Morra Gambit

 

Smith-Morraa Gambit [B21] Smith-Morr Written by GMs Rowson, Smerdon, Shaw & IMs Collins, Vig Vigorito, orito, Lane & Martin  Last updated Monday Monday,, January 16, 2017 

XIIIIIIIIY 9rs nlw nlw qkv qkv lnt lnt r0 r0 9z pp+pz pp+pz ppz ppz pp0 pp0 9 + + + +0 9+ p z + + 0 9 P z+ P+++0 9+++PP+ 0 9Pz PP+ z PP+ PPz PPz P0 P0 9t RNv RNv LQm LQm KLs KLs NR0 NR0 xiiiiiiiiy Gambit with many names lackburne played the Morra Gambit in 1870 but the actual name has evolved through the years. It is also known as the Fleissig, Matul Matulovic ovic or Rivadavia. Older Older sources even call it the Morph Morphyy Gambit based on the fact that Paul Morphy played the c2-c3 sacrifice against Journoud in

B

France 1858, which started 1 e4 c5 2 d4 cxd4 3 ¤f3 e5 4 ¥c4 ¥e7 5 c3 d6 6 £b3 dxc3 7 ¥xf7+ ¢f8 8 ¤xc3. The current name is linked to Pierre Morra (1900–69) who wrote articles on the gambit in the 1940s. A couple of books later by fellow French writers and the name stuck. The addition of American Kenn Sm Ke Smith ith's 's (19 (1930– 30–99) 99) nam namee is tha thanks nks to his eff efforts orts to pop popula ularis risee the the openi opening ng.. He play played ed it extensively, commissioned a number of articles from leading players and wrote several books on the subject. It is a tricky line which can result in a quick win for White if Black is not prepared. The idea is to speed up development by sacrificing a pawn before White embarks on a direct attack against the  blackk king.  blac All the game references highlighted in blue in  blue have  have been annotated and can be downloaded in PGN form using the PGN Games Archive on www.chesspublishing.com.

 

Contents

1 e4 c5 2 d4 XIIIIIIIIY 9rs n nlw lw q qkv kv l lnt nt r r0 0 9z p pp+pz p+pz p ppz pz p pp0 p0 9 + + + +0 9+ p z + + 0 9 + P PP+ zP+ +0 9+ + + + 0 9Pz P PP+ P+ z P PPz Pz P P0 0 9t R RNv Nv L LQm Qm K KLs Ls N NR0 R0 xiiiiiiiiy

2...cxd4 3 c3 3 £xd4 Morra Gambit- Intro

3...dxc3 3...d3 Morra Gambit- Intro

4 ¤xc3 XIIIIIIIIY 9rs n nlw lw q qkv kv l lnt nt r r0 0 9z p pp+pz p+pz p ppz pz p pp0 p0 9 + + + +0 9+ + + + 0 9 + +P+ +0 9+ N s + + 0 9Pz P + P PPz zPz P P0 0 9t R L LQm vQm K KLs Ls N NR0 R0 xiiiiiiiiy

4...¤c6 4...d6 Morra Gambit- Intro 4...e5 Morra Gambit- Intro

 

5 ¤f3 e6 5...d6 6 ¥c4 a6 7 0–0 ¤f6 Morra Gambit- Taylor Defence

6 ¥c4 XIIIIIIIIY 9r+lw q qkv kv l lnt nt r r0 0 9z pp+p+pz p+p+pz pp0 p0 9p +n+p+p +0 9+ + + + 0 9 +L+P+ +0 9+ N s +N+ 0 9Pz P + P PPz zPz P P0 0 9t R L LQm vQm K +R0 xiiiiiiiiy

6...a6 6...¥c5 Morra Gambit- Timman Variation 6 ...Bc5 6...d6 6...£c77 7£e2 £e2¤f6 ¤f6Morra MorraGambitGambit-Classical SiberianMain TrapLine 6...Qc7

7 0–0 b5 8 ¥b3 ¥b7 Morra Gambit ...e6 and ...a6  Press F5 to toggle toggle the N Navigatio avigationn Pane, Pane, then clic clickk on the appr appropriate opriate bookm bookmark ark to ggoo stra straight ight to that  section.

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Morra Gambit - Intro [B21]

 Last updated: updated: 07/12/13 07/12/13 by ChessPublishing ChessPublishing.com .com

1 e4 c5 2 d4 2 ¤f3 d6 (2...¤c6 3 d4 cxd4 4 c3 White uses a slightly different move-order to enter the Morra Gambit. 4...d3 Black declines the gambit which should give White an edge. (4...dxc3 5 ¤xc3 is the main line Morra Gambit.  )) 5 ¥xd3 d6 6 0–0 g6 7 £b3!? has been suggested.) 3 d4 cxd4 4 c3 A novel way of entering the Morra. 4...dxc3 5 ¥c4 An ambitious idea to create an instant attack. (  I  I prefer the usual Morra move, 5 ¤xc3 ) 5...cxb2 (5...e6 6 0–0 c2!? (6...¥e7 7 ¤xc3 transposes  back into a standard Morra Gambit.  )) 7 £xc2 ¥e7 It makes sense to develop the kingside  because Black should quickly conclude developme development nt Sapienza,J-Farrancha,H/Chivilcoy 2001 2001)) 6 ¥xb2 The pair of bishops look rather threatening threatening but two pawns is a lot to sacrifice sacrif ice after just 6 moves! 6...e6 7 0–0 ¤f6 8 £e2 ¥e7 9 ¦d1 ¤bd7 Black has TWO pawns in the war chest, Hlinka,V-Dudas,J/Topolcianky 1994 1994..

