Latvian Gambit · C40

Mayet Attack, Poisoned Pawn Variation

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 f5 3. Bc4 fxe4 4. Nxe5 Qg5 5. d4 Qxg2

Black keeps the extra pawn; White plays for time, open lines, and initiative - the classic gambit trade.

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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