Sicilian Defense: Smith-Morra Gambit
Sicilian Defense, Smith-Morra Gambit
Definition
The Smith-Morra Gambit is an aggressive variation for White against the
Sicilian Defense. It arises after the moves
1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4 3. c3 dxc3 4. Nxc3.
In essence, White sacrifices one central pawn (the d-pawn) to obtain a
substantial lead in development, open lines for the pieces, and direct
attacking chances against the Black king.
Move Order & Key Position
Standard starting sequence:
- e4 c5
- d4 cxd4
- c3 dxc3
- Nxc3
The critical tabiya after 4. Nxc3 features:
- White: King on e1, Queen on d1, Knights on c3 and g1, Bishops ready for Bc4 and Bg5, Rooks on a1 and h1.
- Black: Slight material edge (extra pawn) but only the d-pawn has moved; the rest of Black’s army remains on the back rank.
Strategic Themes
White’s compensation revolves around three pillars:
- Time: The pawn offer tempts Black into capturing twice with the same piece (the c-pawn), giving White two free tempi.
- Open Lines: The c- and d-files become half-open, the e-file can open after an eventual e4-e5, and the long diagonal a2-g8 often clears for a fianchettoed bishop.
- Tactical Motifs: Sacrifices on e6, f7, or b5, the classic minority attack with Nb5, and pressure against the pinned knight on f6 are recurring ideas.
Typical Plans
- White
- Rapid piece development: Bc4, Qe2, 0-0, Rfd1.
- Pressure along the d-file: Rd1 placing direct x-ray on the queen at d8.
- f-pawn thrusts (f4-f5) or e4-e5 to rip open the center.
- Kingside sacrifices: Bxf7+, Ng5, or Nd5 ideas to overload f7.
- Black
- Returning the pawn with …d6 or …d5 to complete development safely.
- Solidifying with …e6, …Be7, …Nf6, and quick castling.
- Counter-attacking the weakened c- and d-pawns if White cannot sustain the initiative.
Historical Notes
The gambit is named after American masters Pierre Morra (1901-1969) and Ken Smith (1930-1999). Morra introduced the idea in French magazines during the 1950s, while Smith popularized it in the United States through tournament practice and publications, most notably his 1972 booklet “Smith-Morra Gambit.” Although initially dismissed by elite grandmasters, it gained a cult following among club players for its surprise value.
Famous Games
- Smith – Browne, U.S. Open 1971 – Ken Smith unleashed a crushing kingside attack, culminating in a picturesque queen sacrifice and mate on g7.
- Short – Timman, Tilburg 1991 – Nigel Short used a delayed Morra idea to defeat Jan Timman, showing the line can succeed even at super-GM level.
Modern Evaluation
Engine assessments generally give Black a slight but defensible advantage (≈ -0.30 to ‑0.50). Nevertheless, the practical value remains high in blitz and rapid time controls. Grandmasters such as Alexander Grischuk and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave have experimented with it in online events.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Ken Smith reportedly mailed his monograph on the gambit to every player in the 1972 Fischer-Spassky World Championship, hoping Fischer might spring it on Spassky (he did not).
- The line is a favorite among correspondence players despite computers, due to its rich tactical fabric.
- A common joke: “If Black declines the pawn with 3…Nf6, the Smith-Morra Gambit becomes the Smith-Morra Gift — you just got a free tempo!”
Example Trap
In the Muesli Variation (named tongue-in-cheek by Australian players), if Black greedily grabs another pawn, disaster strikes:
After 12. Nxb5! the a8-rook is lost, and Black’s king is stuck in the center.
Further Study
- Books: “The Modern Morra Gambit” by Hannes Langrock, “The Smith-Morra Gambit” by Ken Smith & John Hall.
- Video Series: Numerous repertoires on chess platforms by International Master Marc Esserman.