2...cxd4 3 c3 3 £xd4?! ¤c6 4 £c3 (4 £d1 ¤f6 5 ¤c3 g6 6 ¥e3 ¥g7 7 ¥c4 0–0 Black is a strong player and his robust way of playing against White's queen sortie is worth noting. 8 h4 you have to admire White's determination to attack, Richardson,M-N Richardson,M-Nakamura,H/Bermuda akamura,H/Bermuda 2002 2002..  ) 4...e6 5 a3 White has to  be alert because 5...¥b4 woul wouldd be embarrassing. 5...d6 6 ¥b5 ¥d7 7 ¥e3 ¦c8 8 £d2 Once again the queen must move which means that Black is developing smoothly, with at least equality, Mak,S-Smith,V/Istanbul Olympiad 2000 2000..

3...dxc3 Acceptance is critical, but far from forced. 3...d3 An easy option for Black Black is to decline the gambit. The drawback drawback is that White can then steer the game towards a position similar to the Maroczy Bind. 4 ¥xd3 ( or or 4 c4 first. ) ) 4...d6 (4...¤c6 5 c4 d6 6 ¤c3 ¤f6 7 ¤ge2 e6 Black wants to control the d5 square and simply develop the king's bishop. Philippe,C-Roberts,P/Budapest Roberts,P/Budapest HUN 2001 2001.. ) ) 5 c4 White makes clear his Others: 8 0–0 ¥e7 9 b3 Philippe,Cdetermination to create the Maroczy Bind by strengthening the dominance of White on the d5 square. 5...¤f6 6 ¤c3 g6 7 h3 a valuable move in this variation, White delays developing the king's knight in order to prevent it being pinned pinned by ...¥g4 and it also helps in hinderin hinderingg ...¤g4 if the queen's bishop is developed to e3. 7...¥g7 8 ¤f3 0–0 9 0–0 ¤c6 10 ¥e3 (10 £e2 the queen gets out of the way to all allow ow the rooks to co-ordi co-ordinate nate,, Vera,K-Nina,M/Lima 2002 2002.. ) ) 10...a6 (10... (10 ...¤d7 ¤d7 11 £d2 ¤c5 12 ¦ac1 ¦ac1 b6 13 ¥b1 ¥b7 14 b3 ¦e8 15 ¦fd1 ¦fd1 White centralises his rooks to maintain the tension. The problem for Black is that it is difficult to create counterplay without 2004..  10 compr com promi omisin singg his pos positi ition on,, Lenderman,A-Miton,K/New Lenderman,A-Miton,K/New York 2004 10.. ...¥ .¥d7 d7 11 ¦c1 ¦c1 ¦c8 ¦c8 Santos,M-De Deus,J/Sau Paulo 1998 1998..  )) 11 £d2 I like the queen on d2 where it can help to

 

exchange off bishops. 11...¥d7 12 ¤d5 ¤xd5 13 cxd5 (13 exd5 ¤e5 14 ¤xe5 ¥xe5 15 ¦ae1 is fine for White.  )) 13...¤e5 14 ¤xe5 ¥xe5 15 f4 ¥g7 16 f5 Taylor,L-Perelshteyn,E/Y aylor,L-Perelshteyn,E/Yerevan erevan 2000 2000.. Black can also aim for 2 c3 lines with 3...¤f6, say.

4 ¤xc3

XIIIIIIIIY 9rs nlw nlw qkv qkv lnt lnt r0 r0 9z pp+pz pp+pz ppz ppz pp0 pp0 9 + + + +0 9+ + + + 0 9 + +P+ +0 9+ N s + + 0 9Pz P + PPz P zPz P0 P0 9t R LQm L vQm KLs KLs NR0 NR0 xiiiiiiiiy 4...¤c6 4...d6 5 ¤f3 e6 6 ¥c4 ¤f6 7 £e2 a6 8 0–0 b5 9 ¥b3 ¤bd7 10 a3 A clear sign that something has gone wrong. White's only comp for the pawn is TIME, and if he has to take this time for moves like a3, Black will soon catch up and White will have nothin nothingg to sho show w for the material disadvantage, Carrettoni,A-Costa,F/EMPES02B e-mail 2003. 2003 . 4...e5?! 5 ¥c4 ¤f6 6 ¤f3 £c7 Black wishes to defend the e-pawn and attack the bishop. 7 £b3! the queen move not only defends the bishop but attacks f7, Pleasants,A-Harman-Bish Pleasants,A-Harman-Bishop/ op/ Dorset 2001.. 2001

5 ¤f3 g6 6 h4!?

XIIIIIIIIY 9r+lw qkv qkv lnt lnt r0 r0 9z pp+pz pp+pz pp+p0 pp+p0 9 +n+ +p+0 9+ + + + 0 9 + +P+ z P0 P0 9+ N s +N+ 0 9Pz P + PP+0 P zP+0 9t R LQm L vQm KL+R0 KL+R0 xiiiiiiiiy This is grandmaster Janos Flesch's cheeky idea to accelerate accelerate the att attack. ack. It can have a good effect on someone who is badly prepared but I believe Black should be fine.

 

6...h5 6...¤f6 7 h5 ¥g7 8 h6 ¥f8 9 ¥g5 ¤g4 10 ¥c4 f6 11 ¥f4 with some compensation for the pawn, Quadrio,A-Candeias,H/POR 1997 1997..

