Secrets of the Smith Morra Gambit | Grandmaster Repertoire Against Sicilian Defense

Hi guys, thanks for all your previous feedback on my previous Smith Morra Gambit videos. I have updated all my recommendations and added some new variations I didn't previously cover. It's one of my favourite gambits against the Sicilian Defence and here I will share with you my complete repertoire!
It's going to be a long video because I try to cover as much as I can but you can skip to whichever parts you are most interested in using the timestamps provided.
Hope you enjoy the opening!
Intro: (0:00)
Ideas and Setup: (0:48)
Common Traps: (3:06)
Facing the Siberian Trap: (6:48)
7...Nge7 Setup with Qc7: (12:08)
7...Nge7 Setup with f6: (13:08)
7...Nge7 Setup with h6: (19:09)
7...b5 Nuice: (24:53)
Bg4 Setups: (25:53)
Nh5 Variation (Move order correction): (29:14)
The Creative Ra7: (35:26)
5...g6 Setups: (38:20)
Declined: 3...d3: (42:20)
Declined: 3...e5: (43:16)
Declined: 3...d6: (44:10)
Declined: 3...d5: (44:27)
Declined: 3...Nf6: (47:00)
Outro: (51:04)
I missed one of the main setups for Black which I mentioned later on here: • Smith Morra Main Line ...
Here is a Update video on the Bb4 Line specifically:
• The Pesky Bb4 against ...
Here are a link to some example games including the ones mentioned in this video. In case you are interested: bit.ly/35MOy4t
Here I added a link to the LiChess study with all the lines I mentioned in the video: lichess.org/study/HIyaIX69
Lichess: lichess.org/@/Molt7n
Chess.com: www.chess.com/member/molton
If you enjoy my content and want to support the channel. 😋 You can consider buying me a drink using the links below! :) Thanks!
Paypal: Paypal.me/Moulthun
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ETH: 0x54029E57f824509F4744A2E76F91cAABD9De9aB2
📚 50 Moves Magazine (Old Chess Magazine I used to work on which no is longer in circulation): 🔥 You can download 2 FREE past copies at:
bit.ly/2oBojKR
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Private 1-on-1 Online Chess Classes: 50movesmagazine.com/collectio...
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[@herbivorouscyborg2398]

The one downvote was definitely from a Sicilian player.

[@MoltonChess]

👍

[@Skyscraper21]

That's racist

[@iweirjkdkfmk]

Why is this video so awesome? Your analysis is hard-headed, you don't waste our time with slow talking nonsense about unimportant lines, you go to the point and that is the reason why I subscribe!

[@MoltonChess]

Glad it was helpful

[@adamanonymous6885]

This exactly - this is perfect chess tuition for me. Perfect pace (i.e. FAST!) and not spending 30 minutes on deep analysis of lines of play that will never happen. I wish there were many more like this for my other pet openings :)

[@ScroogeMcDouble]

Best video I've ever seen on the Morra, this is my favourite opening. Thank you sir.

[@MoltonChess]

Thanks for the kind words, glad it was helpful

[@iverson7394]

the best Morra video on the internet. thanks Molton

[@MoltonChess]

Glad you liked it!

[@MrSupernova111]

Amazing video! This is going to take some time to digest! Thank you!

[@jaehwan123]

This is an absolutely excellent video. It really is a complete repertoire for White play in the Smith Morra. Thank you so much for making it.

[@MoltonChess]

Thanks!

[@stephencindrich6787]

Thank you so much, Molton! Simply a terrific video on a super-fun opening! Appreciate the comprehensive analysis. Keep up the fine work! Best wishes.

[@MoltonChess]

My pleasure! Thanks

[@sp-fj6df]

All your videos helped me lot to learn. Thank you 😊

[@MoltonChess]

My pleasure 😊

[@BillRatio]

This is amazing. If you did videos of yourself just playing Smith Morra Gambit against people of 1500-2000 rating I'd watch them a million times.

[@MoltonChess]

Noted, thanks for the support!

