Theoria
8765432abcdefgh1

Sicilian Defense

O'Kelly Variation, Normal System, Smith-Morra Line

B28gambitaggressive

  1. 1.e4c5
  2. 2.Nf3a6
  3. 3.d4cxd4
  4. 4.c3
1,772 games51%46%

A Smith-Morra-style pawn gambit against the O'Kelly Sicilian, in which White offers a pawn with 4. c3 for rapid development and open lines.

Train it in Theoria

About the Smith-Morra Line

The Smith-Morra Line answers the O'Kelly Variation with 4. c3, offering a pawn in the manner of the Smith-Morra Gambit. After 4...dxc3, the reply in about half of games, White aims for quick development, rooks on the open c- and d-files and pressure against f7. Black can also decline with 4...d5 or 4...Nf6. The engine rates the position as roughly balanced, and White scores slightly better in online games.

Popular continuations