Portuguese Opening · C20
Portuguese Gambit
1. e4 e5 2. Bb5 Nf6 3. d4
The pawns on d4 and e5 stand in direct tension - the first player to resolve it chooses the structure.
The first 4 moves, explained
- 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 1... e5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d4, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 2. Bb5 Develops with a pin: the pawn on d7 is stuck shielding the king. Theory calls this the Portuguese Opening.
- 2... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4.
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Where this fits
This line is one of 3 in the Portuguese Opening. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.