[@simplysh27]

Hi Molton, I just want to say thank you for making this brilliant video! It's very well expained and you waste no time getting to the point. I must have watched it at least 10 times end to end and I really do feel like I have a good grasp on the opening. I recently played against an opponent which accepted the gambit and after only a few moves I was already in a crushing position and I was able to win without much effort! It's very fun to play!

[@DNVKUMAR]

Best Video I have ever seen!!. Straight forward, Crisp & Clean. Thanks Molton!!

[@MoltonChess]

Thanks!

[@tenorhighc1]

There a good amount of Morra videos, and this is the BEST. Your detail is perfect and it makes sense the order you're presenting it in. GREAT!!! Thanks

[@MoltonChess]

🙏🙏

[@zyaego7993]

This was very informative! Am inspired to add this aggressive opening to my repertoire. Thanks 😄👍

[@MoltonChess]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Androslop]

Thanks for this magnificent lesson on the Smith Morra. Yours is a high quality channel indeed.

[@MoltonChess]

Thanks for watching

[@thompsonstreet]

this analysis is wonderfully informative! Thanks

[@MoltonChess]

🙏🙏

[@witcher-86]

fantastic content man, best youtube on the Morra gambit I've seen!

[@MoltonChess]

🙏🙏

[@darylwong4403]

Hey Molton, thanks for always including the lichess study tgt with your video It makes learning a new opening alot easier!

[@MoltonChess]

My pleasure!

[@keluargajulio1321]

this is the best explanation, I subscribe this channel. Complete and depth variation. Good job !

[@MoltonChess]

Thanks and welcome on board :)

[@stephencindrich6787]

Very nice analysis of a terrific gambit for confronting the Sicilian! Thank you. 👍🙏

[@MoltonChess]

🙏🙏

[@henkoosterink8744]

Great video. Best i have seen yet.

[@MoltonChess]

🙏🙏

[@jimromero5625]

Wow this is hands down the BEST smith morra video I've ever seen. I play this gambit and I can tell this video is going to take hours to properly digest :) Thanks so much!!!!

[@MoltonChess]

Glad it helped!!

[@Fikrikerenbgt]

This is my favourite gambit against Sicilian, thank you for your work man. Gbu!

[@MoltonChess]

You're Welcome

[@shivamsoni7155]

Wao!!!i never thought this opeaning will be this complicated!!!thx a lot man......waiting for more opeaning cover like this!!

[@MoltonChess]

Yep its a fun one to play

[@klatchyosonwa]

Hello Molton, This is the most helpful video I have seen about the Smith Morra . Thanks a lot . Keep up the good work Deserve more support 🌼🌼🌼

[@MoltonChess]

Thanks for your kind feedback! Glad it was helpful.

[@JannesDragon]

It probably took you a lot of time to prepare this. Thanks for sharing everything of this with us for free! Keep going

[@MoltonChess]

🙏🙏

[@franckletank3644]

Keep up the good work my guy in a year or two it will pay believe it g ! Great tutorial👏🏽

[@MoltonChess]

TY

[@cosasverdes]

Awesome content! Subbed.

[@onewithnature8435]

New subscriber here, I like your style of teaching, very relaxed and you present a good understanding for the move orders.

[@MoltonChess]

Thanks

[@huddunlap3999]

Thank you for the time stamps

[@MoltonChess]

You're welcome

[@Mat0m]

Best video Format for an Opening yet. Very good Job sir. Keep doing those on this format, with the Danish maybe or the Viena. Congratulations and Good work sir.

[@MoltonChess]

Noted!

[@AlexThib92]

Impressive coverage of the smith morra gambit

[@MoltonChess]

Thanks :)

[@MutantSatan]

Beaaaaaaaast, i've been trying smith morra and i always felt so useless but having seen this video, i now know what to look out for! Great video, i subbed :)

[@MoltonChess]

Glad I could help

[@stewy0013]

Just discovered this lovely little Chanel which is, in my opinion, criminality undersubscribed. Very helpful commentary, especially for non-masters level players. Well done!

[@MoltonChess]

Welcome and thanks!

[@geraldrigor1374]

Thank you for being professional in your analysis.

[@MoltonChess]

I appreciate that!

