How not to decline the Smith-Morra


Not too bad of a game. However, at move 5, I think d5 would have been safer, followed by Nc3, g3, Bg2, and Nge2.

Not too bad of a game. However, at move 5, I think d5 would have been safer, followed by Nc3, g3, Bg2, and Nge2.
O.K., but what was wrong with 5. dxe5 ? Black cannot recapture, and I can't see him having close to adequate compensation for the pawn. I can still continue with Nc3, g3, Bg2, and Ne2, but 8. Bb5 looked more interesting, and I always like interesting games.