue after 6. f3: 1.e4 b6 2.d4 Bb7 3.Nc3 e6 4.Be3 Bb4 5.Bd3 Nf6 6.f3 I was worried about e5 if I played d5. Instead the game continued: ... Qe7 7.Ne2 e5 8.d5 c6 9.dxc6 Nxc6 10.O-O Bc5 11.Qd2 Nb4 12.Kh1 d5 13.Bg5 dxe4 14.Nxe4 Bxe4 15.fxe4 O-O-O I'll post the rest if anyone's interested - I ended up losing.
10:18 It is recommended for Black to take pawn d5 with the Knight, because it gives 2nd attacker to the Knight on c3. Next: White should castle O - O for Kings safety, or play Bd2 to defend Knight on c3 and remove threat.
I agree with your point of higher success rates for Black with Sicilian defence but we have to spend many hours/weeks learning it as it a highly analyzed opening and very sharp. So we cannot play Sicilian unless we prepare well. This 1. b3 opening which finally leads to a French defence middle game is easier to learn and French defence is tough nut to crack. By the way, French is not in fashion nowadays but we should remember it was a favorite of 2 former world champions - Botvinnik & Petrosian
I see, the thing is , Black plays b6 at move 1, then White understands he doesnt have to play c4. If you are a 1.d4 player, 1.d4 e6 2.c4 b6!? is possible, but d4-c4 is already there. :) Take care, GM Lemos
Hi there. It seems to me that it would probably be best for white to omit the development of his queens knight to c3 as this affords black the majority of his counterplay. After the sequence 1.e4,b6 2.d4,Bb7 3.Bd3,e6 4.Nf3,Nf6 and now 5.Qe2 what would be your recommended line of play for black. It certainly seems like an interesting defence and I'll give it a go but without the knight commited to c3 I'm uncertain as to what black best course of action would be. Bye for now.
white can play in morphy style: he'll put his knight on e2 and defend his centre with f3, and possibly do the same with other knight. after that white gets huge space advantage and easy attacking position while black has nothing to do.
This is epic, I play 1.b3 the Nimzo-larsen attack and this seems like a brilliant system for black that has many similarities - colours reversed, great! :)
Two questions whats the song in the intro and would white benefit from not playing d4? If he didn't play d4 and left the option open to playing d3 it would preserve his center and let his pieces do something else right? It would also keep the black light squared bishop contained. Is this a more solid and modest plan for white or is it a bad idea?
I don't know how strong 1...b6 is in general against openings other then 1. e4 but against 1. d4 the move 1...b5 is the polish defence which you could check out if you want.
I used to read a lot of chess books and I no longer feel the need. First of all, chess engines make the studying of openings better than some of the opening analysis by grandmasters in their books. Secondly, the internet has opened up a whole world of new chess learning. This excellent 2-part series on the Owen Defense is an excellent example. GM Smirnov goes through a lot of lines and discusses a lot of opening ideas that would take up many pages in a book of laborious reading and shuffling of pieces and resetting pieces on a board.
Alex Johanesson if a3 is played to break the pin, black can take the knight. this accomplishes a few things, one it gives white double pawns so black can end up wih a better end game, it removes a defender of e4 which makes black light bishop stronger, and it also gives up a tempo. So it gives you a positional advantage.
Nice video, GM Igor Smirnov but can white use the concepts of light square weaknesses of a fianchettoed bishop mentioned in your video "Another fianchettoed bishop"? What is the difference between this position and those mentioned in "Another fianchettoed bishop"?
I found this video very interesting, except Igor doesn't say a single word about the plan 3.Bd3 and 5.Qe2 without Nc3. I always thought the Owen was doomed due to this plan, preventing the ...Bb4 pin.
I used to think this was completely unsound. Well, it seems to be a common sense relative of the QID, certainly a "good" opening. I don't know if I'll ever play it in a classical OTB tournament (I am too attached to my Najdorf), but I'll give it a try in casual/blitz/rapid games. Good video!
Hi Igor You are the best chess teacher. I really improved my skills in quick time with your dvd`s. Do you give private lessons and how much does it cost?
The computer never calculates fainchettoing as the best move. This has been my experience and it makes since because the center pawns should be moved and this should then be the route for both bishops. There are many exceptions but take a look for yourself in the KIA white is at a disadvantage according to the chess engine.
