Sniper gambit.

Hey, im studying on the sniper defence (books from Ron Henley) And from this variation, which happens to be my least favorite to play against. (although i have had only one game where somebody played it against me.) This book suggests a gambit that i dont fully understand.  Another sniper book suggested it also but eiter faild to explain why besides "It obtains squares and activity on the queen side"   Is it just about opening up the a file?

Is there anything to this gambit that im not getting?

Impatient bump... Lol any thoughts on this?

I've only come across something like this once before. In that case black played Na6 and recovered the c5 pawn.  I don't think I've ever come across the b6 gambit.

There is usually a line in a favorite opening that isn't so "favorite."

In both cases I suspect the reason for b6 is simply to open the c-file. White has double isolated c pawns which are quite weak but only if black can attack them. His attack against them has a lot better chance of success if the c-file is actually open.

Also, he has to develop the bishop some how and the pawn on c5 is quite cramping. Trading pawn allows for bishop to come to b7 and put pressure against e4. Black would probably be happy if white played f3 since it takes that square away from the knight. Pressure against e4 also makes f4 harder to play.

That makes sense.  I think I'll try to play test it a couple times to get used to the position.  Thx guys.