The Matovinsky Gambit is a variation of the Owen Defense, catalogued as ECO B00. The line runs 1. e4 b6 2. d4 Bb7 3. Bd3 f5 4. exf5 Bxg2 5. Qh5+ g6, reaching the position shown below after 10 half-moves.
White holds the centre with pawns on d4, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at one minor pieces each. It is White to move after five moves. White has doubled pawns on the f-file; White’s f- and h-files pawns are isolated.
On the Owen Defense generally: ECO B00. A chess opening with 8 known variations.
You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.
The Matovinsky Gambit goes 1. e4 b6 2. d4 Bb7 3. Bd3 f5 4. exf5 Bxg2 5. Qh5+ g6. It is a variation of the Owen Defense and is catalogued as ECO B00.
The Matovinsky Gambit is ECO B00. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Owen Defense.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 b6 2. d4 Bb7 3. Bd3 f5 4. exf5 Bxg2 5. Qh5+ g6 at +2.37 at depth 18, which is a clear advantage for White. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.
White holds the centre with pawns on d4, and one pawn capture is available, so the structure has not settled yet. Development is level at one minor pieces each. It is White to move. White has doubled pawns on the f-file; White’s f- and h-files pawns are isolated.