Sicilian: Smith-Morra, 4.Nxc3 Nc6

Sicilian Defense: Smith–Morra Gambit

Definition

The Smith–Morra Gambit is an aggressive opening line for White that arises after the moves 1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4 3. c3. White voluntarily sacrifices a pawn to accelerate development and seize the initiative. The name honors the American players Ken Smith (who popularized it in tournament practice and publications) and Pierre Morra (who analyzed the idea in France a generation earlier).

Typical Move-Order

A standard accepted line runs:

1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4 3. c3 dxc3 4. Nxc3

From this tabiya, White has rapid piece activity while Black enjoys an extra pawn but must weather the early pressure.

Strategic Ideas

• Development Lead: White often castles kingside by move 6 and places rooks on d1 and c1, targeting the half-open files.
• Piece Pressure: Knights land on b5 or d5; bishops eye the sensitive f7 and c7 squares.
• Black’s Tasks: Return the pawn at a convenient moment, complete development (…e6, …d6, …Nf6), and exchange pieces to blunt the attack.

Historical Notes

• Pierre Morra’s 1950 pamphlet “Gambit Morra” laid an early theoretical foundation.
• Ken Smith’s booklets in the 1970s—often mailed to opponents before weekend Swiss events—sparked a boom in U.S. club play.
• While rarely employed in elite classical play, it appears in rapid and blitz; e.g. Carlsen – Karjakin, World Blitz 2014.

Illustrative Game

Smith, Ken – Evans, Larry • Lone Star Open 1971
A textbook crush featuring Bc4, Qb3, and sacrifices on f7 highlighted the gambit’s attacking promise and was reprinted in nearly every Smith–Morra monograph.

Interesting Facts

• Grandmaster Marc Esserman’s book “Mayhem in the Morra” (2012) rejuvenated interest; he scored +25 –2 =4 with the gambit in serious competition up to IM/GM level.
• Databases show White scoring roughly 52-55 % in club and online play, but under 50 % in top-level encounters where Black is theoretically prepared.
• Because engine evaluations favor Black, many experts treat the gambit as a practical weapon rather than a sound main line.

4.Nxc3 Nc6 (Main Tabiya of the Accepted Smith–Morra)

Definition

The move-sequence …Nc6 after White recaptures on c3 defines one of Black’s most common and flexible setups in the accepted Smith–Morra Gambit:

1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4 3. c3 dxc3 4. Nxc3 Nc6

This position represents the primary branching point for theory. Black develops a piece, supports the central light squares, and keeps options open for …e6, …d6, or …g6 structures.

Strategic Significance

• Central Control: …Nc6 discourages Nb5 ideas (aimed at c7) and reinforces d4 and e5 squares.
• Piece Coordination: Black often follows with …e6 and …Nf6, adopting a Scheveningen-style pawn structure.
• Flexibility: Depending on White’s setup, Black can fianchetto the dark-squared bishop (…g6, …Bg7) or place it on e7.
• Counter-play: The extra pawn may be returned with …d5 or used to transition into an IQP (isolated queen’s pawn) middlegame after exchanges on d4.

Main White Replies

1. 5. Nf3 – the classical approach, eyeing d4 and e5.
2. 5. Bc4 – the Fischer or Italiano line, placing immediate pressure on f7.
3. 5. Bf4 – the Chicago Defense system, combining rapid rook lifts (Rc1, Qe2).
4. 5. Nd5 – a forcing attempt exploiting the pin on the c6-knight.

Theoretical Evaluation

Modern engines rate the position at roughly –0.30 to –0.40, reflecting Black’s material advantage with manageable pressure. Practical results, however, are near level due to the sharp nature of the ensuing play.

Example Continuation

One of the most frequently cited mainlines:

5. Nf3 e6 6. Bc4 Qc7 7. O-O a6 8. Qe2 Nf6
Here Black has blunted immediate tactics, aims for …d6 and …Be7, and can castle either side.

Illustrative Games

• Esserman – Kandil, Reykjavik Open 2012 – White unleashed a pawn storm with f4 and f5, demonstrating attacking chances even after Black’s solid …Nc6 defense.
• Shirov – Pelletier, Biel 1996 – A high-level rapid game where Black safely returned the pawn with …d5 and converted an endgame edge.

Practical Tips

• For White: Maintain momentum—swap the f1-rook to d1 quickly and avoid unnecessary pawn moves.
• For Black: Do not cling to the extra pawn if it compromises king safety; timely liquidation with …d5 is usually the cleanest solution.

Curiosities & Anecdotes

• Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura famously tried the Smith–Morra on a dare in online blitz; after 4…Nc6 he quipped “We’re officially worse— now let’s have fun!” and still won.
• Some theoreticians refer jokingly to 4…Nc6 as the “Why-Not Variation” because, unlike sharper defenses (…g6 or …e6 immediately), it poses no structural commitments.