Theoria
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Owen Defense

Matovinsky Gambit

B00gambittacticaloffbeat

  1. 1.e4b6
  2. 2.d4Bb7
  3. 3.Bd3f5
  4. 4.exf5Bxg2
  5. 5.Qh5+g6
251 games53%43%

A dubious Owen Defense line in which Black answers 3. Bd3 with 3...f5, grabbing g2 with the bishop, but the king's exposure after 5. Qh5+ is decisive.

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About the Matovinsky Gambit

In the Matovinsky Gambit, Black supports the b7-bishop's pressure on e4 with 3...f5 and, after 4. exf5, takes on g2. This regains the pawn and threatens the h1-rook, but it leaves the e8-h5 diagonal open. After 5. Qh5+, 5...g6 is the only legal reply. Greco already showed that 6. fxg6 wins for White, who then threatens h7 and the rook behind it. Engines judge White to be winning, and the line is rarely seen.

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