1.e4 — the open games
Smith–Morra Gambit
1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3ECO B21
White sacrifices a pawn for rapid development and open c- and d-files against the Sicilian. Easy to play with clear attacking targets on c7, f7 and the half-open files — a practical club weapon.
Key ideas
- After 3…dxc3 4.Nxc3 White has a big lead in development and open lines for the pieces.
- The bishops go to c4 and f4/g5 and the rooks to c1 and d1, pressing c7 and d6.
- Black's soundest path is precise development and returning the pawn at the right moment to blunt the initiative.
Who it suits
Initiative-loving players who want an easy-to-learn gambit versus the Sicilian.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the Smith–Morra Gambit move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer