Smith–Morra: Siberian Trap

Pull away the mating-square defender

The attacking idea

Play Nd4 to attack the queen and tempt the f3 knight away from h2.

The temptation

A quiet h3 push overlooks the attack. Capturing d4 then removes h2's defender.

If they defend

Attack the queen with Nb5 before playing h3. This removes the mating setup.

Look for the tactic as you develop. The opponent can choose a different route.

They take the bait

1. e4 1… c5 2. d4 2… cxd4 3. c3 3… dxc3 4. Nxc3 4… Nc6 5. Nf3 5… e6 6. Bc4 6… Qc7 7. O-O 7… Nf6 8. Qe2 8… Ng4 9. h3 9… Nd4 10. Nxd4 10… Qh2#

They defend

1. e4 1… c5 2. d4 2… cxd4 3. c3 3… dxc3 4. Nxc3 4… Nc6 5. Nf3 5… e6 6. Bc4 6… Qc7 7. O-O 7… Nf6 8. Qe2 8… Ng4 9. Nb5 9… Qb8 10. h3 10… Nge5 11. Nxe5 11… Nxe5

About your chess coach

Tempo uses Stockfish 19 Lite to suggest strong moves and explain captures, threats, and plans in plain language.

Analysis runs in your browser, and your game saves locally when storage is available. Move reviews compare your choices with engine alternatives. Short searches are learning aids; deeper analysis can change a move’s grade.