Smith-Morra Gambit declined: 3...Nf6 is variation 2 of 6 in the Anti-Sicilians for Black course, a intermediate opening course for Black (ECO B21). It runs 24 moves and begins 1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4 3. c3 Nf6 4. e5 Nd5 …. White gives the d-pawn to get fast development. Black does not take the gambit pawn. The knight goes to f6 and then d5, and the game looks like an Alapin where Black is fine. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – White takes the centre.
1... c5 – The Sicilian.
2. d4 – White offers the d-pawn at once.
2... cxd4 – Black takes. Now White can offer a second pawn.
3. c3 – The Smith-Morra Gambit. White wants to open lines quickly.
3... Nf6 – Black declines and attacks e4. The pawn on d4 still bothers White.
4. e5 – The best answer. White chases the knight and gains space.
4... Nd5 – The knight goes to its best square in the centre.
5. Nf3 – White develops and adds a guard to e5.
5... Nc6 – Black develops and keeps the d4 pawn.
6. Bc4 – The bishop attacks the d5 knight.
6... Nb6 – The knight steps back with an attack on the bishop.
7. Bb3 – The bishop keeps its diagonal toward f7.
7... d5 – Black stops the bishop and challenges the e5 pawn.
8. exd6 – White takes en passant. Leaving the pawn on e5 would give Black a firm centre.
8... Qxd6 – The queen takes back and defends d4.
The lesson goes on for 8 more moves, each with its explanation.
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