Editing Smith–Morra Gambit (section)

==Themes for White==
In return for the sacrificed pawn, White acquires a number of benefits that can be used to create active plans:
* Active development and quick castling. White's development scheme usually (but not always, as the [[Siberian trap]] demonstrates) consists of Nf3, Bc4, 0-0, Qe2, Rfd1, and Rac1 in some order.
** Additionally, the Bc1 will often develop to g5 when Black plays ...Nge7 to make it difficult for Black to continue developing without weakening the kingside slightly by ...h6 or ...f6.
* Prevention or delay of Black's castling. This can open the door for powerful sacrificial ideas which, when correctly timed, can devastate the Black king:
** When Black's king is uncastled, the sacrifice Nd5! is especially powerful with a Black pawn on e6, as the recapture ...exd5 would allow White to open the e-file for the White rook or queen. In two notable games, Esserman defeated [[Loek van Wely|GM Loek van Wely]]<ref>[https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1630005 Esserman vs. van Wely, 112th US Open (2011)] [[Chessgames.com]]. Retrieved on 2023-06-18.</ref> and [[Gukesh D|GM Dommaraju Gukesh]]<ref>[https://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1950644 Esserman vs. Gukesh, Cannes Chess Festival 2017] [[Chessgames.com]]. Retrieved on 2023-06-12.</ref> using this sacrifice.
** Another idea is Nxb5! with Black pawns on a6 and b5. Although not as common as Nd5!, it is possible in some lines like the Chicago Defence when Black is slow to castle. Occasionally, it is even possible when Black is castled if White's tactics on the queenside justify it.
** The sacrifice Bxe6! is typical for Sicilian positions and can sometimes occur here as well.
* Pressure down the c- and d-files, usually achieved with rooks on c1 and d1.
* A long-lasting initiative that can be used to create a kingside attack.
To survive against a well-prepared White player, Black must first navigate the minefield of traps in the opening, then contend with White's long-term pressure and initiative. If Black manages to do this while holding on to the extra pawn, he/she will have good chances to win the ensuing endgame. This is not easy, however, and many Sicilian players opt to decline the gambit altogether.