Sicilian Smith-Morra Gambit Declined, Dubois Variation
Sicilian Defense: Smith-Morra Gambit Declined, Dubois Variation
Definition
The Dubois Variation is a specific way for Black to decline the Smith-Morra
Gambit in the Sicilian Defense. It arises from the sequence:
1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4 3. c3 d5!
Instead of accepting White’s pawn sacrifice with 3…dxc3, Black immediately
strikes back in the center with 3…d5. The line is catalogued as ECO
B21/B22 and is named after the 19th-century Italian master
Serafino Dubois, who championed the move in his match play and
theoretical writings of the 1860-70s.
Typical Move-Order
After 3…d5 the most common continuation is:
- 4. exd5 Qxd5
- 4…Nf6 is an alternative that transposes to related declined systems.
- 5. cxd4 e5 (or 5…Nc6)
- 6. Nc3 Bb4
Strategic Themes
- Avoiding the Morra Initiative – By refusing to take the c-pawn Black sidesteps the well-known attacking setups that give White rapid development and open lines after 4. Nf3 and 5. Bc4.
- Immediate Central Counterpunch – 3…d5 challenges the e4-pawn and seeks quick simplification. If White exchanges on d5 the queen recaptures, and Black’s pieces come out smoothly.
- French-like Structure – After …e6 and …d5 Black often reaches pawn formations reminiscent of the French Defense, but without the problematic light-squared bishop.
- Development vs. Structure Trade-off – White retains a mobile d-pawn majority and open c-file, but loses time compared to the accepted gambit, giving Black equality chances earlier.
Historical Significance
Serafino Dubois (1837-1899), one of the strongest Italian players of his era, explored unorthodox central breaks against gambits. His 3…d5 idea appeared in correspondence games as early as 1862, decades before the Smith-Morra was systematically analysed. The line enjoyed a revival in the 1980s when gambit-averse Sicilian specialists such as Lev Polugaevsky and Vladimir Epishin used it to neutralise Morra gambiteers in open tournaments.
Illustrative Mini-Game
A concise demonstration of the plan for both sides:
Key points:
- After 10…exd4 Black has removed White’s centre and is ready to castle.
- White’s extra pawn on c3 is isolated and can become a target, while the bishop pair grants Black comfortable piece play.
Modern Practical Usage
- The Dubois Variation is a favourite surprise weapon at club and rapid level because many Morra players prepare chiefly for the accepted lines.
- Top-level grandmasters rarely face the Smith-Morra, but when they do, 3…d5 and 3…Nf6 are their two principal antidotes. In the 2018 Norwegian Blitz Championship, GM Magnus Carlsen used 3…d5 to quickly equalise against local expert FM Joachim Bjerke.
- Engine evaluations hover around 0.00 after 4.exd5 Qxd5 5.cxd4, confirming the line’s soundness.
Common Continuations After 5…e5
- 6. Nc3 Bb4 7. Bd2 exd4 8. Nxd5 Bxd2+ 9. Kxd2 Na6 – double-edge play.
- 6. dxe5 Qxd1+ 7. Kxd1 Nc6 – heading to an endgame where Black’s lead in development compensates for the pawn structure.
- 6. Be3 Bb4+ 7. Nc3 Ne7 – flexible set-up aiming for …Nbc6 and …0-0.
Trivia & Anecdotes
- Serafino Dubois advocated moving the queen early in several openings; his opponents jokingly called him “Il Cavaliere della Dama” — “the Knight of the Queen.”
- Grandmaster Larry Kaufman recommends the Dubois in his repertoire manuals, stating: “You kill two birds with one pawn: you keep your material and kill White’s dream position.”
- Despite being a pawn sacrifice opening, the Smith-Morra often leads to endgames where White’s pawn structure is worse; the Dubois underscores this paradox by steering the game toward structural imbalances instead of immediate tactics.
Key Takeaways
- 3…d5 is a fully sound way to decline the Smith-Morra Gambit.
- Black aims for quick central liquidation and harmonious development.
- White must be ready to shift from gambit tactics to positional play centered on the d- and c-files.