Smith Morra Gambit for White

Submitted by AlexCn on Sun, 09/21/2008 at 4:58pm.

Hi. I would like to get the views of some higher rated players about the Smith Morra Gambit for white. I posted a topic about it as black. Do you think it is a good opening. I am thinking of using it in some of my games. Also, if you have any helpful games with it post them on this article

For anyone that does not know it the Smith Morra Gambit goes e4, c5, d4, cxd4, and c3.

Thank-you

Alex

» posted in AlexCn's Blog

| 619 reads | 7 comments

Comments:

by Ilovegambits - 3 months ago
Townsville Australia

Member Since: May 2008
Member Points: 1745

I am a really big fan off the smith-morra gambit. I feel it is probably the most sound reply to the sicilain, i cannot get over how many players dont know the gambit enough to be able to get effective counter play. This gambit is really effective against anyone rated below 1600, after that rating barrier i feel the players generally have a vague concept off the gambit, which then forces you to think about your moves which is not cool. :-)

by Konstantyn - 3 months ago
United States

Member Since: Jun 2008
Member Points: 56

1.e4 c5 2.d4 c:d4 3.c3 and now d:с3 4N:с3 Nc6 5.Nf3 d6 6.Bc4 e6 7.o-o Nf6 8.Qe2 Be7 9.Rd1 e5 10.h3 0-0 11.Be3 Be6 12.B:e6 f:e6 13.b4!

by lapin - 3 months ago
Katerini Greece

Member Since: Apr 2008
Member Points: 1559

cool one i will check it.

by KillaBeez - 3 months ago
Denver, CO United States

Member Since: Jan 2008
Member Points: 2150

I do not think highly of the Morra. It has many traps and can provide White with compensation with the piece play. But Black usually just has to play passively for the first part before breaking out at an opportune time.

by TheOmerta - 3 months ago
The Place with the most Prisons is the United States

Member Since: Aug 2008
Member Points: 12

Crushing blow

by Chessbee - 3 months ago
Trenton, NJ United States

Member Since: May 2008
Member Points: 810

I am, going to have to try this sometime.

by KanaPolak - 3 months ago
Lethbridge Canada

Member Since: Mar 2008
Member Points: 39

I'm a big fan of the Smith-Morra, when I was learning (1300-1600) I used it all the time in blitz games with great results.

I'm recommend it to anyone with an aggressive style. Although, I wouldn't advise it against a stronger player in a 'slow' game.

Another benefit for beginners is that using and knowing the Smith-Morra Gambit allows you to skip learning the sicilian! This is the reason I learned it, I reached about 1600 strength and had never played the sicilian...

Variations: I was a big fan of the 'Gran Prix' attack following the gambit, which is basically g3 and f4 leads to quite the crazy game.

My favourite trap in the Smith Morra:

Not always this move order, but the I've had the plasure of saccing my Bishop on f7 atleast a dozen times.

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