Smith-Morra Gambit is variation 3 of 6 in the Anti-Sicilians for White course, a intermediate opening course for White (ECO B21). It runs 22 moves and begins 1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4 3. c3 dxc3 4. Nxc3 Nc6 …. White gives a pawn for rapid development: Nxc3, Nf3, Bc4, O-O, Qe2 and Rd1. Black must defend accurately; White's pieces aim at d6, f7 and the open c- and d-files. In the lesson every move is explained on a board and then drilled; it is free.
Move by move
1. e4 – Takes the centre.
1... c5 – The Sicilian.
2. d4 – The Morra Gambit begins: White offers a centre pawn.
2... cxd4 – Black takes the pawn.
3. c3 – White offers a second pawn so the b1 knight can develop to c3 with tempo.
3... dxc3 – Black accepts the gambit.
4. Nxc3 – White recaptures, developing with a lead in development for the pawn.
4... Nc6 – Develops and keeps the d4 square under control.
5. Nf3 – Develops and controls d4 and e5.
5... d6 – Black stops e5 and prepares ...e6, ...Nf6 and ...Be7.
6. Bc4 – The bishop aims at f7 and e6.
6... e6 – Blocks the c4 bishop's diagonal toward f7.
7. O-O – White castles; the f1 rook can go to d1 to press on d6.
7... Nf6 – Develops and prepares ...Be7.
8. Qe2 – The queen clears d1 for the rook and supports e5.
8... Be7 – Develops and prepares to castle.
The lesson goes on for 6 more moves, each with its explanation.
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