Smith-Morra: 5.Nf3 d6 6.Bc4 (Sicilian)
Sicilian: Smith-Morra, 5.Nf3 d6 6.Bc4
Definition
The line 1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3 dxc3 4.Nxc3 Nc6 5.Nf3 d6 6.Bc4 belongs to the Smith-Morra Gambit against the Sicilian Defence. White sacrifices one pawn (the “Morra pawn”) to accelerate development and seize control of the centre and open lines, especially the c- and d-files. The specific continuation 5.Nf3 d6 6.Bc4 is a popular practical choice, placing the bishop on the a2–g8 diagonal to create early pressure on f7 and d5.
Typical Move Order
The most common sequence reaches our tabiya:
- 1. e4 c5
- 2. d4 cxd4
- 3. c3 dxc3
- 4. Nxc3 Nc6
- 5. Nf3 d6
- 6. Bc4
From here Black’s main replies are 6…Nf6, 6…e6, or 6…a6, each leading to distinct middlegame structures.
Strategic Ideas
- Rapid Development: White already has a knight on c3, another on f3, and bishops prepared to occupy c4 and e3/f4. The open c- and d-files allow white rooks to activate quickly (Rc1, Rd1).
- Pressure on f7: Bc4 eyes the tender f7-square, often combining with Qb3, Ng5, or Bxf7+ tactical themes.
- d5 Break: White’s central pawn majority (e4 & d4) seeks to push d4-d5 under favorable circumstances, disrupting Black’s coordination.
- Black’s Counterplay: Accepting the pawn demands accuracy. Black will aim for …Nf6, …e6, and sometimes …a6 & …b5 to blunt the c4-bishop, trade pieces, and convert the extra pawn in an endgame.
Historical Background
The gambit is named after American master Pierre Morra and Chicago player Ken Smith, who popularized it through books and tournament practice in the 1960s–1980s. The 6.Bc4 system became fashionable in the 1990s when grandmasters such as Marc Esserman and Fernando Peralta championed aggressive treatment, scoring notable upsets against higher-rated opponents.
Tactical Motifs to Know
- Bxf7+ sacrifice: After 6…Nf6 7.e5 Ng4? 8.Bxf7+ Kxf7 9.Ng5+, white unleashes a devastating attack.
- Qb3 “Fork”: Eyeing both f7 and b7; common after 6…e6 or 6…e5.
- Nd5 Outpost: White knights often leap to d5 exploiting pins on the c- and d-files.
Illustrative Game
Esserman – Van Den Doel, Reykjavik Open 2013
White’s energetic piece play overwhelmed Black despite the extra pawn.
Modern Usage and Theory Status
While top elites rarely risk the Smith-Morra in classical tournaments, it remains popular in rapid, blitz, and club play. Engine databases show respectable practical results for White, but accurate defensive lines—such as the Siberian Variation (…Nf6, …e6, …a6, …b5)—can neutralize the initiative. Nevertheless, the 5.Nf3 d6 6.Bc4 line keeps surprising unprepared Sicilian experts.
Interesting Facts
- Grandmaster Maxime Vachier-Lagrave used the Smith-Morra with success in youth events before specializing in mainline Najdorf Sicilians.
- Ken Smith famously mailed thousands of pamphlets on the gambit to American chess clubs, fueling its grassroots popularity.
- International Master Marc Esserman’s book “Mayhem in the Morra” (2012) revitalized theoretical interest and featured numerous 6.Bc4 novelties.
Key Takeaways
- The 6.Bc4 line strives for immediate kingside pressure and active piece placement.
- Black must respect tricks on f7 and be ready to return material or steer into solid setups with …e6 & …Nf6.
- Even at master level, one slip can lead to a swift miniature—making the gambit a potent practical weapon.