Sicilian Defense, Smith Morra Gambit & Coles Gambit
Sicilian Defense
Definition
The Sicilian Defense is a chess opening that begins with the moves 1.e4 c5. Black immediately fights for the center from the flank, creating an asymmetrical pawn structure that leads to rich, double-edged play. It is the most popular response to 1.e4 at every level of competition, from scholastic events to World-Championship matches.
Typical Move Order & Main Branches
- Open Sicilian: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 (or 2…Nc6/2…e6) 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4. Leads to Najdorf, Dragon, Scheveningen, Classical, Sveshnikov, and many other systems.
- Closed Sicilian: 1.e4 c5 2.Nc3 followed by g3, Bg2, f4.
- Anti-Sicilians: Lines that avoid 3.d4, e.g. the Alapin (2.c3), Grand Prix (2.Nc3 & f4), Smith-Morra Gambit (2.d4 cxd4 3.c3) and Wing Gambit (2.b4).
Strategic Themes
- Imbalance from Move 1: Black trades a flank pawn (c-pawn) for White’s central d-pawn, yielding semi-open files for both sides.
- Counter-attack: Black often delays castling and launches play on the queenside (…a6/…b5/…Rxc3 sacrifices), while White attacks on the kingside (f2-f4-f5, Be3, Qf3, g4).
- Theoretical Depth: The opening is heavily analyzed; novelties on move 25 are not uncommon in elite practice.
Historical Significance
The Sicilian appeared in 16th-century Italian manuscripts but gained real prominence after World War II when players like Miguel Najdorf, Bobby Fischer, and later Garry Kasparov adopted it as their main weapon against 1.e4. Over one-quarter of all master games now begin 1.e4 c5.
Illustrative Example
From the famous Kasparov-Kramnik training games (1995), this Najdorf struggle shows opposite-side castling and mutual pawn storms.
Interesting Facts
- According to MegaBase 2024, the move 1…c5 scores roughly 46 % for Black, higher than any other reply to 1.e4.
- Deep Blue defeated Kasparov in Game 1 of their 1997 match using the Open Sicilian with stunning computer preparation.
Smith–Morra Gambit
Definition
The Smith–Morra Gambit (often shortened to “Morra” or “S-M Gambit”) is an aggressive Anti-Sicilian that arises after 1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3. White sacrifices one pawn for rapid development and open lines, especially the c- and d-files and the a2–g8 diagonal.
Origins of the Name
Named after American players Pierre Morra (1913-1969) and Kenneth Smith (1930-1999). Morra introduced 3.c3 in post-war French tournaments; Smith became its modern evangelist, publishing “Smith-Morra Gambit Accepted” in 1972.
Basic Lines
- 1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3 dxc3 4.Nxc3 Nc6 5.Nf3 d6 6.Bc4 (Main Line)
- 1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3 d3?! (the Morra Declined)
- 1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3 Nf6!? (the Siberian Counter-Gambit)
Strategic Ideas
- Lead in development: White often castles long, doubling rooks on the d-file.
- Piece Play: Typical piece sacrifices on e6 or b5 crack open Black’s position.
- Endgame Risk: If Black neutralizes the initiative, the extra pawn often proves decisive.
Model Game
de Firmian – Pruess, U.S. Championship 2006: White uncorked the c3-gambit and won in 26 moves after a thematic Nc3-b5-d6 fork.
Interesting Anecdotes
- Kenneth Smith reportedly kept a card in his wallet reading, “If found unconscious, please open 1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3 for White.”
- The gambit is a favorite in blitz; Magnus Carlsen has tried it in online bullet with success.
Coles Sicilian Gambit
Definition
The Coles Sicilian Gambit occurs after 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.b4!? White offers the b-pawn (a Wing Gambit idea) but only after provoking …Nc6, seeking to undermine the c5-pawn and grab space on the queenside. It is named after the English amateur George W. Coles, who championed the line in post-war British events.
Typical Continuations
- 3…cxb4 4.d4 d5 (Black fights for the center)
- 3…Nxb4?! 4.c3 Nc6 5.d4 (Black accepts a second pawn but falls behind in development)
Strategic Purpose
- Divert the c5-pawn or a Black knight, creating holes on d5 and c6.
- Speedy central thrust d2-d4 once the c-file is deflected.
- Psychological surprise: most Sicilian specialists know the standard Wing Gambit (2.b4) but not the delayed version.
Historical Footnote
Coles scored a sensational miniature against C. G. Watson, London 1949, sacrificing two pawns for a mating attack. Although never fully trusted at master level, the gambit remains an intriguing weapon in rapid time controls.
Example Miniature
Sicilian Gambit (Vienna/Bishop’s Opening)
Definition
Despite its name, the Sicilian Gambit does not arise from the Sicilian Defense but from an Open-Game starting with 1.e4 e5. The usual move order is 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Bc4, when White sacrifices the d-pawn to accelerate development. The position can also stem from the Vienna Game (2.Nc3) or the Bishop’s Opening (2.Bc4).
Why “Sicilian”?
The term was coined in 19th-century literature to honor the Sicilian-born theoretician Giambattista Lolli, who analyzed similar pawn offers. The name stuck even though the opening is unrelated to 1…c5.
Strategic Motifs
- Rapid piece activity on the a2–g8 diagonal (Bc4, Qh5).
- Early kingside attack; lines often transpose to razor-sharp King’s Gambit-style positions.
- If Black survives the initiative, the extra pawn tells.
Classic Example
Anderssen – Kieseritzky, Paris 1849 (The Immortal Game) began with 1.e4 e5 2.f4, yet many of its sacrificial ideas—rapid Bc4, queen sacrifices, mating nets—mirror the Sicilian Gambit’s spirit.
Practical Notes
- Rare in modern grandmaster circles but a popular surprise weapon in club play.
- Engine evaluations hover around –0.30 for Black, meaning accurate defense is rewarded but far from trivial.