Sicilian: Smith-Morra, 2...d5
Sicilian Defense: Smith-Morra Gambit, 2…d5
Definition
The line arises after 1. e4 c5 2. d4 d5 !?, where Black immediately strikes back in the centre instead of accepting the classical Smith-Morra pawn sacrifice (2…cxd4 3. c3). Because the gambit is declined, the position often transposes to Scandinavian-type structures—but with the bonus pawn already on c5 restricting White’s central expansion. In ECO the variation is catalogued under B21: “Sicilian, Smith-Morra Gambit Declined, Scandinavian Variation.”
Typical Move Order
- e4 c5
- d4 d5
- exd5 Qxd5
- Nf3 cxd4
- c3 Nf6
- cxd4 Nc6
After 6…Nc6 Black enjoys fluid development, while White retains a small space advantage but no longer has the open lines and initiative normally associated with the Morra.
Strategic Ideas
- Plans for Black
- Neutralise gambit play by declining the pawn sacrifice.
- Pressure the potential isolated pawn on d4 with …Nc6, …Bg4, …Qd7/a5, and rook lifts.
- Develop the light-squared bishop actively (…Bg4 or …Bf5) before locking the centre with …e6.
- Plans for White
- Use tempi gained against the Black queen (usually on d5 or a5) to accelerate development: Nf3, Nc3, Bc4, 0-0-0.
- Maintain central tension; breaks with d5 or dxc5 can open lines for the bishops.
- If Black delays …e6, a kingside initiative with Bg5, Qe2 and long castling can still resemble standard Morra themes.
Illustrative Miniature
The following short game highlights typical motifs:
Black refuses the gambit, develops smoothly, and, after 15…Nb4 followed by 17…Nc2+, wins the a1 rook—a thematic punishment for White’s over-extended centre and exposed king.
Historical Notes
French master Pierre Morra introduced 3. c3 against the Sicilian in the early 1950s, and American expert Ken Smith championed it in the 1960s–80s. Belgian GM Albéric O’Kelly de Galway was among the first to recommend 2…d5 as a practical antidote, pointing out that “the simplest way to equalise is to decline the offer altogether.” Although rare in elite classical play, the line remains popular in blitz and rapid events—precisely where Morra specialists are most dangerous.
Modern Evaluation
Engines rate the position at roughly equal (≈ 0.10–0.20 for White). From a practical standpoint, 2…d5:
- sidesteps extensive Smith-Morra theory,
- steers the game into Scandinavian-like territory familiar to many Sicilian players, and
- forces the gambiteer to play quieter positional chess.
Trivia & Anecdotes
- Some club players nickname 2…d5 the “Siberian Decline,” riffing on the well-known Siberian Trap in other Smith-Morra lines, though the two ideas are unrelated.
- GM Vassilios Kotronias once quipped that accepting the Morra is “swimming with sharks,” whereas 2…d5 is “refusing to enter the water at all.”
- In Chess960, an early central counter-gambit with …d5 (or …d4 if colours are reversed) is seen as a universal equalising strategy—a concept foreshadowed by this variation.