More Smith-Morra Declined

I've said earlier that I like to decline the Smith-Morra gambit with this early move order:  1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3 e5!?   In this game, we reach this line via the Alapin variation of the Sicilian. This, I think, is one of the very nice bonuses of knowing how to play this variation.  You can be prepared for two different Sicilian approaches, and maintain good chances with the Black pieces.

If you study this game and the accompanying commentary, I think that you will discover a very nice weapon, suitable for competition at any level.