7 ¥c4 7 ¥g5 ¥g7 8 ¥c4 ¤f6 9 0–0 d6 10 e5 I don't like the idea of excha exchanging nging queens when a pawn down unless there is a concrete line offering White decent chances, Regan,N-Sebag,M/Saint Vincent 1999. 1999.

7...¥g7 8 £b3 Flesch's recommendation and a sensible choice to pinpoint the f7 pawn.

8...¤a5 9 ¥xf7+ ¢f8 10 £d5 ¤f6 11 £g5!? with a doubled-edged game, Rohler,S-Kreisl,R/Austrian Team championship 2001 2001..

 

Morra Gambit - ...e6 and ...a6 [B21]

 Last updated 11/02/16 11/02/16 by the ChessPub Team

1 e4 c5 2 d4 cxd4 3 c3 dxc3 4 ¤xc3 e6

XIIIIIIIIY 9rs nlw nlw qkv qkv lnt lnt r0 r0 9z pp+p+pz pp+p+pz pp0 pp0 9 + +p+ +0 9+ + + + 0 9 + +P+ +0 9+ N s + + 0 9Pz P + PPz P zPz P0 P0 9t R LQm L vQm KLs KLs NR0 NR0 xiiiiiiiiy Flexible.

5 ¤f3 a6 6 ¥c4

XIIIIIIIIY 9rs nlw nlw qkv qkv lnt lnt r0 r0 9+p+p+pz pp0 pp0 9p+ +p+ +0 9+ + + + 0 9 +L+P+ +0 9+ N s +N+ 0 9Pz P + PPz P zPz P0 P0 9t R LQm L vQm K +R0 xiiiiiiiiy

6...b5 Alternatives:

 

6...¤c6 7 0–0 ¤ge7 Black reveals the idea behind his set-up. A knight developed on f6 is often a target for e4–e5. Also if White puts a rook on the d-file and wishes to exploit the pin with e4–e5 after ...d7–d6 then having a knight on g6 will mean Black will have more control of the e5 square. (7...d6 8 ¥f4 ¥e7 9 £e2 Berg,E-Miezis,N/Vasteras SWE 2013 2013.. 7...b5 8 ¥b3 h6?! A cautious response. It is the type of move played all the time but often ignored in books. 9 £e2 When Black  plays something something odd it makes sense for White to get with the standard standard plan of mobili mobilising sing the queen to support the idea e4–e5 and get the rooks active. 9...¥b4 10 ¦d1 The rook comes to the semiPfaff,V-Breiter ,J/Kassel 2000. . )  ) will 8 ¥g5 An open open dd-fil filee tochoice in incr crea ease se th thee pr pres sure rewill on oblige Bl Blac ack, k,Black Pfaff,V-B understandable because theessu pin to playreiter,J/Kassel a pawn move 2000 which weaken his kingside. kingside. 8...f6 9 ¥f4 (9 ¥e3! is a somewhat more cha challenging llenging appr approach, oach, 9...¤g6 10 ¥b3 b5 a solid line, line, but 11 ¤d5!? with typical Morra Gambit confusion! 11...¦b8 (11...exd5?! Esserman,MVan Wely,L/US Open, Orlando 2011. 2011. )  ) 12 ¦c1! Zelic,M-Martinovic,S/Split CRO 2007 2007.) .) 9...¤g6 10 ¥g3 b5 (10...¥c5!? The bishop on c5 looks quite aggressive but it has been rarely pla played. yed. I suspect Conquest's seal of approval will change that. 11 e5? f5 the obvious threat is ...f5–f4 to corner the dark-squared bishop, 12 ¤e2 Simonsen,O-Conquest,S/Torshavn 2000 ) 11 ¥d3 ¥e7 12 a4 b4 13 ¤d5

XIIIIIIIIY 9r+lw qk+ t qk+ r0 r0 9+ +pv l z pp0 pp0 9p+n+pz pn+0 pn+0 9+ +N+ + 0 9Pz p +P+ +0 9+ +L+Nv L 0 9 z P + PPz P zPz P0 P0 9t R +Q+Rm K 0 xiiiiiiiiy The first time I saw this remarkable move I thought it was a misprint! A closer look indicates that if taken it will allow White to launch a vicious onslaught. Dubois,J-Fernando,D Dubois,J-Fernando,D/Cappell /Cappellee la Grande 2001 6...£c7 7 £e2 ¥b4 This is not exactly a dubious defence, defence, but Blac Blackk always has to watch out for the d6 square. (7...¥e7 was roughly treated in the following game: 8 0–0 b5 9 ¥b3 ¥b7 10 ¦d1 d6 11 ¥f4 e5 A massive concession, just the sort of thing the Morra gambiteer is waiting for. ( Better Better was 11...¤d7 although 12 ¦ac1 ¤c5 13 ¥c2 ¦c8 14 b4! gives White dangerous compensation. )  ) 12 ¤d5!+– Saradjen,J-Orel,A, Nova Gorica 2004.) 8 0–0 b5 (8...d6 9 ¥f4 ¥xc3 10 bxc3 b5 11 ¥b3 ¤e77 12 ¦f ¤e ¦fd1 d1 e5 13 ¥e3 0– 0–00 As usual in a good version of the Morra, Black is behind in . ) 9 ¥b3 ¤c6 10 e5 d5 11 exd6 ¥xd6 development, Iodo,A-Kozlitina,E/Russian Junior Ch 2001. 2001  ) Majer,C-Cafolla,P/Port Erin IOM 2006 2006,, and now 12 ¤d5! gives White an excellent game.