I have one small clarification. At 6:58, what do we do if the white tries to stop the pin by moving a3? I usually get this move from my opponents so I would like to know if you sacrifice your bishop or you retreat it. It would be useful if I get to know the answer to this question asap as I have a competition coming up by the end of this week. Thank you.
09.35 If you play c5, your bishop can be trapped with a3 and then b4, forcing you to take the knight. Is that a good idea? If you take the knight, white gets a double pawn, but his center is stronger.
Hi Igor, I have watched your two videos three times each and really like them. The only problem is that d4, e4, e5 was played all three times I played this in my 5 minute bullet games on ICC today. I would have to say that this is the mainline with weaker players like myself. You talk very briefly about this happening but you give very little advice. Because this line is actually played so much would you consider doing a short third tape speaking more in-depth about the positions. Thanks
Im Not rly good at chess and hope someone can help me out with my question. how about the move a3 early on?. Does black take the knight or just move back? Also a5 is Not possible bec b6 is blocked right?
According to the opening explorer in 365chess.com which uses a database of 3 million games, of all of the games where 1....b6 was played by black, white won 46.6% as opposed to the 1...c5 move by black which shows that white won 36.3. This shows that the Sicilian defense is much better for black than Owens opening. As a GM i'm sure you can play any opening and do well, but why should i torture myself if I can get better results from the Sicilian Defense?
Hey, great video ! however I don't truly understand the importance of the e4 square, isn't it as important as the d4 square or the e5 and d5? Could you, please lso explain to me what gives strong importance to a square in general, I think I lack some basic knowledge about it. Thank you very much =)
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Hi Igor, THANK YOU for your videos on 1.b3 and 1... b6. I've always struggled at tournaments. I watched your videos, went to a tournament and won. (Tied 1st and 2nd). I won my first two games, drew the third game (against the highest rated player in my section [U1800] and co-winner), took a bye on the fourth, and won the fifth round for a total score of 4/5. I've never played these openings, but wow! They suit my personality with strong counter attack possibilities. In the second game I was forced to play an exchange sacrifice (R for N + P) and easily won the end game. In the last game, my opponent played what you called "a known mistake" and I went after it with all my energy and won a piece in the first five moves. I have to say, I love this opening complex and the concepts you present. In two hours I learned more than I could possibly imagine and played better than I have every played before. BTW, none of my opponents followed your lines (Nc3/Nc6)... but I think your point was to know the principles so this can be played against *anything* the opponent would do (or not do). Thank you, thank you, thank you!
P.S. I also purchased your "Chess Psychology" book. I haven't finished it yet, but a lot of my mentality during the game was based on your principles. I did lose my opening advantage in the middle game (but maintained a won end game in all but one game.. so maybe it was more like giving up the initiative). But I kept telling myself to make "good moves" rather than look for the perfect move. By the end of the game all but one of my opponents were in time trouble (game in 90) while I was comfortable with plenty of time. I also shifted between calculating specific variations and thinking strategically based on your advice of when to do what. Which saved me a lot of time and energy.
Again, I can not thank you enough. Chess has become fun again.
WOW!!! That's great, Dan! I, too, can hardly wait to use the b6 opening, to foil my opponents opening preparation, like Fischer did against Spassky, with the Benoni. I haven't watched the b3 videos but will momentarily. I have a question. If experienced in your games, how did b6 fair against the Italian Game, or b3 against the Sicilian? Let me know. Also, Congratulations on your milestone tournament Victories! Check it Out! Ciao!!!
I js came across this opening. Any tips? Mister
Ok very informative useful in games
Ok.
One thing I like about the Owen Defense is that White frequently usually makes the most common and predictable moves. White sees that Black is "ceding" the center and usually tries to take advantage of it by playing d4. Then White sees that his e-pawn is under attack and then plays either Nc3 or Be3. Then, when Black plays Nf6, adding even more pressure on the e-pawn, White either pushes that pawn or plays Qe2. Black is going to see these moves from White time and time again.
I've been experimenting with Owen Defense and I have seen this setup from White very frequently - and it seems White is making these moves more out of reaction than any kind of "book" knowledge.
