Owen Defense: Unicorn Variation
Play any move on the board to explore from there, or step through the line with ‹ › and the arrow keys.
Statistics from Lichess
2,393 games: White 60.6% / Draw 3.5% / Black 35.9%
| Next move | Games | White / Draw / BlackW / D / B |
|---|---|---|
| 1,5721,572 | ||
| 344344 | ||
| 309309 | ||
| 8787 | ||
| 2727 | ||
| 2727 | ||
| 99 | ||
| 88 |
Rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, from the Lichess opening explorer, updated Oct 26, 2026
Engine evaluation
+1.33 White is better
Best play: 4. Nc3 e5 5. d5 Bc5 6. a3 a5 7. Qh5+ g6 8. Qd1 Na6
Stockfish 19, depth 30, after the line's last move. Scores are in pawns, from White's side.
Overview
Owen Defense: Unicorn Variation (ECO B00, Semi-Open Games) is a variation of the Barnes Defense, reached after 1. e4 f6 2. d4 b6 3. c4 Bb7 (3 moves).
In 2,393 rated Lichess games between players rated 1600 to 2500, White won 60.6%, Black 35.9% and 3.5% were drawn. White's most played move here is 4. Nc3, in 66% of those games.
Written from the Lichess opening list and explorer. Know this line well? Write about it.
Write a description or report a mistake
How to play against the Owen Defense: Unicorn Variation
4. d5 scores best for White: 67.0%, with White winning 66.0% and Black 32.0% of 344 games. The most played, 4. Nc3, scores 62.9% in 1,572 games, and 4. Bd3 scores lowest: 57.4%. Stockfish's first choice is 4. Nc3.
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: Unicorn Variation (B00)”. Lichess data as of 26 Oct 2026. https://chesscodex.org/openings/owen-defense-unicorn-variation