7 ¥b3 ¥b7 7...d6 8 0–0 ¦a7 9 £e2 ¤c6 10 ¦d1 ¦d7 11 ¥f4 ¥e7 12 ¦ac1 ¥b7 13 e5! Logically using his lead in Dimitrov,P-Parligras, ,P-Parligras,M/V M/Varna arna BUL 2010. 2010 . development by opening the centre, Dimitrov

 

8 0–0

XIIIIIIIIY 9rs n qkv q wkv lnt lnt r0 r0 9+l+p+pz pp0 pp0 9p+ +p+ +0 9+p+ + + 0 9 + +P+ +0 9+Ls N +N+ 0 9Pz P + PPz P zPz P0 P0 9t R LQ+Rm L vQ+Rm K 0 xiiiiiiiiy 8...d6 8...b4 9 ¤d5!? an amazing positional sacrifice! ( What What would White do after 9 ¤a4 ¥xe4 when it is far from obvious if he has any compensation for the two pawns. )  ) 9...exd5 10 exd5 White is down a whole piece, but Black's king is exposed and it will be very difficult for him to develop his minor  pieces, see see Esserman,M-Sarkar,J/Miami Esserman,M-Sarkar,J/Miami op 2008 2008.. 8...¤c6 9 £e2 As usual the queen comes to e2 to support the advance e4–e5 and co-ordinate the rooks. (9 ¤d5!? Georgescu,L-Bogner,S/Zurich 2015 2015,, 9...d6!) 9...¤ge7 10 ¥g5 f6 11 ¥f4 ¤g6 12 ¥g3 ¥c5 13 ¦fd1 The rook comes to the semi-open d-file and now the bishop is threatening to 2001.. take on e6, Sanchez,F-Anelli,A/Villa Ballester 2001

9 £e2 ¤d7 10 ¦d1 ¤gf6 10...b4!? Black plays plays sharply sharply,, 11 ¤a4 ¤gf6 12 ¥c2 ¥e7 13 ¥f4 e5 Black is happier to advance the ee-ppaw awnn now th that at wh whit ite' e'ss li ligh ghtt-sq squa uare redd bi bish shop op is not on the the a2–g a2–g88 diag diagon onal al,, Spain,GFroehlich,P/Auckland 2003. 2003. 10...¥e7 11 ¥f4 £b6 12 ¦d2 ¤gf6 13 ¦ad1 e5 14 ¥g5 0–0 leaves White with no real compensation, David,E-Borchgrevink,H/Oslo NOR 2007 2007..

11 ¥f4

 

XIIIIIIIIY 9r+ w qkv qkv l t r0 r0 9+l+n+pz pp0 pp0 9p+ z pps pps n +0 9+p+ + + 0 9 + +Pv L +0 9+Ls +N+ 9Pz PN+Qz PPz PPz P0 P0 0 9t R +R+ m K 0 xiiiiiiiiy 11 ¥g5 A suggestion of of Shipman's, 11...¥e7 12 ¥xf6 gxf6 13 £e3 h5 14 a3 £b6 15 £f4 when Black has the better chances chances,, Sigurjonsson,S-Thorsteinn,T/Reykjavic 2003 2003..

11...b4 11...£b6 could transpose to the note above 11...£b8 is less combative, 12 ¦d2 ¥e7 13 ¦ad1 As usual the d6 pawn is the target for White's  pieces.. 13...0–0 14 ¥xd6 ¥xd6 15 ¦xd6 ¤  pieces ¤c5 c5 it is fair to say that Black is putting pressure on the e4  pawn, Zelic,M-Genser,H/Pula 1999. 1999.

12 ¤d5 exd5 13 exd5+ ¥e7 14 ¥xd6 ¢f8! and Black consolidated, Zelic,M-Bartel,M/Rijeka CRO 2010. 2010.

 

Morra Gambit - Siberian Trap 6...Qc7 [B21]

 Last updated: updated: 15/03/10 15/03/10 by David Vigorito Vigorito

1 e4 c5 2 d4 cxd4 3 c3 dxc3 4 ¤x ¤xc3 c3 ¤c6 5 ¤f3 e6

XIIIIIIIIY 9r+lw qkv qkv lnt lnt r0 r0 9z pp+p+pz pp+p+pz pp0 pp0 9 +n+p+ +0 9+ + + + 0 9 + +P+ +0 9+ s++N+ 9Pz PN P PPz zPz P0 P0 0 9t R LQm L vQm KL+R0 KL+R0 xiiiiiiiiy This pawn formation is favoured by those who wish to restrict the power of White's king's bishop when it takes up its usual place on c4.

6 ¥c4 £c7 A normal developing developing mo move ve but in recent years it has also heralded the start of a stout defence based on counter-attacking in the opening.

7 £e2 Played to cover c4, but 7 0–0 is sensible, 7...¤f6 8 ¤b5! (8 h3 a6 9 £e2 d6 10 ¥e3 ¥e7 looks fine for Blac Black, k, Kobernat,A-Wojtkiewicz,A/Sioux Falls USA 2005 ) 8... 8...£b £b88 9 e5! e5! ¤g ¤g44 (9...¤xe5?! 10 ¤xe5 £xe5 11 ¦e1 £c5 12 ¥f1! Esserman,M-Chandran,K Esserman,M-Chandran,K/Sturbridg /Sturbridgee 2010 ) 10 ¤d6+ this hasn't  been play played ed much but it is based on the logi logical cal idea of cutting off the black queen from the defence of the kingside. The argument against it is that eventually a pawn on d6 might be a weakness, (10 ¥f4 a6 11 ¤d6+ ¥xd6 12 exd6 is similar, Dubois,J-Vorobiov,E/Cappelle la Grande FRA 200 20077, an andd ca cann be saf safeely an answ swer ered ed by 12 10...¥x ¥xd6 d6 11 exd6 exd6 b5 12 ¥b ¥b33 0–0 0–0 12.. ...0 .0–0 –0)) 10... Milman,L-Ehlvest,J/New York USA 2003 2003..

