Theoria
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Sicilian Defense

Smith-Morra Gambit Accepted, Morphy Defense Deferred

B21offbeattactical

  1. 1.e4c5
  2. 2.d4cxd4
  3. 3.c3dxc3
  4. 4.Nxc3Nc6
  5. 5.Nf3e6
  6. 6.Bc4a6
  7. 7.O-Ob5
  8. 8.Bb3Bc5
103 games56%41%

Smith-Morra Gambit line in which Black plays ...a6 and ...b5 before developing the bishop to c5, a delayed Morphy Defense; rarely seen.

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About the Morphy Defense Deferred

Black first sets up the Paulsen Formation with 6...a6, gains queenside space with 7...b5 to drive the bishop to b3, and only then develops the king's bishop to c5. This is the square used in the Morphy Defense, 6...Bc5, with the queenside expansion added. White most often continues 9. Qe2, while 9. Bf4 and 9. e5 are the other common tries. The engine rates the position as roughly balanced, and the line is seldom played.

Popular continuations