Sicilian Smith-Morra Gambit Declined: Push & Dubois
Sicilian Defense
Definition
The Sicilian Defense is a chess opening that begins with the moves 1.e4 c5. Black immediately contests the center from the flank with the c-pawn rather than mirroring White’s pawn to e5. The result is an open struggle rich in pawn-structure imbalances and tactical possibilities.
How It Is Used
- By playing ...c5, Black prevents White from establishing a classical pawn center with d2–d4 without an exchange.
- Because the d-file often opens, Black’s pieces (especially the queen and rooks) find active posts early.
- White, in turn, aims for rapid development and central dominance, often castling queenside and launching a kingside pawn storm.
Strategic and Historical Significance
• The opening’s asymmetrical nature often produces decisive results, making it a favorite of players who play for a win with either color.
• Champion adopters include Bobby Fischer, Garry Kasparov, and Magnus Carlsen, each of whom used the Sicilian as a primary weapon in World–Championship matches.
• It has an extensive ECO catalog (B20–B99) with celebrated sub-systems such as the Najdorf, Dragon, Scheveningen, Sveshnikov, and Classical.
Illustrative Example
Kasparov – Topalov, Wijk aan Zee 1999 reached the famed “Kasparov Immortal” via a Scheveningen:
The queen sacrifice beginning on move 24 produced one of the most celebrated attacking sequences in modern chess.
Interesting Facts
- The earliest known mention of 1…c5 appears in Gian Carlo Polerio’s 1594 manuscript.
- Despite its age, it did not gain mass popularity until the 20th century, when pioneers like Alapin and Tarrasch demonstrated its soundness.
- Today nearly 25 % of all games that start with 1.e4 at master level continue with 1…c5—by far the most common reply.
Smith - Morra Gambit Declined
Definition
The Smith-Morra Gambit arises from the Sicilian Defense: 1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3. White offers a pawn to accelerate development.
The Declined lines begin when Black refuses to capture the pawn on c3 (3…d3, 3…Nf6, 3…e5, or 3…d5, among others) instead of the accepted line 3…dxc3.
Typical Ways to Decline
- 3…d3 – The Chicago Defense. Black locks the center and aims for a solid setup.
- 3…Nf6 4.e5 Nd5 – Leads to the Push Variation (see next section).
- 3…e5 – Immediately counter-attacks the d4 pawn and stakes space.
- 3…d5 (“Fianchetto Declined”) – Challenges the center directly and keeps the extra pawn in reserve.
Strategic Significance
• By declining, Black avoids the sharp piece activity White normally enjoys in the accepted gambit.
• White typically gains a spatial edge or a lead in development at the cost of having spent two pawn moves (d2–d4 and c2–c3).
• Many players who fear the well-prepared attacking lines of the accepted gambit choose to decline and steer the game into less-charted territory.
Model Game
Shabalov – Benjamin, U.S. Championship 1993 (3…d3 line):
[[Pgn|e4|c5|d4|cxd4|c3|d3|Bxd3|Nc6|Nf3|d6|O-O|Nf6|h3|g6|... |arrows|d4d3|squares|d3]]White’s bishop pair and central pressure eventually outweighed Black’s solid pawn structure.
Interesting Facts
- The gambit is named after Pierre Morra (France) and Ken Smith (USA), who popularized it in the mid-20th century.
- Grandmasters as strong as Caruana and So have employed declined lines when surprised by 3.c3 in rapid or blitz play.
- The move 3…d3 was humorously dubbed “The Siberian Defense” on some internet forums because of the chilly attitude toward accepting the pawn.
Push Variation (Smith - Morra Gambit Declined)
Definition
A specific way to decline the Smith-Morra Gambit characterized by the sequence:
1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3 Nf6 4.e5 Nd5 5.cxd4.
White “pushes” the e-pawn to e5 on move 4, hence the name “Push Variation.”
Strategic Themes
- Space Gain: The pawn on e5 cramps Black’s knight and delays …d6.
- Central Tension: After 5.cxd4, White enjoys a classical pawn duo (e5 & d4) with open lines for the bishops.
- Black’s Plan: Counter-strike with …d6, …Nc6, and timely breaks like …d6-d5 or …g6 & …Bg7.
Example Continuation
[[Pgn|e4|c5|d4|cxd4|c3|Nf6|e5|Nd5|cxd4|e6|Nc3|d6|Nf3|Nc6|Bd3|... |arrows|e5e6 d5f4|squares|e5 d4]]The diagram (arrows) shows the spatial wedge on e5 and central pawn on d4 restricting Black’s minor pieces.
Historical Note
The Push Variation gained theoretical momentum after several strong correspondence players in the 1990s demonstrated that Black’s extra tempo (from not taking on c3) is often offset by the cramping e-pawn. It is now considered one of White’s most principled attempts if Black declines with 3…Nf6.
Fun Fact
Because the e-pawn advance comes so early, blitz aficionados sometimes call it the “Fist Bump” variation—White’s pawn seemingly punches Black’s knight back to d5.
Dubois Variation (Scotch Game)
Definition
The Dubois Variation of the Scotch Game arises after:
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd4 Bb4+.
Named after the 19th-century Italian master Serafino Dubois, the check on b4 sidesteps mainline theory and immediately asks White to clarify the knight’s position.
Plans and Ideas
- For Black:
- Induce c2–c3, undermining the d4-knight’s support.
- Prepare …Nf6 and rapid kingside development.
- In some lines, double White’s pawns after …Bxc3+.
- For White:
- Expand in the center with c2-c3 and sometimes e4-e5.
- Exploit the bishop’s early commitment by gaining a tempo with c3–cxb4 or a2–a3.
- Maintain the initiative; otherwise Black’s structure is sound.
Notable Game
Dubois – Steinitz, Paris 1867:
[[Pgn|e4|e5|Nf3|Nc6|d4|exd4|Nxd4|Bb4+|c3|Bc5|Be3|Bb6|Nf5|Qf6|Bxb6|axb6|Nxd4|Nge7|... |squares|d4 f5]]The game illustrated Dubois’s aggressive intentions, though Steinitz ultimately prevailed with accurate defense.
Historical & Anecdotal Points
- Serafino Dubois was renowned for advocating Italianità—the creative, tactical spirit of Italian chess in the Romantic era.
- The check on b4 was a novelty in 1862; today it remains a practical surprise weapon at club level.
- Richard Réti later endorsed the line, and some databases label it “Dubois–Réti Variation.”