Latvian Gambit

The Latvian Gambit begins with e4, ...e5, Nf3, and ...f5. Black does not merely defend the e5-pawn attacked by the knight. Instead, Black advances the f7-pawn and offers an immediate fight for the center. It is called a countergambit because Black answers pressure with a material offer and seeks activity rather than a quiet defense.

...f5 counterattacks e4 without first securing e5

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Startf5Nxe5Qf6

The f3-knight threatens to capture e5, so Black must make an immediate decision.

Black answers one central threat with another

After 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3, the e5-pawn is already under attack.

1. The f3-knight threatens to capture e5, so Black must make an immediate decision.
2. 2...f5 does not defend e5. It seeks activity by attacking White's center from the kingside.

The position resembles the King's Gambit with colors reversed, but there is a crucial difference: Black moves second and therefore has one less move for development and king safety. White may capture the e5-pawn with Nxe5 or the f5-pawn with exf5. In either case, White must calculate active queen moves, central advances, and attacks on the knight.

The gambit creates tactical positions and can punish automatic play, but its strategic risk is high. The ...f5 advance weakens diagonals around Black's king while the e5-pawn may also fall. If Black's activity does not produce concrete threats, White often keeps extra material or a superior center. The opening is therefore used mainly as a surprise weapon and requires precise tactical knowledge.