What's New- May '00
Mistaken IdentityThe Smith-Morra Gambit can be dangerous for Black if he is not well prepared. What better then than a recommendation in a certain book to follow the example of English grandmaster Julian Hodgson and back up the proposal with a wonderful, tactical drawn game. But would you be so happy to play a tricky line when in fact it was actually played by enthusiastic English amateur John Hodgson? I suspect Black can pick up an easy point by looking at the improvements outlined in the game Regan - Hodgson. |
My thanks to Rob Kruszynski and Tim Jones who wanted to know more about the variation 1 e4 c5 2 d4 cxd4 3 c3 dxc3 4 Nxc3 Nc6 5 Nf3 d6 6 Bc4 a6 that is sometimes referred to as the Taylor Defence.
            
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Nick De Firmian is a strong American grandmaster who regularly plays the Sicilian so it is a big surprise that he can only draw against the much lower rated Hardarson. In GL116 MAY00 White caused problems for the American by offering another pawn to create a strong attack.
This theme is readily exploited in Regan - Van Beek MAY00 where White wins in just 20 moves.
If White wants to play something different against the Taylor Defence then Costa - Morais MAY00 is well worth a look, although Black walks into a trap after only 8 moves and is soon plunged into a lost position.
The Smith-Morra Gambit is alive and kicking!