Smith–Morra Gambit

In chess, the Smith–Morra Gambit (or simply Morra Gambit) is an opening gambit against the Sicilian Defence distinguished by the moves:

1. e4 c5
2. d4 cxd4
3. c3
Smith–Morra Gambit
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8
8
77
66
55
44
33
22
11
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Moves1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3
ECOB20 or B21
Named afterKen Smith
Pierre Morra
ParentSicilian Defence
Synonym(s)Morra Gambit

White sacrifices a pawn to develop quickly and create attacking chances. In exchange for the gambit pawn, White has a piece developed after 4.Nxc3 and a pawn in the center, while Black has an extra pawn and a central pawn majority. The plan for White is straightforward and consists of placing his bishop on c4 to attack the f7-square, and controlling both the c- and d-files with rooks, taking advantage of the fact that Black can hardly find a suitable place to post his queen.

The Smith–Morra is uncommon in grandmaster games, but is popular at club level. It does not have a definitive refutation.

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