Smyslov_Fan wrote on 08/10/11 at 06:29:40:

An interesting hypothesis, but I am not sure whether this is right for all kind of systems. Look at the Open Sicilian (B34-B99). In MegaBase (2008), in games between 2500+ players, White scores 56%. In games between 1800- players, White scores only 48%. 

The numbers for the Closed Sicilian (2.Nc3): 2500+ White scores 51%; 1800- White scores 52%. (In each case, I have only looked at 1975 and later, not the pre-Elo era.)

And not to forget 2.a4, of course, which scores 57%.

MNb wrote on 08/09/11 at 22:12:57:

As I mentioned a few posts ago, I've actually learned more from playing the Smith-Morra Gambit than any other opening I've played. I've given up on quite a few gambits, most of them probably unsound, but this is the one that's still in my repertoire, as my primary opening line anyway. There are a couple of others I'll trot out on rare occasion, but they aren't my main weapons the way the SMG is against the Sicilian.

I am working on learning other lines against the Sicilian, as I figure the gambit probably isn't going to be worth the work learn as well as I'd need to use it against 2000+ level players. But for now, I'm quite happy with it.

Fromper wrote on 08/09/11 at 15:51:24:

Because some players in that U1800 section want to qualify for higher sections. For them the Morra Gambit is a waste of time, as I found out the hard way.

Quote:


If Halloween gambit is a draw, it is not easy to find something that is losing!

Uhohspaghettio wrote on 08/09/11 at 00:23:11:


And above 2000 rating level, I'm sure you're right. But in the U1800 sections of tournaments, I honestly don't believe that the first move advantage even exists. So why not play silly stuff as white that only leads to equality, as long as you're having fun doing it? 

And especially in the case of the Smith-Morra Gambit, white has great development and positional pressure in exchange for the pawn. It may be equal, but it's a great opening to learn from, and a lot of fun to play. Now that I'm looking to improve to 1800+ and play 2000+ level players more often, I'm looking at adding the Open and/or Grand Prix to my repertoire, as well, but I'm not quite ready to give up the SMG entirely yet.

And since you mentioned 1. a3 and 1. e3, I'm reminded of a game I played recently, where I played black against 1. a3 e5 2. e3 d5 3. d4 - a French with colors reversed! Luckily, I know the French well enough that even in blitz, I was able to quickly pick a line that I know pretty well where a6 would normally be a waste of time for black in the normal French. So I got a decent French position and went on to win.

On another note, since someone else mentioned it, I thought I read that the Halloween Gambit had been analyzed to the point of being a pretty much forced draw. That's another one that looks like it could be fun, but I'd want to spend a ton of time preparing before trying it. Giving up a whole knight isn't like giving up just a pawn. I'd want to be REALLY prepared.

I seriously doubt that the halloween gambit would take "a huge amount" of analysis to prove -+. Less than a day i'd say.

kevinfat wrote on 08/04/11 at 08:00:01:


I think the Halloween Gambit fits this description. I am pretty sure it's a forced loss, but I just don't care enough to study it as black.

Also, this strange 1. e4 e5 2.f4 exf4 3. g3?! might be objectively lost for white, but again I just don't feel studying that line.