Smith-Morra Gambit Accepted, Sozin Formation

The Sozin Formation arises when Black answers the standard Morra development with ...Nc6, ...e6, ...d6 and ...a6, then hits the c4-bishop with 8...b5. This is how Black often handles the Sozin Attack in the Open Sicilian. The advance gains queenside space and clears b7 for the light-squared bishop. White nearly always retreats with 9. Bb3, which keeps the bishop trained on e6 and f7. The engine rates the position as roughly balanced, and practical results are close to even.