7...¤f6

 

XIIIIIIIIY 9r+l+kv l t r0 r0 9z ppw ppw qp+pz qp+pz pp0 pp0 9 +n+ps n +0 9+ + + + 0 9 +L+P+ +0 9+ s+Qz +N+ 9Pz PN PPz PPz P0 P0 0 9t R L v m K +R0 xiiiiiiiiy 8 e5!? 8 0–0 ¤g4 9 ¤b5! (9 ¦d1 ¥c5 The threat is ...¤d4. 10 ¥e3 An unfortunate compromise for White to keep the posi positio tionn pla playab yable le.. 10.. 10...¤ .¤xe xe33 11 fxe3 0–0 12 ¢h1 gave Black a comfortable game in 2000 . , , 9 h3? is the trap in its pure form: 9...¤d4! and Black wins, Shein,E-Bitansky,I/Ramat Aviv 2000. Chaplain,F-Aberge l,T/Pau 2000 ) 9...£b8 10 h3 h5 11 g3 ¥c5 12 ¥f4!÷ ¤ge5 13 ¤xe5 ¤xe5 Chaplain,F-Abergel,T/Pau 14 ¦ac1 a6 15 ¥xe6! Flitney,A-Escribano,J/Tuggeranong AUS 2007 and Black did not recover from this shot! 8 ¥g5 ¤g4 9 h3 ¤ ¤ge5 ge5 left White to prove his compensation fo forr the pawn but the game was event eventually ually 2000.. drawn, Laurent,B-Leconte,J/Naujac 2000

8...¤g4 9 ¥f4 h5 9...f6 An important move. 10 ¤d5 £a5+ 11 ¥d2 £d8 12 exf6 ¤xf6 13 ¤f4 led to a lead in 1997.. development for White, Wall,T-Kelly,B/Newport 1997

10 h3 ¤h6 11 0–0 a6 Black takes steps to control the b5 square.

12 ¦fd1 b5 13 ¥b3 ¥e7

 

XIIIIIIIIY 9r+l+k+ t r0 r0 9+ qpv q wpv lpz lpz p 0 9p+n+p+ s n0 n0 9+p+ z P +p0 9 + + v L +0 9+Ls +N+P0 9Pz PN+Qz PP+0 PP+0 9t R +R+ m K 0 xiiiiiiiiy 2000.. Black should quickly conclude development, Marciniak,A-Lesbros,B/Vichy 2000

 

Morra Gambit - Taylor Defence [B21]

 Last updated 16/01/17 16/01/17 by the ChessPub Team

1 e4 c5 2 d4 cxd4 3 c3 dxc3 4 ¤x ¤xc3 c3 ¤c6 5 ¤f3 5 ¥c4 d6 6 f4!? introduces an idea unmentioned in many modern texts on the Morra. White departs from the standard fare and lines up his pieces as follows: f3,   e3, e3, 0–0,  e2, e2, ad1, pressure on the e-file and (or) f4–f5 follows. (6 ¤f3 transposes to the mainline mainline.. )  ) 6...e6 7 ¤f3 ¥e7 8 £e2 ¤f6 9 ¥e3 0–0 10 ¦d1 a6 11 e5 ¤e8 12 0–0 £a5 13 ¥f2 b5 14 ¥b3 b4 15 ¥c2 g6 16 exd6 ¤xd6 17 ¤e4 ¦d8 Martin,A-Muir,A Martin,A-Muir,A/Lloy /Lloyds ds Bank Masters 1979 and 1979  and now 18 ¤e5! would have given White some compensation.

5...d6 6 ¥c4 a6

XIIIIIIIIY 9r+lw qkv qkv lnt lnt r0 r0 9+p+ z ppz ppz pp0 pp0 9p+nz p + +0 9+ + + + 0 9 +L+P+ +0 9+ N s +N+ 0 9Pz P + PPz P zPz P0 P0 9t R LQm L vQm K +R0 xiiiiiiiiy This is sometimes referred to as the Taylor Defence. 6...¤f6?! A natural looking move which is in fact a mistake, 7 e5! dxe5 8 £xd8+ ¢xd8 9 ¤g5 gave White a winning advantage advantage,, Regan,N-Woestenburg,J/Haarlem 1998. 1998.

7 0–0 ¤f6 8 b4!?

