Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...c5/2. d4/2...cxd4

=Smith-Morra Gambit= The gambit actually is offered by the next move 3. c3. Taking back with 3. Qxd4?! really isn't a promising option, since the queen will be pushed around, while black makes developing moves like Nc6. Also, unlike the Center game, the trade of the c-pawn for the d-pawn also gives black added central control. However, 3.Nf3 is probably a promising way to avoid the Smith Morra. Black does best to transpose to the Open Sicilian, as if e5?!, c3 (the tempting 3. Nxe5?? Qa5+ loses the knight) gives white a better version of the Smith Morra with a hole on d5 and a backward d-pawn.

Theory table
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 * 1. e4 c5 2. d4 cxd4