Sicilian Defense: Smith-Morra Gambit Accepted, Siberian Variation (B21)

The Smith-Morra Gambit Accepted, Siberian Variation is a variation of the Sicilian Defense, catalogued as ECO B21. The line runs 1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4 3. c3 dxc3 4. Nxc3 Nc6 5. Nf3 e6 6. Bc4 Qc7, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move after six moves. The c-file file is fully open.

On the Sicilian Defense generally: The most popular and aggressive response to 1.e4. Black fights for the center asymmetrically, leading to rich tactical play.

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Sicilian Defense: Smith-Morra Gambit Accepted, Siberian Variation — position after Qc7 h1g2f3e4d5c6b7a8
Position after 1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4 3. c3 dxc3 4. Nxc3 Nc6 5. Nf3 e6 6. Bc4 Qc7

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4c5
2d4cxd4
3c3dxc3
4Nxc3Nc6
5Nf3e6
6Bc4Qc7

ECO: B21

Stockfish: +0.52 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Sicilian Defense lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Smith-Morra Gambit Accepted, Siberian Variation?

The Smith-Morra Gambit Accepted, Siberian Variation goes 1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4 3. c3 dxc3 4. Nxc3 Nc6 5. Nf3 e6 6. Bc4 Qc7. It is a variation of the Sicilian Defense and is catalogued as ECO B21.

What is the ECO code for the Smith-Morra Gambit Accepted, Siberian Variation?

The Smith-Morra Gambit Accepted, Siberian Variation is ECO B21. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Sicilian Defense.

Is the Smith-Morra Gambit Accepted, Siberian Variation good for Black?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4 3. c3 dxc3 4. Nxc3 Nc6 5. Nf3 e6 6. Bc4 Qc7 at +0.52 at depth 18, which is a slight pull for White, within normal opening margins. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Smith-Morra Gambit Accepted, Siberian Variation lead to?

White holds the centre with pawns on e4. White is ahead in development, with three minor pieces out to Black's one, and Black is up a pawn of material. It is White to move. The c-file file is fully open.