Smith-Morra Gambit

ECO B21 · Level: Beginner · Also known as: Morra Gambiti, Sibirya Tuzağı

The Smith-Morra Gambit sacrifices a pawn against the Sicilian for rapid development and open lines. It is a very effective attacking system at club level.

Position at the end of the main line

Main line

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

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History

Named after the French player Pierre Morra and the American Ken Smith, it is popular with players who want to avoid deep Sicilian theory.

White's plan

  • Pieces develop quickly for the pawn: Nc3, Nf3, Bc4 and castling.
  • Rooks on the open c- and d-files, with pressure on f7 and d6.

Black's plan

  • Accept, develop soundly and return the pawn at the right moment.
  • Or decline with 3...Nf6 or 3...d3.

Key variations

Accepted, main line

1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3 dxc3 4.Nxc3 Nc6 5.Nf3 d6 6.Bc4 e6 7.O-O Nf6 8.Qe2 Be7 9.Rd1

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Traps you should know

Siberian Trap · checkmate

1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3 dxc3 4.Nxc3 Nc6 5.Nf3 e6 6.Bc4 Qc7 7.O-O Nf6 8.Qe2 Ng4 9.h3 Nd4 10.Nxd4 Qh2#

Black aims at h2 with ...Ng4; if White plays 9.h3??, 9...Nd4! hits the queen and deflects the f3 knight: 10.Nxd4 Qh2 mate.

Position at the end of the trap
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Who should play it?

For White players who want an attack against the Sicilian with little theory.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Smith-Morra sound?

With accurate defence Black is slightly better, but in practice it is very easy for Black to go wrong.

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Related openings

  • Sicilian Defence — The Sicilian Defence (1.e4 c5) contests the centre from the flank with the c-pawn, creating unbalanced positions with real winning chances.
  • Evans Gambit — The Evans Gambit is a romantic, aggressive Italian line in which White sacrifices a pawn with 4.b4 to gain rapid development and a strong centre.

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