 

XIIIIIIIIY 9r+lw qkv qkv l t r0 r0 9+p+ z ppz ppz pp0 pp0 9p+nz p s n +0 9+ + + + 0 9 z PL+P+ +0 PL+P+ 9+ s++N+ 9P+N z PPz PPz P0 P0 0 9t R LQ+Rm L vQ+Rm K 0 xiiiiiiiiy Another pawn is added to the fire to cause confusion and create attacking opportunities opportunities.. 8 ¥e3 White just gets on with developing his pieces. The text is a little bit unusual but has the advantage of not being exhaustively analysed in the books. 8...b5 9 ¥xf7+! ¢xf7 10 e5 This is the move that makes the whole line work in White's favour, Lane,G-Hendy,M/Internet 2002. 2002. 8 £e2?! ¥g4 9 ¦d1 e6 This combination of pinning the king's knight and then setting up a solid  pawn barrier works wond wonders ers for Black. 10 ¥f4? (10 h3) 10.. 10...¤ .¤h5 h5!! 11 ¥e3 ¤e ¤e55 (11...£f6 Reagan,N-Hodgson,J/Llo on,J/Lloyds yds Bank 1994 1994.. )  ) 12 ¥b3 ¥xf3 13 gxf3 £h4 Black has an extra pawn and Reagan,N-Hodgs a strong initiative, Loh,Z-Demuth,A/Adelaide 2016 2016.. 8 ¥g5 ¥g4 This natural looking mo move ve is exactly what White wants. 9 £b3! At a stroke White has the Costa,F-Morais,M/Honra nra 1999 1999.. advantage by attacking both b7 and f7, Costa,F-Morais,M/Ho 8 h3 stops ...     g4, g4, but wastes time, 8...e6 9 £e2 b5 10 ¥b3 ¥b7 11 ¦d1 £b8 12 ¥f4 ¤d7 13 ¦d2 ¥e7 14 ¦ad1 ¤de5µ Bondielli,G-Rowson,J/Porto Mannu PAL 2007 2007..

8...¥g4 It makes sense to pin the king's knight to reduce White's attacking opportunities. 8...e6 9 b5 ¤e5 ¤ e5 10 ¤xe5 dxe5 11 £e2 When you have sacrificed a pawn in the opening there hav havee to  be special circumstances to vo voluntarily luntarily agree to exch exchange ange queens. 11...¥e7 12 ¦d1 £a5 13 ¥d2 £c7 14 ¦ac1 with good play for White, Regan,N-Koglin,A/Germany Regan,N-Koglin,A/Germany 1999 1999..

9 b5 ¥xf3 10 gxf3 10 £xf3? is not advisable on account of the fork fork 10...¤e5 when Black can win material upon 11 £e2 ¦c8! ( White White survives after the inaccurate 11...¤xc4?! followed by 12 £xc4 ¦c8 13 £d3 when the queen can protect the knight )  ) 12 bxa6 bxa6 (12...¤xc4?! is silly because 13 axb7 ¦c6 14 ¦b1 gives White some play when he should be resigning ) 13 ¥xa6 ¦xc3 and Black is much better.

10...axb5 10...¤e5 11 bxa6! ¤xc4 12 axb7 gave White good tactical chances, Regan,N-Van Beek,G/Haarlem 1998.. 1998

11 ¥xb5

 

11 ¤xb5!? ¤e5 12 ¥b3 e6 Black just wants to catch up with development by preparing to castle kingside.. 13 ¥g5 ¤c6 14 ¥xf6 gxf6 15 f4 £b6 16 a4 ¤a7 17 ¤xa7 ¦xa7 18 f5! An excellen kingside excellentt move designed to increase the scope of the light-squared bishop. Black is already in trouble and si sign gnif ifiica cant ntly ly stil stilll ha hass no nott ca caug ught ht up wi with th de devvelopm opment, ent, Williamson,H-Overton,D/British Correspondence Chess Society 2002. 2002.

11...g6 12 ¤d5

XIIIIIIIIY 9r+ w qkv qkv l t r0 r0 9+p+ z pp+p0 pp+p0 9 +nz p s np+0 np+0 9+L+N+ + 0 9 + +P+ +0 9+ + +P+ 0 9P+ + z P z P0 P0 9t R LQ+Rm L vQ+Rm K 0 xiiiiiiiiy ga gave ve Whi White te dec decent ent pla playy fo forr the mater material ial an andd th thee gam gamee wa wass event eventual ually ly dra drawn, wn, Hardarson,R-De Firmian,N/Politiken Cup 1999. 1999.

 

Morra Gambit - Timman Timman Variation 6 ...Bc5 [B21]

 Last updated: updated: 20/02/02 by Gary Lane

1 e4 c5 2 d4 cxd4 3 c3 dxc3 4 ¤xc3 ¤c6 4...e6 5 ¤f3 ¥c5 6 ¥c4 ¤e7 7 0–0 (7 £e2!? 0–0 8 ¥g5 ¤bc6 9 ¦d1 a6 Controls b5 10 a3 A dual purpose move that prepares to gain space on the queenside with b2-b4 and also cope with the  possibility of ...b7-b5-b4. 10...b5 11 ¥a2 d6 Bla Black ck red reduce ucess the eff effect ectiv iven eness ess of e4e4-e5 e5,, Vospernik,A-Bacsi,A/Budapest 2001 2001   )) 7...0–0 8 e5 A natural move which seems right because the e4 square is vacated for the knight. However, in the game Black responds energetically to limit White's initiative. initiative. It might be better to tr tryy Qe2 and then Rd1 to exert some pressure on the semi-open d-file. 8...d5 9 exd6 ¥xd6 10 ¤b5 ¤d5 11 ¤xd6 £xd6 12 £e2 White belatedly follows the standard idea of making room for the rook on d1. However, it normally stifles de deve velo lopm pmen entt bu butt in thi thiss cas casee ha havin vingg alr alread eadyy play played ed ...d ...d55 Bla Black ck can sm smoot oothl hlyy deve develo lop, p, Vistisen,L-Adamski,J/Copenhagen 1999

5 ¤f3 e6 6 ¥c4 ¥c5

XIIIIIIIIY 9r+lw qk+nt qk+nt r0 r0 9z pp+p+pz pp+p+pz pp0 pp0 9 +n+p+ +0 9+ l v + + 0 9 +L+P+ +0 9+ N s +N+ 0 9Pz P + PPz P zPz P0 P0 9t R LQm L vQm K +R0 xiiiiiiiiy Timman Variation.

