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Sicilian Defense

Smith-Morra Gambit Accepted, Chicago Defense

B21gambittactical

  1. 1.e4c5
  2. 2.d4cxd4
  3. 3.c3dxc3
  4. 4.Nxc3d6
  5. 5.Nf3e6
  6. 6.Bc4Nf6
  7. 7.O-Oa6
682 games51%46%

A Smith-Morra Gambit Accepted setup in which Black plays ...d6, ...e6, ...Nf6 and ...a6 without ...Nc6, holding the extra pawn in a compact structure.

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About the Chicago Defense

The Chicago Defense is a setup against the accepted Smith-Morra Gambit. Black develops with ...d6, ...e6, ...Nf6 and ...a6 but leaves out ...Nc6, and so keeps ...b5 in reserve as a way to gain queenside space. If Black delays castling after ...b5, White can sometimes sacrifice a knight with Nxb5. After 7...a6, White most often plays 8. Qe2, and 8. Bg5 and 8. e5 are the main alternatives. The engine rates the position as balanced.

Popular continuations