Chessy
Sicilian Defense: Smith-Morra Gambit Declined, Scandinavian Formation
In this line, White has offered the Smith-Morra Gambit, but Black answers with a solid Scandinavian Formation. The position after 1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3 d5 is the one to know, because it is your turn to handle White’s pressure. Stockfish rates the position +0.20, a small edge for White. That means you are dead level here, and the drill below will help you choose the right reply and punish the common inaccuracies.
Play the Sicilian Defense: Smith-Morra Gambit Declined, Scandinavian Formation against the engine
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Create a free account →What this position is really about
This opening is about meeting White’s gambit with a direct central response. Black does not grab and hold everything; instead, the key idea is to meet the challenge in the centre and keep the position under control. From here, you should aim for simple development, a safe king, and clean calculation. If you understand the central tension, the rest of the opening is much easier to handle.
The engine move to know
Stockfish’s best move here is exd5, and the main continuation given is exd5 Qxd5 cxd4 e5. That tells you the practical story of the opening: Black can answer White’s initiative with active, straightforward play rather than drifting into passivity. In the drill, focus on seeing why this capture is the engine’s choice and on staying calm when White tries to keep the pressure going.
What the database says
The exact position has been reached in 165,403 games in the Lichess database. White wins 45.5%, draws 4.2%, and Black wins 50.4%. That is a very useful sign for Black: this is not a dangerous sacrifice that leaves you fighting for survival, but a practical position where Black scores well. Use that confidence, but still play accurately, because the wrong reply can quickly give White the initiative.
The mistakes to avoid
There are a few important moves to recognise in this position. cxd4 is an inaccuracy and loses about 0.8 pawns; e5 is an inaccuracy and loses about 0.9 pawns; Nf3 is a mistake and loses about 1.0 pawns. In each case, the better move is exd5. That makes the lesson very concrete: when White chooses one of these softer continuations, you should know the best reaction and not let the game drift away from you.
Results across 165,403 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| exd5 | 57,500 | 49.0% |
| cxd4 | 44,883 | 42.2% |
| Qxd4 | 26,587 | 47.5% |
| e5 | 22,817 | 45.8% |
| Nf3 | 5,385 | 38.8% |
| Qa4+ | 2,439 | 41.2% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sicilian Defense: Smith-Morra Gambit Declined, Scandinavian Formation good for Black?
Yes. In the exact position here, Black scores **50.4%** in the database, while White scores **45.5%**. Stockfish gives **+0.20**, a small edge for White, so the position is very close and playable for Black.
What is the best move for Black in this position?
The engine’s best move is **exd5**. The continuation given is **exd5 Qxd5 cxd4 e5**. In the drill, that is the main reply to remember when White has just reached this structure.
Which White moves are the main ones to know here?
The most-played continuation is **exd5**, with **57,500 games**. Other common tries are **cxd4**, **Qxd4**, **e5**, **Nf3**, and **Qa4+**. Knowing those choices helps you prepare for what you are most likely to face.
What should I watch out for against White’s less accurate moves?
The main warnings in this position are **cxd4**, **e5**, and **Nf3**. The facts mark **cxd4** as an inaccuracy, **e5** as an inaccuracy, and **Nf3** as a mistake. In all three cases, **exd5** is the better move for Black.
How many games feature the Sicilian Defense: Smith-Morra Gambit Declined, Scandinavian Formation?
Over 165K Lichess games have reached the Sicilian Defense: Smith-Morra Gambit Declined, Scandinavian Formation position. White wins 45.5%, Black wins 50.4%, with 4.2% draws — based on real rated games.