Chess opening · ECO B21
Sicilian Defense: Smith-Morra Gambit
The Sicilian Defense: Smith-Morra Gambit starts 1. e4 c5 2. d4. It ranks #52 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.
Move by move
- 1. e4White pushes the e-pawn two squares to e4, staking a claim in the center.
- 1... c5Black pushes the c-pawn two squares to c5.
- 2. d4White pushes the d-pawn two squares to d4, staking a claim in the center.
What players choose next, by rating
The three most common Black moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. cxd4 is the most popular next move in every rating band.
| Rating | Most common | Second | Third |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1200 | cxd4 58% | e6 14% | d6 9% |
| 1200–1399 | cxd4 75% | e6 10% | d6 5% |
| 1400–1599 | cxd4 85% | e6 7% | Nc6 2% |
| 1600–1799 | cxd4 90% | e6 6% | Nc6 2% |
| 1800–1999 | cxd4 93% | e6 4% | Nc6 2% |
| 2000 and up | cxd4 95% | Nc6 2% | g6 2% |
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