Theoria
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Latvian Gambit

Corkscrew Gambit

C40gambittacticaloffbeat

  1. 1.e4e5
  2. 2.Nf3f5
  3. 3.Nxe5Nf6
  4. 4.Bc4fxe4
  5. 5.Nf7Qe7
  6. 6.Nxh8d5
299 games37%61%

A Latvian Gambit line in which Black gives up the h8-rook and builds a d5/e4 pawn center; the engine favors White, but Black scores well on Lichess.

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About the Corkscrew Gambit

The Corkscrew Gambit is a branch of the 3...Nf6 line of the Latvian Gambit, reached after 4. Bc4 fxe4 5. Nf7 Qe7 6. Nxh8 d5. Black abandons the h8-rook and sets up a central pawn duo on d5 and e4 that hits the bishop and gains time. The engine gives White a large advantage, with 7. Bb5+ its top choice, yet Black wins most Lichess games. The common retreat 7. Bb3 fares badly for White, while 7. Be2 scores well.

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