Smith-Morra Gambit Accepted, Classical Formation
- 1.e4c5
- 2.d4cxd4
- 3.c3dxc3
- 4.Nxc3Nc6
- 5.Nf3d6
- 6.Bc4a6
- 7.O-ONf6
1,827 games
A Morra Gambit defense in which Black plays ...d6, ...a6 and ...Nf6 to develop the light-squared bishop before ...e6, leading to roughly balanced play.
Train it in TheoriaAbout the Classical Formation
In the Classical Formation, Black postpones ...e6 and uses 6...a6 to deny White's knight the b5-square, so that 7...Nf6 no longer fears an e5 thrust. The goal is to bring the light-squared bishop to g4 before closing its diagonal. White usually replies 8. Qe2, while 8. e5 scores poorly. One illustrative line is 8. Bf4 Bg4 9. h3 Bxf3 10. Qxf3 e6. The engine assesses the position as balanced, and Black scores slightly better in practice.