I've also noticed that White frequently loses his e-pawn in those lines when his c3 knight is pinned. Black can frequently play Bxc3 (removing one of the e-pawn's defender) and follow it up with Bxe4. Losing the bishop pair is usually worth being a pawn up, especially when that is a center pawn.
At first I was irritated by his thick accent but by now Igor has grown on me. He has a great ability to explain these ideas too. Definitely gonna play this one at some time in the future.
Please start with GM's secrets for a start as it explains the basics of a chess games in a simple way and teaches how to find good moves in any position. I think this course is a foundation for our chess games and is a good place to start with. Although the ideas are simple we need to practice to master the method to achieve good results. Best of luck.
I can't stop watching Igor's videos...I'm addicted to his lessons as well as the way he says "Byiishoup".
Even cooler is the way he says 'Howeather' for however... GM Smirnoff is the best chess teacher I have encountered
that's surely possible but rather unambitious, if you dont take the center you cannot hope to refute black's setup, but if you are satisfied with an equal midlegame that's ok.
Both part 1 and 2 is well delivered. Good pacing, clear to understand accent (mostly lol) and not skipping small tactical resources. It ends with a conclusion.
What's I was missing were a few odds and ends, such as why it isn't in some cases bad to play ...d7-d5. Also long-term middlegame plans weren't covered. Opening has far less meaning without it actually. For the first oddity/end, here's this variation which I came up with in seconds, but have no real answer to it:
1. e4 b6 2. d4 Bb7 3. Bd3 e6 4. Nc3 Bb4 5. Bd2 *
After 10 hours of thinking, Stockfish 11 @ 5.5 MNodes/Sec came up with 5...d4. But am I not locking up my Bb7?
I am very happy because after started playing b3 and b6 as back. My chess have been improved a lot.
Thanks Igor Smirnov.
thank you so much for this simple but brilliant ideas
Been playing this opening for a week or so now, been getting some really nice positions, keep rewatching this video to betrer understand the variations, thanks for the great video!
I know this video is old, but really I find the Owens Defense isn't played because after e4, b6, d4, Bb7 white can play Nd2. (which for some reason was ignored on this video)
He doesn't have to play Bd3 like black would in reverse (nimzo-larsen attack). That one tempo prevents the black player from playing a sort of tarrasch you would similarly see the white player utilize against the french defense.
White will never be in fear of a pin from our light squared bishop as c3 can be played at a moments notice after Nd2.
So instead of Bb4 black can go for c5
@@excalibur5434 Yes but in that variation it is an improved version of the french tarrasch just like I said.
If you're not familiar with the Tarrasch and the types of structures then you may not understand why until you play out a few games and compare.
Viral Stigma but black has not committed to d5, so he can play d6 to challenge the e5 pawn. What variation are you thinking of?
@@excalibur5434 from there white can play either nf6 to reinforce the idea of e5 or qe2. If you go nc6 you might fall into d5 which leads to material gain for white. If white wishes, he could just play the simple yet conseritave ne2 cementing the pawn duo in the centre of the board. In all variations white would have a sizable advantage to the idea of c5 d6. All other plans still fail to the simple idea (give white a solid advantage) of ne2 from white creating a solid pawn duo not even having to play e5 right away.
Your analysis of black strategy is very helpful. thanks so much!
I've played this opening way too much in my blitz games.. and I love it, lol. Mainly cuz that 1st line you discussed often happens, and it's just so pleasant for black that I have no comments.
Exactly! The moves that White makes in this video frequently happen. They are natural/logical moves that the Owen Defense is designed to deal with.
For years, I used to think people who played 1...b6 were just being silly and I no realize that they may have been quite prepared.
very instructive,and helpful,.thank you
raymond oropesa Thanks!
I watched 12 minutes of this and couldn't wait to try it out...I went and played two blitz games on chess.com. In the first I was ahead in position and time but, blundered my queen...ouch. In the second I was ahead in position, time and my opponent miscalculated...I won! Can't wait until I know this defence better! Thanks GM Smirnov.
+Alan Kearns Thanks! I'm pleased that this video has been useful for you!
