Sicilian Defense: Smith-Morra Gambit
ECO B21 · Sicilian Defense · gambit · intermediate
The Sicilian Defense: Smith-Morra Gambit (B21) is a gambit chess opening in the Sicilian Defense family, played by Black. It arises after the moves 1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4 3. c3. Gambit with c3-d4. Rapid development for the pawn. Recommended for intermediate players.
Moves: 1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4 3. c3
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.