ECO code: C40
Latvian Gambit: Fraser Defense
Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 f5 3. Nxe5 Nc6
The Fraser Defense is a sharp and aggressive line within the Latvian Gambit, characterized by Black's immediate challenge on White's knight with 3...Nc6. This move aims to quickly develop a piece while putting pressure on White's advanced knight on e5.
From Black's perspective, this continuation is very much attacking, seeking rapid piece activity and counterplay against White's center and king position. White, on the other hand, must be precise in defense, as Black's gambit intends to unsettle White's central control and create tactical opportunities.
This opening directly contests the center early on. Black's 2...f5 attempts to undermine White's e4 pawn and gain influence over central squares, while 3...Nc6 reinforces this pressure by targeting the knight on e5 and supporting potential central or kingside attacks.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Latvian Gambit: Fraser Defense, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 2 - Move #9 white