Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...c5/2. d4/2...cxd4
| Smith-Morra Gambit | |
|---|---|
|
a b c d e f g h 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a b c d e f g h | |
Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN) | |
| Moves: 1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4 | |
Smith-Morra Gambit
editThe gambit actually is offered by the next move 3. c3. Taking back with 3. Qxd4?! really isn't a promising option, since the queen will be pushed around, while black makes developing moves like Nc6. Also, unlike the Center game, the trade of the c-pawn for the d-pawn also gives black added central control. However, 3.Nf3 is probably a promising way to avoid the Smith Morra. Black does best to transpose to the Open Sicilian, as if e5?!, c3 (the tempting 3. Nxe5?? Qa5+ loses the knight) gives white a better version of the Smith Morra with a hole on d5 and a backward d-pawn.
Theory table
edit.
- 1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4
| 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smith-Morra Gambit | c3 dxc3 |
Nxc3 Nc6 |
Nf3 d6 |
= |
| Nf3 d6 |
= | |||
| Qxd4 Nc6 |
=/+ |
