The Smith-Morra Gambit: An Introduction

After 4. Nxc3 (the starting position of the Smith-Morra Gambit):

• White's position is free--his pieces can come to active and natural squares. 
• White's has a strong e-pawn and has control over the d5-square. Combined, this gives him a strong center. 
• Black will not have an easy time developing actively. 
• In the Sicilian, Black uses the semi-open c-file to create play. But in the Smith-Morra Gambit, the c-file is open (there is no White c-pawn) and Black will have a harder time creating counter-play. White will make use of the open c-file. 

After 8. Qe2!:

• Key move. The plan is to play 9. Rd1 and then develop the c1-bishop to f4 (sometimes to g5 or e3). This set-up puts pressure on Black's weakest point: the d6-pawn. Note: This set-up is common, but there are instances where this set-up is not a correct course of action.  
• White has plans of playing the e4-e5 break.

After 9 ... Qc7:

• Black moves to c7 because White has plans of playing the e4-e5 break. 
• The Queen now controls the important e5-square. 

 After 10. Bf4!:

•  More pressure on d6.

 After 15. Rc7!:

• The threat is to play Qc4 or Rdc1 and win the c8-bishop. 

Conclusion:

One important reason to consider studying the Smith-Morra Gambit is that not many 1 ... c5 players will prepare for it as they will be studying the overwhelming amount of theory that the Sicilian Defense has. In other words, you will be familiar with the ideas of the Smith-Morra Gambit and your opponent will not. For the attacking player or the tactician, the Smith-Morra is a dream to play.

Important Notes:

• White is a pawn down and should play aggressively. The idea is not to give your opponent time to consolidate.  Of course, there are exceptions to every rule.
• Theory is important. It is important to know how to deal with different Black set-ups because against the unprepared player (which will be many), this will mean easy wins. 
• It is important to be able to calculate long variations accurately. The Smith-Morra Gambit will improve this ability. 

Common Motifs:

• The e4-e5 advance. 
• The Knight sacrifice on d5. 
• The piece sacrifice on b5.  

The following games represent these ideas in the order listed.