Sicilian Defense: Smith-Morra Gambit Accepted

Sicilian Defense: Smith-Morra Gambit Accepted

Definition

The Smith-Morra Gambit is an aggressive sub-variation of the Sicilian Defense that arises after the moves 1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4 3. c3. In the Accepted line Black captures the pawn a second time with 3…dxc3, after which White usually plays 4. Nxc3, sacrificing a pawn in exchange for rapid development and attacking chances. The ECO codes most commonly associated with the accepted gambit are B21 and B22.

Main Line Moves

A typical “classical” main line runs:

      1. e4 c5 
      2. d4 cxd4 
      3. c3 dxc3 
      4. Nxc3 Nc6 
      5. Nf3 e6 
      6. Bc4 a6 
      7. O-O d6
    

From this position White is aiming for pressure on the e- and f-files, while Black tries to consolidate the extra pawn and neutralize White’s initiative.

Strategic Ideas

• White’s Goals
  • Exploit open c- and d-files to increase piece activity.
  • Launch early attacks on f7 with Bc4, Qb3, and sometimes Ng5.
  • Use the pawn sacrifice to speed up castling and rook centralization.
• Black’s Goals
  • Return material at the right moment to complete development safely.
  • Avoid premature pawn moves that create holes (…e6–e5 too early).
  • Exchange queens when possible to blunt White’s attack.

Historical Background

The gambit bears the names of two enthusiasts:

• Pierre Morra – a French player who explored the line in the 1930s-40s.
• Ken Smith – an American master and Texas chess publisher who championed it in the 1960s-70s, producing influential pamphlets such as “Smith-Morra Gambit” and playing it in countless tournament games.

Although never fully accepted at elite level, the gambit has scored surprise successes against titled players who tried to “refute” it over the board.

Example Game

Ken Smith’s swashbuckling win over a future world championship candidate is still quoted in opening manuals:

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Smith – Evans, U.S. Open 1964. White’s rapid mobilization overwhelmed Black before the extra pawn could be felt.

Common Traps & Tactical Motifs

1. Nd5 Fork – After …e6 and …Nf6, White’s Nc3-d5 can fork queen and c7-pawn.
2. Bxf7+ Sacrifice – The bishop plus queen coordinate on f7 if Black omits …e6.
3. Piece Pin on the d-file – A rook on d1 often wins the pinned d6-pawn.

Interesting Facts

• Grandmaster Marc Esserman wrote a 350-page book titled “Mayhem in the Morra,” asserting that the gambit is sound even at GM level.
• In online blitz, the Smith-Morra is one of the most feared anti-Sicilian weapons because one inaccurate move by Black can lead to mate in under 25 moves.
• World Champion Magnus Carlsen tried a delayed version (4. c3 instead of 3. c3) in rapid play, showing the line’s surprise value even at the very top.

Practical Tips

• Play fast but not reckless; the initiative is White’s main asset and must not be squandered with slow maneuvers.
• If you are Black, consider learning one solid set-up (…Nc6, …d6, …Nf6, …e6) and be ready to return the pawn with …d5 or …e5 under favorable circumstances.
• Study thematic endings: many games reach equal pawn structures after White regains the pawn; knowing those endings improves decision-making on whether to “cash in” or keep attacking.