Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...c5/2. Nf3/2...e6/3. d4/3...cxd4

Open Sicilian with ...e6 B26 Sicilian defence → French Sicilian → 3. d4 3...cxd4 Black captures White's d-pawn with cxd4 to reduce White's control of the centre. They are now playing with two centre pawns to White's one. 4. Nxd4 recaptures the pawn. The knight may subsequently move to b3 to assist in the defence of their king following queenside castling. A knight on d4 also eyes the f5 square and once the king is safe on the queenside can support the advance of a barrage of pawns at Black's castled position. Also in keeping with the position is the gambit 4. c3, the Smith-Morra gambit deferred. After 4...dxc3 5. Nxc3 Nc6 the usual Smith-Morra main line is reached. In return for the pawn, White obtains a lead in development and aims to fully open the c-file to counter Black's influence thereof. Theory table 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4 5 Nxd4a6 Bd3Nf6 += Qxd4Nc6 Qd1Nf6 =+ References See also Sicilian Defence fi:Shakkiaapinen/Peli/1. e4/1...c5/2. Rf3/2...e6/3. d4/3...cxd4