Two lines from our repertoire
Follow each line from the starting position. The notes explain the position after the displayed move, including the plan for the next move. These are repertoire examples; your opponent can choose other replies.
Pause at the diagrams to see the idea. The highlighted squares show the last move; the note explains what comes next.
Moves use international algebraic notation: N = knight, B = bishop, R = rook, Q = queen, K = king.
1. Smith-Morra Gambit: Introduction
1. e41... c5After 1... c5In the Morra Gambit, we send a pawn to the center on the second move to open up the game and create lively and tactical positions. We play ♟d2-d4!
2. d42... cxd4After 2... cxd4We don't hurry to recapture the pawn immediately! We sacrifice the pawn by playing ♟c2-c3 to rapidly develop our pieces!
3. c3
After 3... dxc3White to move. At the board3... dxc3After 3... dxc3Now we capture the pawn with our ♞b1, bringing the piece into play with tempo.
4. Nxc34... Nc6After 4... Nc6The most popular reply for Black. We must remember that successful attacks require maximum piece activity, so we develop the kingside and aim for castling. We bring out the ♞ to f3!
5. Nf35... d6After 5... d6We develop the light-squared ♝ to c4 on the big diagonal, targeting the vulnerable ♟f7, preparing for a short castle.
After 6. Bc4Black to move. At the board6. Bc4After 6. Bc4This is the starting position of the Morra Gambit, where everything begins! White's plan is simple: castle, send the ♛ to e2, the ♜ to d1, and prepare the bold advance ♟e4-e5 in the center.
2. Famous Morra Trap 7.Bxf7
1. e41... c5After 1... c5In the Morra Gambit, we send our pawn to the center on the second move to open up the game and create lively, tactical positions. Let's play ♟d2-d4!
2. d42... cxd4After 2... cxd4No rush to grab the pawn back immediately! We sacrifice the pawn with ♟c2-c3 to quickly develop our pieces!
3. c3After 3... dxc3White to move. At the board3... dxc3After 3... dxc3Now we capture the pawn with our ♞b1, bringing our piece into the game with tempo.
4. Nxc34... Nc6After 4... Nc6The most popular response from Black. Remember, for a successful attack, we need to bring our pieces into play to the maximum, so let's develop the kingside and prepare to castle. We bring the ♞ to f3!
5. Nf35... d6After 5... d6We bring the light-squared ♝ to c4 on the big diagonal eyeing the vulnerable ♟f7, preparing for short castling.
6. Bc46... Bg4After 6... Bg4Quite popular among amateurs, though objectively a poor continuation. Black has sent the bishop out for a stroll too early, where it's unprotected. We strike the vulnerable ♟f7 by sacrificing the bishop!
7. Bxf7+After 7... Kxf7White to move. At the board7... Kxf7After 7... Kxf7We start the hunt for the king, checking with the knight and opening the road for the ♛, eyeing the unprotected ♝ on g4.
8. Ng5+8... Ke8After 8... Ke8We capture the ♝, bringing the ♛ closer to the action near the enemy king.
9. Qxg49... Nf6After 9... Nf6We just need to send the ♛ to e6, aiming to "snatch the white squares." Our position is fantastic: we've regained the sacrificed pawn, weakened the ♚, and have great piece play on the white squares in Black's camp.
10. Qe610... Ne5After 10... Ne5Black covers f7 from our invasion. In such moments, it's crucial to ask ourselves: can we chase away Black's key defender? The answer is yes! We play ♟f2-f4, driving the knight away from the center.
11. f411... Nd3+After 11... Nd3+We push the ♚ forward, attacking the enemy ♞, forcing it to make a decision.
12. Ke212... Nxc1+After 12... Nxc1+We capture the ♜a1-c1, bringing another piece into play.
After 13. Raxc1Black to move. At the board13. Raxc1After 13. Raxc1White's position is completely winning; it's just a matter of reaching the black ♚.
Original commentary from Theoria’s opening lessons, prepared by FIDE Master Maksims Golubovskis.
Put the idea on the board
Open this opening in the trainer to study and practise its lines. Start with one line, explain the purpose of each move, then try to recall it without hints.