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Originally posted by 93confirmedYeah nice win DF.
Wow - that makes me want to play the opening even more now. Great game!
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If you want to become a Morra gambit specialist then you do need to learn some theory - you can't just blindly play signature moves like Qe2, Rd1, Nb5 etc as in some lines they can be disastrous, such as the Siberian trap.
You also need to learn to play the c3 Sicilian - this is essential as it is the most common way for black to decline.
In the Morra this is:
1.e4...c5
2.d4...cxd4
3.c3...d5 (instead of accepting with ...dxc3)
4.exd5...Qxd5
However, the theory in the Morra is tolerable compared to the mammoth amount of Sicilian knowledge you need.
Originally posted by SquelchbelchWow...the Siberian trap is wicked. Here's some info from Wiki:
Yeah nice win DF.
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If you want to become a Morra gambit specialist then you do need to learn some theory - you can't just blindly play signature moves like Qe2, Rd1, Nb5 etc as in some lines they can be disastrous, such as the Siberian trap.
You also need to learn to play the c3 Sicilian - this is essential as it is the most ...[text shortened]... theory in the Morra is tolerable compared to the mammoth amount of Sicilian knowledge you need.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_Trap
I'm going to start studying this line much more because I'm really not having much success playing the normal 2.Nf3 lines and find myself lacking a good attack (this is likely due to a lack of knowledge on the Sicilian.
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Originally posted by 93confirmedI think you misunderstand. The Siberian is a trap attacking white's Qe2 & vulnerable h2 square, threatening mate:
Wow...the Siberian trap is wicked. Here's some info from Wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_Trap
I'm going to start studying this line much more because I'm really not having much success playing the normal 2.Nf3 lines and find myself lacking a good attack (this is likely due to a lack of knowledge on the Sicilian.
1.e4…c5
2.d4…cxd4
3.c3…dxc3
4.Nxc3…Nc6
5.Nf3…e6 (differs from main line …d6)
6.Bc4 (white follows his main line move order anyway)…Qc7
7.0-0…Nf6
8.Qe2?…Ng4!
where
9.h3? is the losing move because of
9...Nd4! & white must continue
10.hxg4 to prevent mate, but loses queen for a knight
But there are other options for white, all is not lost even here. White can go forward with the attacking 9.Nb5, the enterprising 9.Nd5 or the rather more defensive 9.g3 instead.
Originally posted by 93confirmedWell actually I do not play 1..e5 so much any more, but I play 2..Bc5 if it occurs. Anyway, this thread is about the Smith-Morra, so it is perhaps best to start a new thread about that topic (or look at some of the existing ones).
So, how do you usually play against the King's Gambit? Most of the people I play against seem to favor the Falkbeer-Counter Gambit, which can be tricky for both sides.
I would still like to know what some of the Smith-Morra Experts think of 3..d3, though.
Originally posted by GolubIf I play 4.Nf3 what do you play?
Well actually I do not play 1..e5 so much any more, but I play 2..Bc5 if it occurs. Anyway, this thread is about the Smith-Morra, so it is perhaps best to start a new thread about that topic (or look at some of the existing ones).
I would still like to know what some of the Smith-Morra Experts think of 3..d3, though.
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Originally posted by Golub3. ... d3 is the usual and best way to decline the Morra Gambit.
I would still like to know what some of the Smith-Morra Experts think of 3..d3, though.
4. Qxd3 is playable but 4. BXd3 is best, after which white has a lead in development without having sacrificed a pawn so he must be happy. White usually returns the tempo by playing c4 sooner or later while a plan involving f4 is also possible but fairly sharp and aggressive (my style exactly).
4. Nf3 will probably transpose after 4. ... e6, 5. BXP .. d6 (5. Nc6 is also playable but not as good) when 6. c4 .. Nf6, 7. Nc3 would be the most likely continuation giving the following position.
I am happy as white with this position although chances are about equal
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Originally posted by GolubI was thinking 4...d5 was most likely.
I can think of a few replies... d5 the sharpest, e6 little quieter, Nc6 or Nf6 probably also works.
What are the variations you think of, and how strong do you think 3...d3 is?
So:
1.e4...c5
2.d4...cxd4
3.c3...d3
4.Nf3...d5
Then:
5.exd5...Qxd5
6.Qxd3
then black has several options, like developing & protecting Qd5 with 6...e6 or 6...Nf3. I think:
6...Qxd3 is likley, leading to 7.Bd3 & white advantage with greater development & material equal.