I never knew that the owens defense was similiar to the Kings Indian defence! Awesome video! Restored my faith in the Owens defense.
thanks bro.i wish all GM is like you
Igor, you are the best lecturer ever.I just like your teaching very much.Please make more videos on a repertoire for black after 1.d4
Thank you for your comment. Igor is a strong teacher and a nice person as I worked a lot with him. Glad to see you enjoy the course 😊
You can play 1...b6 too!
Thanks for a fairly thorough fight for the center, will come in handy for my bullet tourneys, I love all the fianchetto positions!! Montsalvat
Excelent video!!!
What stops white from moving a3? Forcing the bishop out....?
Sean Mellers if white plays a3 to push the bishop out, black takes the knight and white ends up with double pawns, so as black this can give you a good endgame, also it removes a defender of e4 which makes your light bishop more powerful. So you endup with a positional advantage.
Sean Mellers also after exchange on c3, the only noticeable change for white is the position of his a-pawn. A whole tempo to argue your pawn is better on a3, just looks like giving black two moves in a row and white missing out.
yes it is correct
Remember that the idea in general is to actually take that knight with your dark-square bishop. You only keep it if white doesn't force it back.
gm smirnov, ur really r great mentor, and i appreciate ur video coz little by little i learn to play chess in a fashion way. ur really a great help for me to improve my know how in playing chess. before i was the lowest ranking member in our chess club, thus by ur lesson in some way its boost my game. thank you so much ur kind and great mentor ur amazing
I have played the Owen Defence severall times. And this video gives a very good explanation of the opening ideas.
Now I'm curious what is advised when white play Pawn to a3 instead of Knight to f3.
Kind regards
Thank you for the video. I play 1.b3 and 1.b6 alot. Its nice to see them get some attention from G.M. I pray in the future you might be inclined to do extensive video and pit it up for sale to us offbeat players.
Amazing vid Igor!!!
Explained everything so we'll!!
Thanks a lot man.
thanks for checking it out. we will publishing another awesome video by GM Smirnov in the coming week. Cheers, Will
fair enough Vlad - good luck w/ the Najdorf but keep this in mind for some surprises in blitz games!
Great explanation, this is a great wepon to surprise people!!
I've been playing with Owens defense a lot, and this was very informative. Bravo.
+Martin Hoch Thanks, I'm glad you find instructive this video!
thanks very nice video ,send us more videos , I am sure them will help us to play better . Thanks Igor you are a clever teacher.
I find in Blitz chess that (1. e4 b6 2. d4 Bb7 3. Bd3) 3...Nf6 can work very well considering at high speed the mistake 4.e5 can happen more often then you think!
very good explain, i like the video and the b6 opening. thanks!
Wow! Its a surprising opening against unprepared players. Thanks Igor
GM RAM KUMAR Glad to see you enjoyed it :D
Excellent video, thank you
that's really awesome. thank you so much Igor Smironov
very much useful...thanks a lot mr.smirnov. keep it up..
Very well explained ty.
Interesting option, and well explained, thanks.
Okay, this is only the third time I've played this opening. I won the first two games but not this one. I was playing someone who was +400 points on me. The opening worked to perfection, I just didn't play through well. I focused on the win when I had several chances to either force a draw or maintain some form of equality at the end. ANY advice on how to keep this game rolling from a psychological point of view? I know the first 10+ games are just training, according to the videos, but I really really really wanted this one.... Here's the game:
[Event "Felix Schwarz Memorial"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "2016.11.12"]
[Round "?"]
[White "Jack, 2172."]
[Black "Dan Waite, 1744."]
[Result "1-0"]
[ECO "B00"]
1. e4 b6 2. d4 Bb7 3. Nc3 e6 4. Nf3 Bb4 5. Bd3 Nf6 6. Qe2 d5 7. exd5 Qxd5 8.
