Recently, it seems that the Latvian Gambit has always been in the news. Oh, sure, it might not always be the headline story, but it's always what everyone's wondering about in the 'underground' scene. Well, wonder no more, because games like this are evidence that it's still alive and well! Black certainly had an interesting take on the Latvian in this game, and showed superb endgame play as well!

The Gambit King

Nice!

Thanks, man... it's good to hear something positive every once in a while with all the 'sceptics' out there, LOL!

Tasty game. I'm thinking of playing this gambit as a surprise weapon now...

This has been one of those 'hotter' topics as of late.  I still don't see how, especially in the hands of two people that know what they're doing, gambit's aren't considered positional games.  There are positional moves here made by both players.  Even stranger, white only had a few slip-ups by the look of things, i thought white always won the latvian?

I'm assuming that you're referring to the convention of people juxtaposing the two extremes of POSITIONAL and TACTICAL... there are often misunderstandings associated with both of these terms. In my opinion, the Latvian Gambit is positionally solid because it is, in essence a counterattack on White's centre, and unlike the Damiano Defence, 3. P-KB3 (f6) ? (The other move of the king's bishop pawn on the third move), in the Latvian Gambit the King's Knight is free to use that square to chase away White's queen. As for your statement: "I thought White always won the Latvian?" I have four words to say:

"Class is in session"

The Gambit King

P. S.: Accept my game challenge, and good luck... I love it when people say those types of things about the Greco Counter Gambit...

lol, i'm doomed

I should have been clear: I made that statement because that's what all the 'experts' say.  I was aiming at the sarcastic angle. 

LOL no hard feelings man... btw, I wouldn't be so sure about that! I've lost a lot, and I mean a LOT! Take this for instance:

Gambit king that last game was horrible omg, lol..... but I've had the same problems so don't worry about it

Seen some of those Latvian games you've posted.  They look scary to meet over the board, especially without prep.  (That alone, in a way, makes it a valuable weapon, especially in over the board).  That game, by the way, was spectacular.

Still, I think I'll stick to my Sicilian.