This Week's ChessVideos Show: Esserman-Van Wely and Nd5 in the Smith-Morra Gambit
The Smith-Morra Gambit (1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3) may not be fully sound, but it can be dangerous, and not just against the unwary. Loek van Wely is a very strong GM who even made it to 2700 at one point, and he's also known for his deep preparation - not the sort of player one would expect to have problems with such an arguably half-correct line. Despite his credentials, he was crushed by a "mere" IM - Marc Esserman - in this gambit last month in the U.S. Open.
The starring concept in the game was a Nd5 piece sac, and by way of supplement I show a couple of other (rather lower-level but still entertaining) games where that same sac also proved practical and effective. I also offer some advice for those facing the Gambit, to at least avoid van Wely's fate in this game.
The show is here - free, as always (free registration required) - and will be available on-demand for the next month or so.