08 Dec 07
Originally posted by Dutch DefenseI once knew a devoted Smith-Morra Gambit player (he eventually made Master) who said that he actually preferred it when Black played moves like 3...d3, because he would get a real good game without having to give up a pawn.
after 3.c3, black should play 3...d3!
I'm realize I'm a rank amatuer, but I don't see the benefit for Black of moving the c-pawn on his first three moves of the game when White doesn't move the same piece of pawn more than once. Isn't White just up three moves in the position after 4 Bd3?
08 Dec 07
Originally posted by gaychessplayerIt temporarly blocks the b1 knight and should give black enough time for development. Ask Korch for more info cause I don't play Sicilian on a regular basis.
I once knew a devoted Smith-Morra Gambit player (he eventually made Master) who said that he actually preferred it when Black played moves like 3...d3, because he would get a real good game without having to give up a pawn.
I'm realize I'm a rank amatuer, but I don't see the benefit for Black of moving the c-pawn on his first three moves of the gam ...[text shortened]... piece of pawn more than once. Isn't White just up three moves in the position after 4 Bd3?
09 Dec 07
1 edit
Originally posted by English TalIt's suspect.
2. b4
Being strictly a P-K4 player, I'm currently experimenting (in one game so far....) with the aforementioned gambit. I invariably play the Grand Prix against the Sicilian, but from time to time an unusual move or so makes life more interesting... even if not 100% sound....
Has anyone any true experience or relevant comments on this move? Thanks.
If you really want to play offbeat lines in the Sicilian as white (Which I personally wouldn't recommend, because the open is clearly best...) then I think 2.b3 and 2.Na3 are the most viable options.
!~Tony~! plays 2.Na3 pretty often on ICC and generally woops some ass.
09 Dec 07
Originally posted by cmsMaster!~Tony~! plays 2.Na3 pretty often on ICC and generally woops some ass.
It's suspect.
If you really want to play offbeat lines in the Sicilian as white (Which I personally wouldn't recommend, because the open is clearly best...) then I think 2.b3 and 2.Na3 are the most viable options.
!~Tony~! plays 2.Na3 pretty often on ICC and generally woops some ass.
Interesting, thanks.
09 Dec 07
Originally posted by cmsMasterI occasionally play 1.e4 c5 2.b3!? Nc6 3.Bb2 e5 4.f4!? when in a suitably manic frame of mind. However, I agree with your main point: open is best!
It's suspect.
If you really want to play offbeat lines in the Sicilian as white (Which I personally wouldn't recommend, because the open is clearly best...) then I think 2.b3 and 2.Na3 are the most viable options.
!~Tony~! plays 2.Na3 pretty often on ICC and generally woops some ass.
10 Dec 07
Originally posted by gaychessplayerMight just be worth a try I suppose (though probably not after 1...e5). It resembles a rather offbeat idea in the Morra, namely 1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3 dxc3 4.Nxc3 Nc6 5.Bc4 and 6.f4!? instead of the usual 5.Nf3. I don't think it's been tried very often (maybe for a good reason!).
In blitz I've played a variation that is a mix of the Smith-Morra Gambit and the Grand Prix Attack, called the Halasz Gambit: 1 e4 c5 2 d4 cd 3 f4.
There is also the Halasz variation of the Danish Gambit: 1 e4 e5 2 d4 ed 3 f4.
11 Dec 07
Originally posted by SquelchbelchI like that trap, I got to play that in my first (and only) otb game against the wing gambit 🙂
Game 3155249