Latvian Gambit

Play as BlackCounter-gambit

A bold counter-attack on e4 that leads to sharp, tactical games.

The main line, move by move

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 f5 3. Nxe5 Qf6 4. d4 d6 5. Nc4 fxe4 6. Nc3 Qg6 7. Ne3

1. 1. e4 — Claim the center and open lines for the queen and bishop.
2. 1... e5 — Black claims the center too.
3. 2. Nf3 — Brings the knight into the game.
4. 2... f5 — The Latvian: strike at e4 with the f-pawn at once.
5. 3. Nxe5 — Takes the pawn on e5.
6. 3... Qf6 — Attack the knight and eye f2.
7. 4. d4 — Support the knight and open the center.
8. 4... d6 — Kick the knight with the pawn.
9. 5. Nc4 — Put the knight on a good square, away from the attack.
10. 5... fxe4 — Takes the pawn on e4.
11. 6. Nc3 — Brings the knight into the game.
12. 6... Qg6 — Hit the e4 pawn and aim along the g-file.
13. 7. Ne3 — Develop the knight and cover the squares around the king.

Related openings

• Marshall Attack
• Albin Counter-Gambit
• Budapest Gambit
• Englund Gambit
• Elephant Gambit

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