O-O Bxc3 9. bxc3 Qh5 {(Maybe 0-0)} 10. c4 {Unexpected. 10. Ba3 is also
possible. Maybe 10. Bf4 or 10. Qe5 to a.) defend on the Kingside and b.)
attack the loose c7 pawn and c.) Take control of the dark squares.} (10. Ba3
Bxf3 11. gxf3 Nbd7 12. Kh1 c5 13. Rg1 {Seems even but uncomfortable.} O-O)
10... O-O 11. Bb2 Nbd7 12. Qd1 {No need to rush this move? Maybe Rfe8 and push
the e-pawn or c-pawn.} Bxf3 {Unexpected. My instincts tell me this was not the
best move for white, yet the pawn structure will be the same?} 13. gxf3 {Or
the immediate e5?} Rfe8 14. Kh1 e5 15. d5 ({Mixed emotions. I know this idea
activates the B at b2 but the central activity looks very strong... I felt it
could lead to a decisve long term advantage for Black.} 15. d5 e4 {The second
idea behind 14... e5. I thought 15. de Nxe5 was good for Black.}) (15. dxe5
Nxe5 16. Bxe5 {It seems like White is "solid" but yet in shambles. I thought
about getting the N to f4...} Rxe5) 15... e4 16. Be2 e3? (16... Ne5 {Keeps
the pressure on White.} 17. Bxe5 Qxe5) 17. f4 ({Much better.} 17. Qd4) 17...
Qf5 (17... Qh4 18. Bd4 exf2 19. Rxf2 Ne4 (19... Re4 20. Qd2) 20. Rg2) (17...
Qh3) 18. fxe3 Rxe3 19. Bd3 Qh3 (19... Ne4 {Better but I don't like to be
pinned and the Rook is on an island.}) 20. Bd4 {Unexpected. I had lost track
of this Bishop coming to the center. I was to focused on what it would do on
f6 and b7.} Rg3 (20... Ng4 21. Qd2 Ndf6) (20... Ne4 21. Kg1 Rg3+ 22. hxg3 Qxg3+
{Forces a draw. Which would be a big thing for a 1744 player against a 2172
player. But a.) I never considered this line and b.) I was focused on winning
because I had worked so hard on getting this advantage. NOTE: time control was
game in 45. I had 20 minutes left, my opponent had 4 at this point in the game.
}) 21. Qe2 Re8 22. Qf2 Ng4 ?? {Blundering the piece and the game.} (22... Rxd3
{I looked at this move when I played ...Qh3 figuring the exchange sac plus all
the week pawns would give me reasonable chances in the end. But I was still
stuck on playing for the win.} 23. cxd3 Qxd3 24. Rac1 Ng4 25. Qg2 Qxd4 26. Qxg4
Nf6 27. Qd1 Qe4+ {Looks to be an even game with Whites exposed King and
terribly vaunerable pawns.}) 23. Qxg3 {The game ended 1:0} 1-0
dan waite I guess that when you play a higher rated player, you should focus on neutralizing their threats and play as solid as possible hoping your time advantage will make you win or draw.
IKR... Problem is I want to win.
Very well explained and logical. Thank you for this.
Dan O'Hanlon You're a welcome. It's a pleasure to see you enjoy the course
very interesting, thanks for the video
Ty, maybe mi new favorit opening. After studying it i will use it in mi games.
Thanks for the videos! They helped me a lot since i started playing again after an 8 year pause, and had almost no memory of lines i used to play before. Im an 1800 rated trying to get fit again. I felt i needed something easy to memorise with less possible lines. I could say it worked for me! I won weaker opponents and sometimes crushed by evenly mached and stronger ones, but after some games (and some unexpected endgame loses due to my inactivity) i got familliar with the position and even stronger opponents struggle to take me down! Thanks again, gr8 analysis
Good luck getting your chess brain going again. Let us know how you get on!
Just played it. Wasn't sure how to continue after 6. f3: 1.e4 b6 2.d4 Bb7 3.Nc3 e6 4.Be3 Bb4 5.Bd3 Nf6 6.f3 I was worried about e5 if I played d5. Instead the game continued: ... Qe7 7.Ne2 e5 8.d5 c6 9.dxc6 Nxc6 10.O-O Bc5 11.Qd2 Nb4 12.Kh1 d5 13.Bg5 dxe4 14.Nxe4 Bxe4 15.fxe4 O-O-O I'll post the rest if anyone's interested - I ended up losing.
Thanks GM Smirnov!! Awesome vid
10:18 It is recommended for Black to take pawn d5 with the Knight,
because it gives 2nd attacker to the Knight on c3.
Next: White should castle O - O for Kings safety,
or play Bd2 to defend Knight on c3 and remove threat.
i never thought this was actually considered an opening! this is awesome
What should we do, if the white knight develops on e2 instead of f3? Thanks for your answer in advance
There are certain lines where Black can go for a Double Fianchetto and the game will be fun!