[@g7yphztumbleweed280]

This gm is a great teacher or presenter no extra blah blah like many that I’ve seen in KZbin I will be glad to support this channel

[@MoltonChess]

🙏🙏

[@Mars-kj8le]

Took a 2 year break from chess Smith morra and danish gambit where my favorite opening. This video really helped me

[@MoltonChess]

Both are great!

[@dominiquesteinbach9849]

By far the best video on the smith morra gambit! Thanks! Exactly my solution for the itchy sicilians out there ;-)

[@MoltonChess]

Thanks!

[@trickyknights2226]

Great For Beginner And Amateur Players, Thanks Again Mr Molton!

[@MoltonChess]

You're Welcome

[@rferstahl]

I've just started playing chess less than a year ago and I'm getting stuck very often in the middlegame playing against the Sicilian. This video is very clear, to the point and easy to follow for a beginner as myself. Thanks!

[@MoltonChess]

Glad to hear!

[@purplesun3792]

Thanks for this course! I love this opening. Many Sicilian players regard this as a bad opening without realizing it's actually very good for someone who knows the ideas very well. I think the fact that ppl under estimate its power gives it even more potential

[@nicholas612]

Great video!

[@MoltonChess]

Thanks!

[@nickburggraaf3977]

The Smith Morra is an endless treasure of beauty!

[@MoltonChess]

👐

[@itachi6625]

Never seen such smooth analysis thanks first time taking initiative to play attackive

[@MoltonChess]

Glad it helped!

[@mikewarner3597]

I'm winning so many games as white vs the sicilian now. These lines come up all the time, thank you!

[@MoltonChess]

Glad it helps!

[@atwill1999]

I have a feeling you will be the next chess content creator to really blow up. Not many go into such great detail with so many different variations

[@MoltonChess]

Thanks!

[@a191265]

This is something i was looking for.... pls keep up and upload more videos on opening along with tricks n traps 😇😇 and how to play of opponents dont follow the principles then how to punish him

[@MoltonChess]

Thanks and noted!

[@davidstar2362]

I got so many Chess Mentors you are now one thank you. Brother.

[@MoltonChess]

🙌

[@sidsouvey3930]

awesome vid, thanks! Definitely for the advanced player... lendermans was simpler but easier to follow for beginners/intermediate players... the 2 together make for a very nice guide

[@MoltonChess]

Thanks I could do more beginner videos in future but for the most part other channels have covered those quite well

[@ryanvillamor1042]

Best sicilian video! Just like a book course!

[@MoltonChess]

👍

[@frankleang755]

Such a great analysis, covered mostly all area. You look like Wesley So when her is younger. thanks keep it up 😚

[@MoltonChess]

Thank you! Will do!

[@aratrikmukherjee5195]

Greatest video ever on this opening

[@MoltonChess]

Wow, thanks!

[@tuatarian6591]

Been playing an amateurish version of this for a while, love to see such an excellent video with the correct moves!

[@MoltonChess]

Glad it was helpful!

[@fergs1561]

I’m slowly but surely jotting down these variations in my opening notebook. I’m very low rated so I can’t wait to crush some Sicilian players with this. Fantastic vid, keep up the good work👍

[@MoltonChess]

Good luck!

[@polychromaa]

Why not just input it into a flexible lichess study? It is much easier to go through the variations that way and get a PGN

[@saanvicaringula9411]

Thank you so much,it's 12 10 am in india,I just completed the course,it was a Rollercoaster ride,wonderful variation,and have to tell u that u have the perfect patience a chess player should have while explaining to someone,tq molton,you've just gained a fan from india

[@MoltonChess]

Thanks and welcome!

[@furiousangel8960]

beyond awesome,tnx,big hug..

[@MoltonChess]

You're Welcome

[@penniesshillings]

Great video! You gained a new subscriber.

[@MoltonChess]

Awesome, thank you!

[@penniesshillings]

@@MoltonChess At 3:55 on 8. e6 fxe6 9. Ng5. What about Nge5 hitting the bishop on c4? Isn't this equal, given black's stronger pawn center. Black can follow up with d5 as well, solidifying it further. I am not sure what to play here. 10. Bb3 maybe? ...then o-o if black plays d5. Humbly awaiting your recommendation.

