Sicilian Defense: Smith-Morra Gambit
Gambit with c3-d4. Rapid development for the pawn.
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1. e4 › Sicilian Defense › Smith-Morra Gambit
Change
Sequence
1.e4c52.d4cxd43.c3
Possible Variations23
3... dxc317 variations
3... d32 variations
3... d5Scandinavian Formation3... d5
3... e5Center Formation3... e5
3... Nf6Alapin Formation3... Nf6
3... Qa5Wing Formation3... Qa5
About this opening
The Smith-Morra Gambit (2.d4 cxd4 3.c3) sacrifices a pawn straight out of the opening for rapid development and open c- and d-files. White lines up Bc4, O-O and Rc1/Re1 for lasting pressure on the center and Black's queenside. Sharp and tricky, it rewards initiative and knowledge of attacking patterns more than the memorization of long variations.