Latvian Gambit Accepted

In the Latvian Gambit Accepted, White takes the f-pawn with 3. exf5 instead of the main-line 3. Nxe5, leaving White a pawn ahead with doubled f-pawns. Black's e5-pawn is still attacked, and the usual answer, 3...e4, used in just over half the games, solves that problem by advancing it with tempo against the knight. The choice of retreat sets the tone. 4. Nd4 is considered the sharpest, because it prepares Qh5+. Black can meet this with 4...Qf6, which covers the check and attacks both the knight and the f5-pawn, and White's best is then 5. Nb5, aiming at c7, after which 5...Qe5 guards that square and hits the knight. After 4. Ne5, Black has to play 4...Nf6 to stop Qh5+ and the pressure on f7. The quieter 5. Be2 is the line recommended by John L. Watson and Eric Schiller. 4. Qe2 is also possible.

The main alternative to 3...e4 is 3...Nf6, a safer way of preventing the queen check. 3...d6 is less common. The engine gives White a clear advantage, yet on Lichess the results are almost exactly even.