Theoria
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Latvian Gambit Accepted

Leonhardt Variation

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  1. 1.e4e5
  2. 2.Nf3f5
  3. 3.Nxe5Qf6
  4. 4.Nc4fxe4
  5. 5.Nc3
149 games59%35%

Latvian Gambit line in which White retreats the knight with 4. Nc4 at once and develops with 5. Nc3, targeting e4 and Black's exposed queen.

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About the Leonhardt Variation

The Leonhardt Variation plays 4. Nc4 immediately rather than first inserting 4. d4 d6, which keeps the option of d2-d3 open. After 4...fxe4 5. Nc3, White threatens Nxe4, gaining time on the queen, so the queen must move again. The traditional reply 5...Qg6 defends e4 and eyes g2, while the modern 5...Qf7 renews the idea of ...d5. The engine gives White a clear advantage, and White scores well in practice.

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