Nice vid - I played this opening right away after seeing it - clear win - I will study it better and integrate it into my tournament practice :-)
Thank you great way of explaining bravo 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
thanks again... I now think to use it...
Wonderful insights!
I agree with your point of higher success rates for Black with Sicilian defence but we have to spend many hours/weeks learning it as it a highly analyzed opening and very sharp. So we cannot play Sicilian unless we prepare well. This 1. b3 opening which finally leads to a French defence middle game is easier to learn and French defence is tough nut to crack. By the way, French is not in fashion nowadays but we should remember it was a favorite of 2 former world champions - Botvinnik & Petrosian
Fantastica forma de explicar la apertura! Un gran profesor que explica muy bien las ideas y ayuda a entender el ajedrez
I see, the thing is , Black plays b6 at move 1, then White understands he doesnt have to play c4. If you are a 1.d4 player, 1.d4 e6 2.c4 b6!? is possible, but d4-c4 is already there. :) Take care, GM Lemos
Hi there. It seems to me that it would probably be best for white to omit the development of his queens knight to c3 as this affords black the majority of his counterplay. After the sequence 1.e4,b6 2.d4,Bb7 3.Bd3,e6 4.Nf3,Nf6 and now 5.Qe2 what would be your recommended line of play for black. It certainly seems like an interesting defence and I'll give it a go but without the knight commited to c3 I'm uncertain as to what black best course of action would be. Bye for now.
white can play in morphy style: he'll put his knight on e2 and defend his centre with f3, and possibly do the same with other knight. after that white gets huge space advantage and easy attacking position while black has nothing to do.
This is epic, I play 1.b3 the Nimzo-larsen attack and this seems like a brilliant system for black that has many similarities - colours reversed, great! :)
Two questions whats the song in the intro and would white benefit from not playing d4? If he didn't play d4 and left the option open to playing d3 it would preserve his center and let his pieces do something else right? It would also keep the black light squared bishop contained. Is this a more solid and modest plan for white or is it a bad idea?
Thanks a lot for this video. Great lesson!!! Respect.
thanks jacker!
Excellent Presentation !
What about the line 1.e4 b6 2.d4 Bb7 3.Nc3 e6 4.Bd3 Bb4 5.Bd2 What should I play?
Thanks :)
+Gregor Gregory 5...,Nf6 attacking the e4 pawn
There is very little discussion about when white plays an early Nge2 in response to his knight on f3 being pinned.
I don't know how strong 1...b6 is in general against openings other then 1. e4 but against 1. d4 the move 1...b5 is the polish defence which you could check out if you want.
Smart move putting these on TH-cam!! :-)
I used to read a lot of chess books and I no longer feel the need. First of all, chess engines make the studying of openings better than some of the opening analysis by grandmasters in their books. Secondly, the internet has opened up a whole world of new chess learning. This excellent 2-part series on the Owen Defense is an excellent example. GM Smirnov goes through a lot of lines and discusses a lot of opening ideas that would take up many pages in a book of laborious reading and shuffling of pieces and resetting pieces on a board.
Hey, Mr. Smirnov, what are your opinions on the sicilian defense instead of the owen's opening in counter to e4?
I really don't understand , can someone help me , what if a3 played ? does the bishop goes back or what ?????
Minute?
please, I have the same question.
Alex Johanesson if a3 is played to break the pin, black can take the knight. this accomplishes a few things, one it gives white double pawns so black can end up wih a better end game, it removes a defender of e4 which makes black light bishop stronger, and it also gives up a tempo. So it gives you a positional advantage.
you can play first a3
Thank you
There's a famous game between Karpov-Miles, it wasnt an Owen but it was quite similar, they game goes 1.e4 a6 2.d4 b5 and Black won!
Nice video, GM Igor Smirnov but can white use the concepts of light square weaknesses of a fianchettoed bishop mentioned in your video "Another fianchettoed bishop"? What is the difference between this position and those mentioned in "Another fianchettoed bishop"?
Interesting that he always talks about attacking the center, and not trying to plan a king side attack with the bishops.
Very interesting, thx!