7 0–0 a6 7...¤ge7 8 ¥g5?! It is harsh to complain about such a logical move move but when you sacrifice a pawn it is important to increase the pressure. I think Black has nothing to fear from the pin and it does ¤g5!? This isby nothingincompared to making of the rook the attack semi-open a move the true spirit of theuse opening. Whiteoccupying goes on the at thed-file. earliest(8 opportunity threat thr eateni ening ng Qh5 Qh5.. 8. There ere is no nott mu much ch tourna tourname ment nt exp experi erienc encee in thi thiss lin linee but but Bla Black ck 8... ..¤g ¤g66 Th

 

definitely has to be careful: Kufa,P-Nepomucky,O/Moravia Ch 1996  1996   )) 8...0–0 9 £e2 f6 10 ¥h4 ¤g6 11 ¥g3 ¤ge5 12 ¤xe5 ¤xe5 13 ¥xe5?! It is a mistake to give up the bishop pair and at Osi-Shirov99/Internet v99/Internet 1999 1999.. the same time open up the f-file for Black, Osi-Shiro

8 ¥f4

XIIIIIIIIY 9r+lw qk+nt qk+nt r 0 9+p+p+pz pr0 pp0 p0 9p+n+p+ +0 9+ l v + + 0 9 +L+Pv L +0 9+ N s +N+ 0 9Pz P + PPz P zPz P0 P0 9t R +Q+Rm K 0 xiiiiiiiiy This looks like a good way of handling the Black set-up. The bishop eyes up the d6 square but there is another motive. It helps to prepare e5 when Black could not reply with the usual d5 because it could be taken "en passant" and White would win the pawn. 8 £e2 ¤ge7 9 e5 b5 10 ¥b3 £c7 11 ¤e4 ¤a5 12 ¥d2 An inspired idea to con concentrate centrate on deve developm lopment ent with visions of swinging a rook to c1, Gravel,S-Martin,M/Oviedo 1992

8...d6 9 a3 White has pinpointed d6 as a weak pawn and this is the first step to force Black into a compromise.

9...e5 The e-pawn advances which leaves a backward d-pawn and a hole on d5 for White to occupy.

10 ¥g5 ¤ge7 11 b4 ¥a7 12 ¤d5

 

XIIIIIIIIY 9r+lw qk+ t qk+ r0 r0 9v lp+ s lp+ npz npz pp0 pp0 9p+nz p + +0 9+ +Nz p v L 0 9 z PL+P+ +0 PL+P+ 9z 9P++++N+ z PPz PPz P0 P0 0 9t R +Q+Rm K 0 xiiiiiiiiy gave White the initiative in Schmidt,W-Zahn,W/ Bundesliga 1994. 1994 .

 

Morra Gambit - Classical Main Line [B21]

 Last updated 04/02/15 04/02/15 by the ChessPub Team

1 e4 c5 2 d4 cxd4 3 c3 dxc3 4 ¤x ¤xc3 c3 ¤c6 5 ¤f3 e6 6 ¥c4 d6 7 0–0 ¤f6 Black can also delay his kingside developme development: nt: 7...¥e7 8 £e2 a6 this stops a white knight occupying the b5 square and also prepares ...b7–b5. 9 ¦d1 £c7 An instinctive response to move the queen off the d-file to avoid any nasty pins. However, it does gives White the chance to create a useful initiative. (9...¥d7 10 ¥f4 (10 a4 ¤f6 11 ¥f4 e5 12 ¥g5 ¥e6 13 ¥xe6 fxe6 14 b4! I like the way Whit Wh itee fin finds every oppo port rtun uniity to play agg ggre ress ssiive chess ess, Llaneza Vega,M-F ega,M-Fernandez ernandez Fernandez,A/Nore Fernande z,A/Norena na 2001 2001. )  .) 10 10.. ...e .e55 Bl Blac ackk de defl flec ects ts the the atte attenntion tion on the the d6 pawn pawn but in compensation White is rewarded with the d5 square for his pieces to occupy. a) 10...b5 11 ¥b3 e5 12 ¥e3 ¤f6 13 h3 White is wary of allowing the bishop to pin the knight on g4, Senador,E-Dang Tat Thang/Bandar Seri Begawan 2001. 2001 .  b) 10...£c7!? 11 ¦ac1 (11 e5!) 11...¦d8 12 h3 Valenti,G-Wild,A/Saint Vincent 1999. 1999 . en 2002 2002.) .) 10 ¥f4 This bishop moves 11 ¥e3 ¤f6 12 a4 0–0 13 h3 h6 Lukas,M-Nilssen,J/Vlissing Lukas,M-Nilssen,J/Vlissingen introduc intr oduces es vario various us tricks so Blac Blackk has to be very caref careful. ul. 10...b5 (10... (10...e5? e5? has happened many Flitney,A-Bristina,H/reserv ,A-Bristina,H/reserves es 2004 2004..  10 10.. ...¤ .¤e5 e5?! ?! 11 ¥x ¥xe5 e5 dxe5 dxe5 12 ¦a ¦ac1 c1 see Sola,Rtim times, es, Flitney Trejo,J/Argentine Team championship 2000. 2000 . )  ) 11 ¥b3 ¥b7 12 ¦ac1 The rook slides across to the cfile which is an obvious to do with the queen on c7. 12...¤f6?! 13 ¤d5! A textbook way of explo exp loiti iting ng the the que queen en on c7 by using the ex extra tra deve develo lopm pmen entt to cre create ate a tac tacti tic, c, Buchicchio,GDamia,A/Bratto 2002. 2002.

