Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...c5/2. d4/2...cxd4

Smith-Morra Gambit
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Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN)
Moves: 1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4

Smith-Morra Gambit

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The 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

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For explanation of theory tables, see theory table and for notation, see algebraic notation..

1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4
3 4 5
Smith-Morra Gambit c3
dxc3
Nxc3
Nc6
Nf3
d6
=
Nf3
d6
=
Qxd4
Nc6
=/+

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References

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v · t · e
Chess openings quick reference
1. e4
2. Nf3
With 2...Nc6:
With other 2nd moves:
2. Other
1... other
1. d4
Flank
Unorthodox