Latvian Gambit: Behting Variation position after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 f5 3.Bc4 fxe4 4.Nxe5 Qg5 5.Nf7 Qxg2 6.Rf1 d5 7.Nxh8 Nf6. White: knight on h8, bishop on c4, pawn on a2, pawn on b2, pawn on c2, pawn on d2, pawn on f2, pawn on h2, rook on a1, knight on b1, bishop on c1, queen on d1, king on e1, rook on f1. Black: rook on a8, knight on b8, bishop on c8, king on e8, bishop on f8, pawn on a7, pawn on b7, pawn on c7, pawn on g7, pawn on h7, knight on f6, pawn on d5, pawn on e4, queen on g2.
Latvian Gambit: Behting Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 f5 3.Bc4 fxe4 4.Nxe5 Qg5 5.Nf7 Qxg2 6.Rf1 d5 7.Nxh8 Nf6. 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.
This line is a variation within the Latvian Gambit family. The strategic ideas above describe the family as a whole; this particular line reaches them by the move order 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 f5 3.Bc4 fxe4 4.Nxe5 Qg5 5.Nf7 Qxg2 6.Rf1 d5 7.Nxh8 Nf6.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Latvian Gambit: Behting Variation?
The Latvian Gambit: Behting Variation is a chess opening that arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 f5 3.Bc4 fxe4 4.Nxe5 Qg5 5.Nf7 Qxg2 6.Rf1 d5 7.Nxh8 Nf6. 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: Behting Variation?
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 f5 3.Bc4 fxe4 4.Nxe5 Qg5 5.Nf7 Qxg2 6.Rf1 d5 7.Nxh8 Nf6. After these moves it is white to move.
Is the Latvian Gambit: Behting Variation 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.