lichess.org
Donate

Do you think that the Morra Gambit is disproved?

I personally think it is, but as a human it is very difficult especially in blitz and rapid games.
What about you?
The SMG is completely playable even at high level. It's probably not the best response to the Sicilian, and Black is fine if he knows what he's doing, You say you think it is disproved - what line are you thinking?
All gambits are somewhat rehabilitated thanks to the computers. MG might be theoretically a =+ but that’s very tough to prove in a practical game. A friend of mine (CM) won some otb games against GMs... nuff said.

Summery: decent weapon, no issues.

PS: Anand declined MG in the Bundesliga, any questions?
The Morra is a strong and underrated opening. You should buy the book Mayhem in the Morra by Marc Esserman and you are good to go.
Be aware that certain players for example a lot of 2100-2200 rated player who play the London System might tell you otherwise, but I think that is because of there limited understanding of chess.
The Morra Accepted isn't played often at the highest level but that is because they know that when it comes to practical chances on the board, it's definitely dangerous to play against. The Smith-Morra is no way disproved, you don't even try to prove that it is so what's your point? It's my main weapon against the Sicilian and although I haven't had much games in it in classical, I have yet to lose and I win in very crushing style. What more if a great blitz player plays it against you? You'll be on your backfoot at the very start of the game. The catch is though with engine-like play(more than accurate) in some lines such as some variations of the Finegold and the Scheveningen structures, Black can hold to an endgame where he is simply a pawn up. This is the very reason why the opening fits a person who doesn't easily let go of the initiative, one really creative attacker. Not only that, there are some queenless middlegames where White as always has the initiative but is down a pawn(particularly the early Nf6 line in the Taylor, but even engines agree that white is better), so the player must also be decent in playing positional open games. Another very positional aspect in this opening is that many lines also lead to a positional struggle in Open Sicilian battlegrounds— the d5 square. Overall, if you want more assurance that you are better then go for the Open Sicilian. But if you want to have fun, go for the Smith-Morra
@Maninabunnysuite yeah and imo it is the best way to face the Smith-Morra. Smith-Morra players must also study the Nf6 Alapin positions
I love playing against the alipin, because black's play is easier. Black has the strait forward plan of attacking white's e pawn, while white's plan isn't so clear.
There are still ways for White to go aggressive as White will have an Italian Bishop on c4 early, but with Black's pawn on e6 the attack is very suppressed. At least white isn't down a pawn lmao

This topic has been archived and can no longer be replied to.