Latvian Gambit · C40
Fraser Defense
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 f5 3. Nxe5 Nc6
The structure hands Black the half-open e-file - rook pressure down it is a standing plan. White is up material out of the opening - Black is banking on activity to show for it.
The first 4 moves, explained
- 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 1... e5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d4, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 2. Nf3 Develops the knight to f3, eyeing d4 and e5.
- 2... f5 Challenges the pawn on e4 - the central tension has to resolve. The pawn is genuinely on offer - this is the Latvian Gambit. Fair warning: engines rate this gambit as objectively dubious; it is a practical weapon, not a promise of equality.
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Where this fits
This line is one of 17 in the Latvian Gambit. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.