ECO code: B21
Opening Name: Sicilian: Smith-Morra Accepted
Moves: 1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4 3. c3 dxc3 4. Nxc3
Description: The Smith-Morra Gambit is an aggressive attempt by White to challenge Black's Sicilian Defense by sacrificing a pawn early on (with 3. c3) to gain rapid development and control of the center. After Black accepts the gambit with 3... dxc3, White recaptures with the knight, aiming to establish a strong presence in the center and open lines for quick piece activity.
Characteristic: The hallmark of this opening is White's willingness to sacrifice a pawn for fast development and active piece play, especially targeting control of the central squares and rapid kingside attacks.
Playing Style: As White, this opening is attacking, focusing on initiative and pressure. Black typically responds with a more defensive stance, trying to consolidate the extra pawn and neutralize White's activity.
Center Control: Yes, this opening strongly contests the center, with White aiming to dominate central squares quickly despite being down a pawn.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Sicilian: Smith-Morra Accepted, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 89 - Move #6 black