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Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...c5/2. d4

Smith-Morra gambit
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Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN)
Moves: 1. e4 c5 2. d4
Parent: Sicilian defence

2. d4 · Smith-Morra gambit

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White opens up the centre immediately. White's plan is to sacrifice a pawn in exchange for swift development and open lines. This is an uncommon but tactical sideline to avoid the conventional Open Sicilian.

After 2...cxd4 (which Black should play, as that was why they played 1...c5), rather than retake, White can offer a pawn with 3. c3: this is the actual gambit part of the Smith-Morra gambit. If Black accepts, White can retake with their knight. They are ahead in development with an open centre in exchange for being down one pawn.

At the amateur level, retaking immediately with 3. Qxd4!? is sometimes seen. Here, no pawn is sacrificed but Black can develop with tempo on the queen for an even game.

Theory table

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For explanation of theory tables, see theory table and for notation, see algebraic notation..

1. e4 c5 2. d4
2 3 4 5
Smith-Morra Gambit

Accepted

d4
cxd4
c3
dxc3
Nxc3
Nc6
Nf3
d6
=
Smith-Morra Gambit

Declined, Push Variation

...

...

...

d3

Bxd3

Nc6

Nf3

d6

=
Franco-Sicilian Defense d4
e6
= to 1...e6 2. d4 c5 +/=

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References

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v · t · e
Chess Opening Theory
1. e4
2. Nf3
With 2...Nc6:
Four knights: ( )
Italian game: ( )
Spanish game: ( )

With other 2nd moves:
2. Other
1... other
1. d4
Flank
Unorthodox