Sicilian Defense · B21

Smith-Morra Gambit, through 2. d4

1. e4 c5 2. d4

In the centre, White holds d4 and e4.

The first 3 moves, explained

• 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... c5 Fights for d4 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the Sicilian Defense.
• 2. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen. Theory calls this the Smith-Morra Gambit.

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