Sicilian Defense: Smith-Morra Accepted Danish Variation
Sicilian Defense, Smith-Morra Accepted, Danish Variation
Definition
The Sicilian Defense, Smith-Morra Accepted, Danish Variation is an ultra-sharp branch of the Sicilian arising after the moves 1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4 3. c3 dxc3 4. Bc4!?. Instead of immediately regaining the pawn with 4.Nxc3—the main line of the Smith-Morra Gambit—White sacrifices a second pawn in true Danish-Gambit style. Play usually continues 4…cxb2 5.Bxb2, when White has ceded two pawns in exchange for lightning-fast development and open diagonals for both bishops.
Typical Move Order
- e4 c5
- d4 cxd4
- c3 dxc3 (Smith-Morra Accepted)
- Bc4!? (Danish Variation—second pawn offered)
- …cxb2
- Bxb2 …
Strategic Themes
- Time versus Material: White has invested two pawns and must demonstrate concrete attacking chances before the initiative fizzles out.
- Piece Activity: Both bishops are immediately aimed at the f7 and d5 squares; the queen can leap to b3 or f3, and rooks soon occupy the central files.
- King Safety: Black often keeps the king in the center for a move or two, which can be dangerous if White’s pieces flood the board. Conversely, if Black castles safely, the extra material tends to tell.
- Critical Squares: d5 is a recurring outpost for White’s knight or bishop, while f7, e6, and g7 are the main tactical targets.
Assessment
Modern engines rate the position after 5.Bxb2 as roughly equal or slightly better for Black with correct play. Nevertheless, the variation remains a lethal practical weapon at club level, especially in rapid or blitz, where precise defensive moves under pressure are harder to find.
Historical Context
• The original Smith-Morra Gambit (3.c3) is named after American IM Ken Smith and French player
Pierre Morra.
• The “Danish Variation” tag pays homage to the 19th-century Danish Gambit
(1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.c3 dxc3 4.Bc4), which sacrifices two pawns in an identical manner.
• Although it has never been a mainstream choice at elite events,
the line has appeared in correspondence chess and open tournaments,
sometimes catching titled opponents off guard.
Illustrative Mini-Game
One of the most-quoted attacking wins is the following 19-move crush:
After 19.Rh5! White threatened a decisive sacrifice on h7. Black resigned (Schultz–Barris, US Open 1990). The game showcases the speed with which White’s pieces reach attacking posts.
Modern Theoretical Lines
The current critical continuation is considered to be 4…e6 (declining the second pawn) aiming for …d5, or 4…Nc6 5.Nf3 e6 6.O-O Nf6, when Black keeps material advantage while neutralizing White’s initiative.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Ken Smith famously mailed a free booklet on the Smith-Morra to every GM who defeated the opening, hoping to entice them to try it again!
- Online databases show a higher scoring percentage for White below the 2200 level, reflecting the line’s surprise value.
- The variation’s ECO code is B21, shared with other Smith-Morra systems.