8 £e2

XIIIIIIIIY 9r+lw qkv qkv l t r0 r0 9z pp+ +pz pp+ pp0 pp0 9 +nz pps pps n +0 9+ + + + 0 9 +L+P+ +0 9+ N s +N+ 0 9Pz P +Qz PPz PPz P0 P0 9t R L v +Rm K 0 xiiiiiiiiy

 

The queen comes to e2 in order to make room for the king's rook to come to d1 to try and exploit the semi-open d-file.

8...¥e7 8...a6 9 ¦d1 £c7!? I always think that Black is asking for trouble by putting the queen on the c-file  because White will usually pla playy ac1 at some point. 10 ¥f4 e5 11 ¤d5 (11 ¥g5! looks like a decen decent t altern alternati vewhen because the has d5 squar square e willcompensation increa increase se in importance importance. . 11...¥e7 12 ¥xf6 ¥xf6¤e7 13 ¤d5 £d8 14ative h3 White sufficient for the pawn.  )  ) 11...¤xd5 12 exd5 13 ¤xe5! gave White good play in Brunner,N-Lopez,G/Chambery Brunner,N-Lopez,G/Chambery 2002 2002..

9 ¦d1 This position is considered the main line.

9...e5 Rarelyy pl Rarel play ayed ed these these da days ys bu butt go good od en enoug oughh fo forr eas easyy equ equali ality ty in my view view,, Bla Black ck plans plans ...0–0 ...0–0 and ...     g4. g4. 9...£c7 10 ¥f4 (10 a3 when White had compensation for the pawn, Lohage,ATobor,D/Balatonbereny 1996. 1996. )  ) 10...e5 (10...a6 11 ¦ac1 (11 £d2 White immediately puts pressure Diermair,A-Bui ,A-Bui Vinh/Bu Vinh/Budapest dapest 2002 2002.. )  ) 11...0–0 12 on the d6 pawn. 11...¤e5 12 ¥e2 0–0 13 ¦ac1 Diermair g,O/GER 1997 1997.) .) 11 ¥e3 a6 12 ¦ac1 £b8 Black is understandably ¥b3 Stomprowski,E-Buessin Stomprowski,E-Buessing,O/GER reluctant to leave leave his queen on the c-file. The snag is that it gets in the way of the rest of the pieces. 13 ¤d5 ¤d5 ¤x ¤xd5 d5 14 ¥xd ¥xd55 ¤d ¤d88 (1 (14. 4... ..¥d ¥d77 15 a3 0– 0–00 16 ¤d2 heading for c4 gives White the initiative.  )) 15 ¥b6! White is keen to apply pressure as soon as possible. Basically, Black is under  pressure because he cannot get his pieces out whic whichh means his defensiv defensivee optio options ns are limited, 2003. Peterson,E-Slovak,P/Tatranske Zruby SVK 2003.

10 h3 To stop ...     g4, g4, but 10 ¥e3 ignores the 'threat' of ...  g4, g4, 10...0–0 11 ¦ac1 ¥d7 12 a3 a6 13 b4 Esserman,M-Bartell,T/U.S. Esserman,M-Bartell,T/U .S. Chess League 2009.

10...0–0 11 ¥e3

 

XIIIIIIIIY 9r+lw q t rk+0 rk+0 9z pp+ v pp+ lpz lpz pp0 pp0 9 +nz p s n +0 9+ + z p + 0 9 +L+P+ +0 9+ s+Qz v LPP+0 LN+P0 N+P0 9Pz PN P P+0 9t R +R+ m K 0 xiiiiiiiiy Oim,T-Leito,P/Estonian ,P/Estonian Ch 11 ¥g5 h6!? when White still has to prove the pawn sacrifice is right, Oim,T-Leito Parnu/Talinn 2001. 2001.

11...h6 Stopping a piece coming to g5. 11...¥e6 12 ¦ac1 ¦c8 13 ¥xe6 (13 ¥b5 is worth investigatin investigatingg ) 13...fxe6 14 b4 a6 15 b5 ¤b8?! ( O Orr 15.. 15...a .axb xb55 16 £x £xb5 b5 £d7 allows Black to hang on with a slight edge. )  ) 16 ¤xe5 £a5 with a 1984.. complicated position favouring White, Carr,N-Plaskett,J/Brighto Carr,N-Plaskett,J/Brightonn 1984 11...a6 12 a4 There is some debate about the right way for White to proceed. In this case White is keenn to pre kee preve vent nt ...b ...b5. 5. 12. 12...¥ ..¥e6 e6 13 ¥x ¥xe6 e6 fx fxe6 e6 14 £c4 wit withh doub double le-ed -edge gedd play play,, Hardarson,RHjartarson,J/Gardabaer 1991. 1991.

12 ¦ac1 ¥e6 13 ¥xe6 fxe6 14 b4 £e8! Introducing an excellent idea worth remembering.

15 ¤b5 ¦d8 16 ¤xa7 ¤xb4 17 £b2 ¤c6 18 ¤b5 ¤xe4 19 ¤c7 £g6ƒ  Colding,E-Krush,I/Foxwoods USA 2007 2007..