Carlsen Uses Our Dirty Opening TRICK to Demolish a GM in 11 Moves!

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In this video lesson, GM Igor Smirnov shows you a game played by the world champion Magnus Carlsen in which he used our dirty chess opening trick to defeat a strong grandmaster in nearly 10 moves!

Magnus Carlsen was playing White against Sergei Zhigalko, and he played the Portsmouth Gambit (we call it the Smirnov Gambit) against the Sicilian Defense which happens after the opening moves: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.b4.

It is a variant of the Wing gambit. White sacrifices the b4-pawn for a semi-open b-file and sometimes an open c-file, along with control of the center and quick development. In contrast to the regular Wing gambit, after 3...cxb4, White will play 4.d4.

In many positions d5 is a threat, forcing the knight to either go to a5 or back to b8. This move also frees up the a1–h8 diagonal. If Black declines the gambit, White has the threat of bxc5, or even sometimes b5.

Do you think Magnus Carlsen would have watched our videos and played this? Share your thoughts in the comments below. 👇

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► Chapters

00:00 Magnus Carlsen's Dirty Chess Opening Trick
00:22 Sicilian Defense, Portsmouth Gambit 3.b4
02:06 White has a strong initiative
03:03 Carlsen's tricky move for the queen trap
03:49 If Black en passants with bxc3
04:39 "Out of the world" move!
06:06 Final nail in the coffin, White wins

#GMSmirnov #MagnusCarlsen #OpeningTraps #SicilianDefense #ChessGambit #ChessTricks

[chessx]

Being a professional English - Russian translator and an English teacher, I can attest to the fact that Igor's English is nothing short of incredible. I've devoted my whole life to the language and I'm genuinely amazed at this man's versatility. Yet another proof that a man of intelligence can master whatever he puts his mind to. Great respect!

[joepangia]

If Carlsen doesn’t watch some of your videos at least for some creative opening inspiration or as a great example of effective chess instruction he’s definitely missing out. Your content is top notch!

[Loki]

Igor, the man, the myth, the legend.

[davidrobertson]

Awesome Igor, love that your gambit is being used at the top, and what a gambit wow. This video was exciting to watch and a pleasant start to my day here :) Take care friend.

[jpc]

Very low rated player here. 950-1000 . But I love watching your videos. Even if I can't reliably replicate any of these traps in real play, you give me excellent things to look for and great tips to better my game.

[jimsullins]

Of course Carlson is watching you ! Who else is promoting this variation ? And even a grandmaster isn't aware enough of it to lose his way after 4 or 5 moves ?! Columbo (...the famous TV detective ) says, "So, Carlson, when was the last time you spoke with Igor ....? " LOL :)

[Reza]

Thanks Igor. I saw this after I recently watched your new video on countering the Sicilian. Great stuff.

[GMIgorSmirnov]

► Chapters

00:00 Magnus Carlsen's Dirty Chess Opening Trick
00:22 Sicilian Defense, Portsmouth Gambit 3.b4
02:06 White has a strong initiative
03:03 Carlsen's tricky move for the queen trap
03:49 If Black en passants with bxc3
04:39 "Out of the world" move!
06:06 Final nail in the coffin, White wins

[singlespies]

Just won a game on Lichess with this. Thanks Igor!

[anthonyrivera]

Igor! For sure Carlson watches your videos bro! You're the man! And the best when it comes to breaking down chest from a master level with such simplicity

[yvesdelombaerde]

You’ve got similar mate threats with Black in acute variations of the Gross Attack. This kind of threats can bring points if you fake playing hesitatingly, looking like being out of your openings repertoire.

[bnmeng]

The scotch gambit trap sacrificing the knight on F7 is my favourite, so many fall for it 😂

[daeln]

I don’t often comment on chess tutorials, because most are too esoteric... However, Igor - you are a refreshing chess master. Your videos are clear, concise, and have improved my game understanding. I firmly believe yours is the most useful channel on yt for persons like myself, who desire to increase their knowledge of the game. Thank you my brother.

[tekmisa]

Thanks Igor once again for nice video 😊

[jimhenderson]

Mr. Smirnov says at 01:31 that after 4.d4, Black has no comfortable way to stop 5.d5 other than to play 4...d5. Actually, Black can also play 4...e6, after which 5.d5 is met with 5...Qf6!, attacking the loose rook on a1, and now it's White who is in some danger.

Black might prefer to play 3...Nxb4 instead of 3...cxb4. After 3...Nxb4 4.c3 Nc6 5.d4 cxd4 6.cxd4, Black can just play 6...e6 and develop naturally. White doesn't really have enough compensation for the sacrificed pawn (unlike in the Evans Gambit in the Giuoco Piano.).

In defense of Sergei Zhigalko, this game against Carlsen had a time control of 60 seconds for the entire game, with no increment, so you certainly don't expect flawless play.

[funkt]

very cool! In addition to your playing ability, your instruction skills are top notch ... thank you for sharing!

[mazyzazie]

You are one of Magnus's secret seconds. (Brilliant video.)

[vincentverrico]

Thank you! I always learn a lot from you!

[curtisholsinger]

Wow. Fairly similar to the Mengarini, but faster! Not even bothering with opening up the A column. Cool, I'll have to try this out!

[scottl.]

Your gambits and traps execute with the beauty and accuracy of Tchaikovsky. Beautiful, subtle, yet strike the moment you’re sure it will calm.

I get that Tchaikovsky *could* be considered the e4 of Russian composers (first that everyone learns). But just as Tchaikovsky makes classical orchestral music accessible without trading any of the beauty or complexity of his arrangements, so do you reveal to a schlub as I the elegant beauty of a living, moving puzzle in a way I can understand & internalize it.