My first Smith-Morra gambit!

I decided recently that I want to try the Smith-Morra gambit. I've never played gambit lines before, and it seems like a good way to work on my attacking chess skills.

Here is the game:



Allowing my opponent to castle was probably a mistake, although it worked out in the end. I was looking for a place to insert the sacrifice Nd5, which some say is essential in the Smith-Morra to rip open the center, but couldn't find a way to play it. Also, my 11. Be3 seems to be a mistake.

Overall a very fun game -- it's a pleasure to have so much initiative. I'll probably try this gambit again soon!

I think allowing castle was ok,but..e5 was a mistake

White should have played e5 earlier, when he decided to do so after Rd1 actually it was a mistake.

@dylhunn #1
Playing the Smith-Morra gambit can be great fun at amateur level, especially for attacking & tactical players.
I makes sense that you learn the specific opening tricks (There are several tricks where black can go wrong, but also tricks where white can go wrong), and you also should not be surprised that black can decline the gambit, and you might end up in a Sicilian Alapin position, or Sicilian Dragon positions.

Have fun !