Sicilian Defense: Smith-Morra Gambit Accepted, Paulsen Formation

ECO B21

Move order

1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4 3. c3 dxc3 4. Nxc3 Nc6 5. Nf3 e6 6. Bc4 a6

Sicilian Defense: Smith-Morra Gambit Accepted, Paulsen Formation (B21)abcdefgh12345678

Ideas

ECO B covers semi-open games after 1. e4 where Black does not reply …e5. White stakes a claim in the center and opens lines for the bishop and queen. This entry tracks a longer branch in the opening tree. Use the diagram and SAN list to recognize the tabiya, then try the line against Maia to explore typical plans in practice.

Play this opening against Maia