Owen Defense: Hekili-Loa Gambit
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Statistics from Lichess
2,797 games: White 52.8% / Draw 4.6% / Black 42.6%
| Next move | Games | White / Draw / BlackW / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| 2,2432,243 | ||
| 182182 | ||
| 123123 | ||
| 8888 | ||
| 7474 | ||
| 2525 | ||
| 1919 | ||
| 66 |
Rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, from the Lichess opening explorer, updated Oct 31, 2026
Engine evaluation
+1.65 White is clearly better
Best play: 4. cxb6 axb6 5. Nf3 e6 6. Bd3 Bb7 7. O-O Bc5 8. c3 Nf6
Stockfish 19, depth 30, after the line's last move. Scores are in pawns, from White's side.
Overview
Owen Defense: Hekili-Loa Gambit (ECO B00, Semi-Open Games) is a gambit in the Owen Defense, reached after 1. e4 b6 2. d4 c5 3. dxc5 Nc6 (3 moves).
In 2,797 rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, White won 52.8%, Black 42.6% and 4.6% were drawn. White's most played move here is 4. cxb6, in 80% of those games.
Written from the Lichess opening list and explorer. Know this line well? Write about it.
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How to play against the Owen Defense: Hekili-Loa Gambit
The most played answer, 4. cxb6, also scores best for White: 55.7%, with White winning 53.4% and Black 42.0% of 2,243 games. Of the main answers, 4. Be3 scores lowest: 50.8%. Stockfish's first choice is also 4. cxb6.
Main answers: those played in at least 5% of these games. Score: White's wins plus half the draws, in rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500. How to play against other popular openings
Cite this page
Caissa Codex. “Owen Defense: Hekili-Loa Gambit (B00)”. Lichess data as of 31 Oct 2026. https://chesscodex.org/openings/owen-defense-hekili-loa-gambit