I found this video very interesting, except Igor doesn't say a single word about the plan 3.Bd3 and 5.Qe2 without Nc3. I always thought the Owen was doomed due to this plan, preventing the ...Bb4 pin.
Citriano Torres Yes, that line is in a second part not available for free.
I used to think this was completely unsound. Well, it seems to be a common sense relative of the QID, certainly a "good" opening. I don't know if I'll ever play it in a classical OTB tournament (I am too attached to my Najdorf), but I'll give it a try in casual/blitz/rapid games. Good video!
Thank You!
Loved this video.
What if White plays Ncd2 instead of Nc3... It seems that leaves the King Bishop with not much to do. I just plant it on e7 and keep pressure on e4?
Yes it´s another line possible.
What should we do about 1) e4 b6; 2) d4 Bb7; 3) Nc3 e6; 4) Nf3 Bb4; 5) Nd2 ?? d5 or d6 seem reasonable? Maybe BxN?
Hi Igor
You are the best chess teacher. I really improved my skills in quick time with your dvd`s. Do you give private lessons and how much does it cost?
+Milos Milovanovic Thanks! But, if you want to contact him you should ask here: chess-teacher.com/gm-smirnov/
thanks.
The computer never calculates fainchettoing as the best move. This has been my experience and it makes since because the center pawns should be moved and this should then be the route for both bishops. There are many exceptions but take a look for yourself in the KIA white is at a disadvantage according to the chess engine.
Very informative!
HA! I was going to write exactly the same! ;O)
cool gonna try it out right now
I have one small clarification. At 6:58, what do we do if the white tries to stop the pin by moving a3? I usually get this move from my opponents so I would like to know if you sacrifice your bishop or you retreat it. It would be useful if I get to know the answer to this question asap as I have a competition coming up by the end of this week. Thank you.
im not an owen's defense expert. but if i already played bb4..i would probably take on c3, GM Lemos
Also 14:35 , experienced White player will not play Nf3,
he will play a3, cutting off Black's move Bb4.
09.35 If you play c5, your bishop can be trapped with a3 and then b4, forcing you to take the knight. Is that a good idea? If you take the knight, white gets a double pawn, but his center is stronger.
Hi Igor, I have watched your two videos three times each and really like them. The only problem is that d4, e4, e5 was played all three times I played this in my 5 minute bullet games on ICC today. I would have to say that this is the mainline with weaker players like myself. You talk very briefly about this happening but you give very little advice. Because this line is actually played so much would you consider doing a short third tape speaking more in-depth about the positions. Thanks
1 more videos on 1.e4 b6 2 f4 Bb7 3. d3
Love it Will use it wooooooo e4 b6
Im Not rly good at chess and hope someone can help me out with my question. how about the move a3 early on?. Does black take the knight or just move back? Also a5 is Not possible bec b6 is blocked right?
take the knight and then your opponent will take the bishop with the pawn. and now take the e4 pawn.
Ok. thankyou very much for the info.
In what order would you purchase the chess courses by GM Igor Smirnov? Where these the first two you purchased?
@GMIgorSmirnov what about line where white plays an early F3 blunting the bishop. Really liked the video
According to the opening explorer in 365chess.com which uses a database of 3 million games, of all of the games where 1....b6 was played by black, white won 46.6% as opposed to the 1...c5 move by black which shows that white won 36.3. This shows that the Sicilian defense is much better for black than Owens opening. As a GM i'm sure you can play any opening and do well, but why should i torture myself if I can get better results from the Sicilian Defense?
can we play this opening in classical games
?
+tricky channel What do you mean with classical games?
there are so many variations to 1. d4; works 1. b6 against all? or What advice do you?
what if pawn to a3 is played preventing the bishop form going to b4 ? What do we do then with the dark square bishop ?
I gues we have to play with Be7 at some point, GM Lemos
Hey, great video ! however I don't truly understand the importance of the e4 square, isn't it as important as the d4 square or the e5 and d5? Could you, please lso explain to me what gives strong importance to a square in general, I think I lack some basic knowledge about it. Thank you very much =)
+Antoine de Montalivet Thanks! The central squares have similar importance. I don't think e4 square is more important than the 3 others
What after 1.e4 b6 2.d4 Ab7 3.Ad3 Cf6 4.Cc3 Cf6 5.Cge2 ..? this is the most challenging