Smith-Morra Gambit

The Smith-Morra begins with 1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3. In algebraic notation, x marks a capture. A gambit is a voluntary offer of material, usually a pawn, in exchange for time, development, or open lines.

If Black accepts with ...dxc3, White captures that black pawn with Nxc3, but White's original c-pawn is gone. White is one pawn down, while the knight develops to an active square and the c- and d-files may become useful for the rooks. White commonly follows with Nf3, Bc4, and quick castling, the special move involving the king and a rook, to create pressure before Black consolidates.

White gives up a pawn for development and open lines

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Startd4cxd4c3dxc3Nxc3

d4 and the later c3 form one gambit plan: open the center and offer the c-pawn to regain time with a piece.

The move order turns c3 into an offer

Unlike the Alapin, White plays d4 before c3 and allows Black's pawn to enter White's half.

1. d4 and the later c3 form one gambit plan: open the center and offer the c-pawn to regain time with a piece.
2. ...cxd4 first removes White's central pawn and creates the black pawn that White will attack with c3.

The compensation, meaning the activity White receives for the pawn, is not automatic. If Black completes development, secures the king, and neutralizes the open lines, the extra pawn can matter in the middlegame or endgame. Black may also decline the gambit without capturing on c3, for example with ...Nf6, ...d5, or ...d3, leading to different structures.

The Alapin Variation uses c3 to support d4 without immediately offering material. In the Smith-Morra, the order d4, ...cxd4, and c3 turns the same central idea into a deliberate sacrifice.