Sicilian Defense: Smith-Morra Gambit

The Smith-Morra Gambit is a very aggressive way of meeting the Sicilian, in which White sacrifices a pawn for open lines and fast development. He hopes to create powerful pressure on the Black position (after 4...dxc3 5.Nxc3) on the open c- and d- files, with a view towards getting the black king in trouble.

Pros:

• White takes the initiative and Black must defend
• Gets Sicilian players out of their comfort zone
• Black must be very careful not to fall into a deadly attack

Cons:

• Black will be up a pawn
• Black has many defensive systems to choose from
• Black can choose to decline the gambit in various ways