The Corkscrew Gambit is a variation of the Latvian Gambit, catalogued as ECO C40. The line runs 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 f5 3. Nxe5 Nf6 4. Bc4 fxe4 5. Nf7 Qe7 6. Nxh8 d5, reaching the position shown below after 12 half-moves.
Black holds the centre with pawns on d5 and e4. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and White is up five points of material. It is White to move after six moves.
On the Latvian Gambit generally: ECO C40. A chess opening with 17 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.
See all 3 Latvian Gambit variations →
The Corkscrew Gambit goes 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 f5 3. Nxe5 Nf6 4. Bc4 fxe4 5. Nf7 Qe7 6. Nxh8 d5. It is a variation of the Latvian Gambit and is catalogued as ECO C40.
The Corkscrew Gambit is ECO C40. ECO codes group openings by their move order, so nearby codes cover closely related lines of the Latvian Gambit.
Stockfish evaluates the position after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 f5 3. Nxe5 Nf6 4. Bc4 fxe4 5. Nf7 Qe7 6. Nxh8 d5 at +2.18 at depth 18, which is a clear advantage 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.
Black holds the centre with pawns on d5 and e4. Development is level at two minor pieces each, and White is up five points of material. It is White to move.