Latvian Gambit Accepted: Bronstein Attack (C40)

The Bronstein Attack is a variation of the Latvian Gambit Accepted, catalogued as ECO C40. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 f5 3. Nxe5 Qf6 4. d4 d6 5. Nc4 fxe4 6. Be2, reaching the position shown below after 11 half-moves.

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on e4). White is ahead in development, with two minor pieces out to Black's zero. It is Black to move after six moves.

On the Latvian Gambit Accepted generally: ECO C40. A chess opening with 9 known variations.

You can play through this variation move by move in your browser — Learn mode walks the line with an explanation at each step, and Drill mode replays it from memory so you find out whether you actually know it. No account is required.

Latvian Gambit Accepted: Bronstein Attack — position after Be2 a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1
Position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 f5 3. Nxe5 Qf6 4. d4 d6 5. Nc4 fxe4 6. Be2

Move order

#WhiteBlack
1e4e5
2Nf3f5
3Nxe5Qf6
4d4d6
5Nc4fxe4
6Be2

ECO: C40

Stockfish: +1.13 at depth 18

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Position characteristics

Related Latvian Gambit Accepted lines

Frequently asked questions

What are the moves of the Bronstein Attack?

The Bronstein Attack goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 f5 3. Nxe5 Qf6 4. d4 d6 5. Nc4 fxe4 6. Be2. It is a variation of the Latvian Gambit Accepted and is catalogued as ECO C40.

What is the ECO code for the Bronstein Attack?

The Bronstein Attack is ECO C40. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Latvian Gambit Accepted.

Is the Bronstein Attack good for White?

Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 f5 3. Nxe5 Qf6 4. d4 d6 5. Nc4 fxe4 6. Be2 at +1.13 at depth 18, which is a small but real edge for White. Engine evaluation is only a starting point — at club level the practical value of a line is mostly about whether you know its plans better than your opponent does.

What kind of position does the Bronstein Attack lead to?

Both sides have pawns in the centre (White on d4, Black on e4). White is ahead in development, with two minor pieces out to Black's zero. It is Black to move.