[@MoltonChess]

@@penniesshillings You are right it's about equal but it would probably work well in lower rated games. Objectively I think 8.exd6 is better and White can even swap queens there and still hold slightly more favourable game.

[@vishweshmanerkar4302]

This video was very helpful. It saved me a lot of time. Thank you very much. I've got some video ideas: - Gambits tier list - Anti Sicilians tier list - Your top 5 favorite games

[@MoltonChess]

Thanks for the suggestions 🙏

[@Thunderboy-2000]

This is the best video ever!!

[@MoltonChess]

Thanks so much!

[@TheMotionBboy]

Amazing!!!!!!! Wow.

[@MoltonChess]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@kevsteramp2065]

This channel is underrated

[@MoltonChess]

Thanks for watching!

[@kevsteramp2065]

@@MoltonChess Thanks for making this videos! its very useful and its free!!

[@Andy-ef2sd]

Searched Smith Morra and found your video. Subscribed immediately when I saw your last name as Ly :) Are you Vietnamese? Love this video, it's going to take me sometime digesting it and implementing it. So many amazing, unthinkable moves!

[@MoltonChess]

Thanks, not Vietnamese but close :)

[@kevo1441]

Bro, I love your shit. Keep doing your thing. Best chess channel 🙏

[@MoltonChess]

Much appreciated, thanks!

[@husamalrimawi879]

Great video

[@MoltonChess]

Thanks!

[@philipp17802]

Great work. Thank you sir for your effort helping chess noobs like me

[@MoltonChess]

Thanks for dropping by!

[@joefawcett7166]

Thanks for some brilliant content, very in-depth and exactly what I was looking for... Have you read Marc Essermans book Mayhem in the Morra?

[@MoltonChess]

No worries and yes great book

[@makentosh956]

Thank you so much

[@MoltonChess]

You're most welcome

[@RedGaming23]

Love this opening so much thanks to your video. One line not covered in the video or the study that I face a lot is 6.Bb4 7.0-0 7.Bxc3 and after this I struggle to apply many of the ideas from the video. Could you perhaps make a part 2 video on smith morra or add this line to the study?

[@MoltonChess]

Thanks for sharing! I can talk about this in another video perhaps

[@strategygames1026]

The Pin Defense is actually one of the lines that causes the most headaches, but Bxc3 is weak. Just play bxc3, followed by Ba3 and you'll retain a strong position.

[@mizochess7344]

Thank you sir

[@MoltonChess]

You're welcome

[@michaelrgenau]

@Molton thanks so much for this concise and powerful video, many helpful lines. Wondering what you recommend against Scheveningan structures? Had a recent game against it where white went for a6 and Nf6. Any of the thematic knight or bishop sacks work here?

[@MoltonChess]

Sometimes Nd5 sac works when they have the queen on c7. Otherwise you could play the normal setup and try attacking on the queenside of going for f4 ideas

[@wilestrella7202]

Thankyou❤💪

[@MoltonChess]

🙏🙏

[@davidharrison5626]

Merry Christmas 🎄 and Happy Holidays

[@MoltonChess]

Happy holidays! To you and everyone else

[@ALCATRAAAZZ]

I had Nd7 at move 12. Video 5:13, black is cramped but holds everything together somehow. I took the Knight on g7, he took with the bishop and then I took the pawn on a7. and played Bb6 after Rc8. Won the game eventually but from there the plan was simple for me although it was very hard to unlock the position. By the way thank you for the repertoire! Love this

[@MoltonChess]

🙏🙏

[@sloopysloops1311]

If you play D4 as your opening move and you opponent responds with C5, would you recommend going into the Smith-Morra and/or what are some other opening ideas against it. Great video very well explained and entertaining to watch!

[@MoltonChess]

Sure transposing back into a Smith Morra could be a good surprise option. If you want something simple you can also play 2.dxc5 e6 3.Nc3 Bxc5 4.Ne4!? Which is also simple and full of traps. Otherwise you can transpose back to a normal opening line.

[@jhonathansanchezlozada1829]

This is a great video . No waste time

[@MoltonChess]

👍

[@marnixp.navarro1792]

Tnx very much!!.

