Sicilian Defense: Smith–Morra Gambit Accepted, Kan Formation

Sicilian Defense: Smith–Morra Gambit Accepted

Definition

The Smith–Morra Gambit (sometimes written “Morra Gambit”) arises after the moves 1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4 3. c3 when White offers a pawn to accelerate development. If Black accepts with 3…dxc3, the line is called “Smith-Morra Gambit Accepted.” The usual continuation 4. Nxc3 leaves White a pawn down but enjoying rapid piece activity and open central files.

Typical Move Order

Main line (one of many possibilities):

• 1. e4 c5
• 2. d4 cxd4
• 3. c3 dxc3
• 4. Nxc3 Nc6
• 5. Nf3 d6
• 6. Bc4 e6
• 7. 0-0 Nf6
• 8. Qe2 Be7

White’s pieces flow naturally to aggressive squares: Bc4, Qe2, Rd1, and sometimes Nb5 or Ng5 to target f7 and d6.

Strategic Ideas

• White: Leverages open c- and d- files, rapid development, and a typical “bind” on d6/f7. Common sacrifices on e6 or f7 can rip open the black king.
• Black: Tries to return material (…d6, …e6, …a6) to blunt White’s initiative, exchange queens, or steer into solid structures such as the Scheveningen or Accelerated Dragon setups.

Historical & Theoretical Notes

Named after Pierre Morra (France) and American master Ken Smith, who popularized the gambit with an influential pamphlet in the 1960s. While engines consider the pawn sound for Black, at club level the gambit remains a dangerous surprise weapon because one inaccurate move can lead to mating attacks.

Illustrative Game

Short vs. Van der Sterren, Wijk aan Zee 1991 (abbreviated):
. White’s thematic sacrifice Bxf7+ ignites a direct king hunt.

Interesting Facts

• GM Hikaru Nakamura occasionally employs the Smith–Morra in blitz for its surprise value.
• Many practical endings transpose to equal-pawn positions after Black eventually returns the extra pawn for safety.
• Modern engines recommend declining with 3…Nf6 or 3…d5, but “Accepted” lines remain the most instructive for attacking motifs.

Kan Formation (Sicilian Kan Structure)

Definition

The “Kan Formation” refers to the flexible pawn and piece setup employed by Black in the Sicilian Kan Variation. Core features:

• Pawns on …e6 and …a6
• Delayed …d6 (or sometimes …d5 in one move)
• Queenside expansion with …Qc7 and …b5
• Knights typically on c6 and f6, bishops on b7 (after …b5 …Bb7) and e7

It stems from the main line 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6, but the “formation” can arise from transpositions in Taimanov, Scheveningen, or even Accelerated Dragon systems.

Strategic Purpose

• Flexibility: By postponing …d6, Black keeps the option of …d5 in one step, striking the center.
• Queenside Counterplay: …b5 gains space, prepares …Bb7, and challenges White’s light-squared bishop on e3 or g5.
• Solid Center: The pawns on e6 and a6 control key squares (d5, b5) and discourage knight jumps.

Ilya Kan and Historical Significance

Named after Soviet master Ilya Kan (1909-1978), who championed the system in the 1930s-50s. Although overshadowed by the Najdorf for many years, the Kan saw a renaissance when Anatoly Karpov adopted it in the late 1970s, showcasing its positional richness.

Illustrative Game

Karpov vs. Korchnoi, Candidates Final (game 7) Merano 1974:
. Korchnoi’s …a6/…e6/…Qc7/…b5 show the textbook Kan structure; he later achieved …d5 and equalized comfortably.

Typical Plans

1. Black breaks with …d5: After completing development, Black often plays …d5 in one stroke, freeing the position.
2. Minor-piece maneuvering: The light-squared bishop may go to b4, c5, or e7 depending on White’s setup. Knights can reroute via d7-e5 or g4.
3. Queenside storm: In some lines (e.g., 5. Nc3 Qc7 6. Be2 b5) Black actively pushes …b4 to harass the c3-knight.

Theoretical Status

The Kan is considered strategically sound and less theory-heavy than the Najdorf, making it attractive to players who value clarity and flexibility over razor-sharp memorization.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• GM Sergei Tiviakov famously built an undefeated streak of 110 classical games employing various Kan structures as Black.
• The Kan frequently transposes to the Hedgehog when Black plays …d6 and …b6, illustrating its versatility.
• Because …a6 is played before …d6, the move order can trick White players into unfamiliar territory, especially if they expected the Taimanov (…Nc6 before …a6).