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    Chess Openings

    Latvian Gambit

    1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 f5 · ECO C40

    Latvian Gambit position after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 f5. White: pawn on e4, knight on f3, pawn on a2, pawn on b2, pawn on c2, pawn on d2, pawn on f2, pawn on g2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, knight on b1, bishop on c1, queen on d1, king on e1, bishop on f1, rook on h1. Black: rook on a8, knight on b8, bishop on c8, queen on d8, king on e8, bishop on f8, knight on g8, rook on h8, pawn on a7, pawn on b7, pawn on c7, pawn on d7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7, pawn on e5, pawn on f5.

    Latvian Gambit is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 f5. It is classified C40 in the ECO system, and the position after these moves has white to move. The Latvian Gambit answers 2.Nf3 with an immediate 2...f5, offering a pawn to blow the centre open. It is a King's Gambit with colours reversed and a tempo down, which is precisely why it is considered objectively unsound at master level.

    Strategic character

    Wildly sharp and objectively dubious. Its practical value lies entirely in surprise: opponents who do not know the refutations can be swept away quickly, but accurate play gives White a clear advantage.

    Who should play it

    Club players looking for a surprise weapon in fast time controls, with the understanding that it does not hold up to preparation.

    Variations continuing from this position

    Each of these is a named opening reached by playing on from 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 f5. Open any of them to load the position on the board.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the Latvian Gambit?
    The Latvian Gambit is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 f5. It is classified C40 in the ECO system. The Latvian Gambit answers 2.Nf3 with an immediate 2...f5, offering a pawn to blow the centre open. It is a King's Gambit with colours reversed and a tempo down, which is precisely why it is considered objectively unsound at master level.
    What are the moves of the Latvian Gambit?
    1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 f5. After these moves it is white to move.
    Is the Latvian Gambit good for beginners?
    Club players looking for a surprise weapon in fast time controls, with the understanding that it does not hold up to preparation.
    What variations come from the Latvian Gambit?
    Named continuations include Latvian Gambit Accepted, Latvian Gambit: Diepstraten Countergambit, Latvian Gambit: Lobster Gambit, Latvian Gambit: Mason Countergambit, Latvian Gambit: Mayet Attack. There are 24 named variations reachable from this position in total.

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