Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...c5/2. d4
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Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN)
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Moves: 1. e4 c5 2. d4 | |
Parent: Sicilian defence |
2. d4 · Smith-Morra gambit
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source].
- 1. e4 c5 2. d4
2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
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Smith-Morra Gambit
Accepted |
d4 cxd4 |
c3 dxc3 |
Nxc3 Nc6 |
Nf3 d6 |
= |
Smith-Morra Gambit
Declined, Push Variation |
...
... |
... | Bxd3
Nc6 |
Nf3
d6 |
= |
Franco-Sicilian Defense | d4 e6 |
= to 1...e6 2. d4 c5 | +/= |
References
[edit | edit source]- Kasparov, Garry, & Keene, Raymond 1989 Batsford chess openings 2. ISBN 0-8050-3409-9.
With 2...g6:
With other 2nd moves for Black: