Key ideas
- The critical reply is 3.Nxe5. After 3...Qf6 4.d4 d6 5.Nc4 fxe4 6.Nc3, White develops quickly and aims at Black's loose kingside. The Latvian is regarded as dubious at a high level.
- 3.Bc4, the Mayet Attack, leads to wild play after 3...fxe4 4.Nxe5 Qg5 or 4...d5. Black gets attacking chances but must calculate precisely.
- 3.exf5 and 3.d4 are simpler answers that avoid the sharpest theory while Black's kingside stays loose.
- The early ...f5 opens the e8-h5 diagonal, so Qh5+ is a constant tactical resource for White, and Black's king often stays in the centre.
Plans for White
Take on e5 or f5, develop quickly with d4, Nc3 and the light-squared bishop, and target the exposed king and the light squares around it.
Plans for Black
Play for the initiative with ...Qf6, ...d6 and quick development, and keep the e4 pawn as a cramping wedge. The Latvian demands precise preparation.
Watch out
3.Nxe5 fxe4? runs into 4.Qh5+ g6 5.Nxg6. If 5...hxg6, 6.Qxh8 wins the rook, and 5...Nf6 6.Qe5+ Kf7 7.Nxh8+ also wins material.