[@MoltonChess]

You're Welcome!

[@jordanpage3846]

A Morra video Esserman would be proud of.

[@MoltonChess]

Thanks!

[@sunantocoolman6337]

Tanks you.😍🙏🙏

[@MoltonChess]

Thank you too

[@MoltonChess]

Just a correction for The Nh5 Variation 29:14 I had entered in the wrong move order. In the video you can in fact just play e5 on move 10 which is good. Instead I was referring to the move order where we already committed our bishop early to the f4 square: 1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4 3. c3 dxc3 4. Nxc3 Nc6 5. Nf3 d6 6. Bc4 a6 7. O-O Nf6 8. Bf4 e6 9. Qe2 Nh5 10. Be3 Be7 11. Rfd1 Bd7 * I hope you guys enjoy the video and find it useful

[@VladimirPutin-wt5yh]

3:37 stockfish says you should take instead of pushing cuz Bxe6-Bxe6-fe-Ng5-Nf6-Nxe6-Qd7-Qe2 it's equal. But I know "equal" for computer is not that simple. How will you rate this position?

[@kingsgambit]

When correcting this line with your given sequence, the computer seems to love 17. Qf3 instead of Qe3 after 16. exd5 Bb5. What do you think?

[@MoltonChess]

@@kingsgambit Seems fine to me, I think I chose Qe3 because it was easier to see the threats for White

[@kingsgambit]

@@MoltonChess understandable, the pin on the e file stays up which might induce the king moves. I dont like b4 Qxb4 Nxb5 axb5 though (instead of Qxb5), so I think I'll adapt my variation. Btw thanks a ton! I am learning this repertoire for the past 2 weeks now and I could never do with a big chessable rep, this is so much more to the point and digestable. Thank you so much for your open source work!

[@MoltonChess]

@@kingsgambit By all means and you are most welcome!

[@asfasdfsd8476]

Great video! In your opinion what is the most comfortable line for black to neutralize smith morra?

[@MoltonChess]

The Black setup with Nf6-Nc6-a6-d6-e6-Be7-Qc7 or b8 and/or Bg4 is quite good to play. I also find the Nbd7 setups difficult to play against.

[@stills821]

wow, im a fairly average player and the other day i played against a much stronger opponent otb who decided to employ the smith morra against me, he'd never seen the siberian before. thank you for the lines! i crushed him.

[@MoltonChess]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching

[@altonbanda5980]

You are a great techer. I also want a video on the dutch game, I will highly appreciate

[@MoltonChess]

Thanks I will work on a Dutch video later

[@altonbanda5980]

@@MoltonChess ok I will be waiting. Thanks in advance

[@mossps8884]

@@MoltonChess which type of dutch?

[@MoltonChess]

@@mossps8884 Probably the Leningrad Dutch but sometimes it might transpose to a Classical or Stonewall too

[@hugod3632]

Thank you great video ! Little mistake though 15:30 black isn't helpless you can't play rook c3 because your queen is hanging ! The position is equal

[@MoltonChess]

Thanks for the feedback, mistake noted!

[@danielcarpenter5250]

thanks

[@user-gk3gm7fx6i]

Thanks

[@MoltonChess]

No Problems!

[@satyajitmohapatra2943]

Thanks. Great video!! How to play against early Bb4 by black to exchange the Bishop for the Knight

[@MoltonChess]

Thanks!

[@satyajitmohapatra2943]

How to play against early Bb4 by black to pin and exchange the Bishop for the Knight

[@MoltonChess]

@@satyajitmohapatra2943 You can check my Update for that @ kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYu4oH98d8uJY6s and also kzbin.info/www/bejne/ronRmWR9gdV9rJo

[@kwhd559]

Hi Molton, Everytime I re-watch your excellent video I learn something new. I saw that you mentioned that you wanted to avoid the variation 1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3 dxc3 4.Nxc3 Nc6 5.Nf3 e6 6.Bc4 a6 7.0-0 b5 8.Bb3 Na5! by retreating the Bishop to 8.Bd3 instead. But what if Black tries to be clever and goes 1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3 dxc3 4.Nc3 e6 5.Nf3 a6 6.Bc4 b5 7.Bb3 and only now 7...Nc6 intending 8.0-0 Na5 transposing to what we are trying to avoid, does this mean we should avoid 6.Bc4 altogether in this move-order, and if so so what should we choose instead. Thanks again for your wonderful content.

