Sicilian DefenseB21

Smith-Morra Gambit

1. e4 c5 2. d4

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Every move explained, never a dead end.

Both sides plans

White's plan

Black traded a wing pawn for a central one. White has the lead in development and central space: play fast, usually d4 followed by a kingside assault.

Black's plan

Black has two central pawns against one, and the open c-file after the exchange on d4. Everything flows from there: pressure on c3 and c2, queenside expansion with ...a6 and ...b5.

The line, move by move

  1. 1. e4e4 occupies the center.
  2. ... c5c5 controls d4.
  3. 2. d4d4 strikes at the center.
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Other major variations

Smith-Morra Gambit (B21) · Sicilian Defense · OpeningMate