How to Play the Smith-Morra Gambit Chess Opening

Do you love to play e4, but hate encountering the Sicilian? Maybe the Smith-Morra gambit is for you! This is a sharp chess opening which allows quick development of the white army, while at the same time eliminating black’s annoying c5 pawn, the staple pawn of the Sicilian defense. White gambits a pawn for a lead in development and the hopes for a swift attack. White ends up with a piece developed and a pawn staking valuable center space, while black only has semi-open c file, and nothing else.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 

   Play king pawn to e4.

2. 

   Play queen pawn to d4 when black plays pawn to c5.

3. 

   Play pawn to c3 when black plays pawn and takes d4.

4. 

   Play knight takes pawn at f3 when black plays pawn takes f3.