The Smith-Morra Gambit is lesson 1 of 10 in Brilliant sacrifices 4: Sicilian and French fire, an opening course suited to players rated around 1800 (strong club players). Sicilian, Smith-Morra Gambit, B21. White gives the c-pawn for open lines and fast development. It has 3 interactive exercises: 3 find-the-move puzzles. You play every move on a board and get feedback straight away. The lesson is free.
What this lesson explains
This is the Sicilian. Black took on d4. White does not take back with the queen. White offers a pawn instead. About 35.2 million rated games on Lichess have reached this position.
c3! The pawn offers itself. If dxc3, the knight takes back on c3 and develops.
After dxc3 and Nxc3, White plays Nf3, Bc4, castles and puts a rook on d1. The c-file and the d-file are open for White's rooks. The engines call it about equal.
Recap.
After cxd4, c3 offers a pawn.
Nxc3, Nf3, Bc4 and castling follow fast.
The rooks go to the open c-file and d-file.
If Black plays Nf6, push e5.
What you practise
First play the line. You are White: play the moves of the Smith-Morra Gambit, up to the moment of the sacrifice.
Your turn: find the sacrifice. Black took on d4. Offer a pawn to get your pieces out fast.
Black declines with Nf6, attacking e4. Push the pawn and kick the knight.
Worked examples
First play the line. You are White: play the moves of the Smith-Morra Gambit, up to the moment of the sacrifice. Good. Black answers cxd4. Now the position is ready for the sacrifice.
Your turn: find the sacrifice. Black took on d4. Offer a pawn to get your pieces out fast. That is the Smith-Morra Gambit. A pawn for time and open files.
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