[@MoltonChess]

I think it's still fine. If you think he will follow up with 7...Bb7 then Bb3 is a good option. If you think he will follow up with 7...Nc6 then Bd3 is a good option: You can follow up with either the a4 and Nd5 plan or Bf4 depending on what they choose.

[@kwhd559]

@@MoltonChess Thanks Molton, I will give it a shot :-)

[@user-dd6ce7fx3g]

nice

[@mochengladbachgee3093]

In the opening strategy it looks like you are playing against the Pirc Defense, is that correct? Enjoyed your video! 🌏

[@MoltonChess]

It's Sicilian and thanks!

[@jbennett1618]

43:00 is interesting : rember that after 3...dxc3 4. Nxc3 delaying the developement of each of the knights and playing e6and b6 there will eventually spell complete downfall for the Smith Morra Gambit!

[@MoltonChess]

👍

[@youngt2827]

Good shit

[@MoltonChess]

TY 👍

[@SBelaya]

I used to play this gambit, but I've noticed that a lot of my opponents choose to decline it and transpose to the c3 Sicilian. So started just to play c3 all the time. If you play the Morra you have to learn the c3 Sicilian anyway, but if you play the c3 Sicilian directly, you can avoid learning some chunks of theory.

[@MoltonChess]

That's true. Playing just the c3 Sicilian would save learning multiple lines

[@jrashad]

When in doubt, sac a piece on d5. Got it.

[@MoltonChess]

Spot on!

[@lolfaceno3980]

I played this against you. I got really close was a fun game. :D

[@MoltonChess]

Yah everyone was playing the Smith Morra against me I noticed! 😅

[@Yeeshuah]

19:30 is the only gripe I have with this: in this position instead of Be7 Bb4 is way stronger with the idea after Na4 being Ba5 covering the b6 square and black should be easily better. What's your response to this move?

[@MoltonChess]

I would probably play Nd5 there and sacrifice the knight using the same idea leading to an unclear position after 11.Nd5 exd5 12.exd5 Ncxe7 13.d6 Nc6 14.Qd3 etc. Or you could also just play for Nd4 and f4 is another way.

[@claudeplante2230]

fantastique...

[@MoltonChess]

Thanks!

[@RedGaming23]

27:14 why play Rad1 instead of Rfd1 and maintain the option of putting the other rook on the c-file? Are there lined here where we want to play Rfe1?

[@MoltonChess]

I suppose there with the open e-file White might have some extra options and ideas with Rfe1 and Nd5

[@MKkniGEAR]

At 29:30, my engine thinks that e5 straight away (instead of Bf4) is winning for White, is there some crazy defense against that ?

[@MoltonChess]

That's right e5 there is winning. I just put in the wrong move order for that particular line

[@atomv1872]

You should do a Milner Barry video

[@MoltonChess]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@RedGaming23]

If they never play a6 is the idea to play Nb5 followed by Nd6+ and exchange the knight for the dark square bishop? The queen being on d6 is a small nuisance but can be quickly kicked away so I’m never sure whether to go for this?

[@MoltonChess]

Yes Nb5 can be a strong idea with Bf4 if they don't include a6

[@kwhd559]

Very nice video I loved it, but how should White play after: 1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3 dxc3 4.Nxc3 Nc6 5.Nf3 e6 6.Bc4 a6 7.0-0 Nge7 8.Bg5 h6 9.Be3 Ng6 10.Bb3 Bb4!? This looks like a serious improvement on 10...Be7, what do you think.

[@MoltonChess]

It's true that this would stop the Nd5 idea entirely. However, I don't think White is without chances. We can try switch to an f4 plan instead by moving our knight to say d4. This line hasn't been tested much in practise so it will be interesting to see when there are more games played.

[@kwhd559]

@@MoltonChess Thanks so much for your quick response and for the guidance. I hope you post more Smith Morra lectures in the future, they are wonderful. You have a new subscriber.