Portuguese Opening

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This article uses algebraic notation to describe chess moves.

The Portuguese Opening is a chess opening that begins with the moves

1.e4 e5

2.Bb5

The Portuguese is an uncommon opening. In contrast to the Ruy Lopez (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5), by delaying Nf3 White leaves the f-pawn free to move and retains the possibility of playing d3 and f4. The tradeoff is that White's lack of pressure on e5 leaves Black with a freer hand.

If Black replies 2...Nf6, White can try a gambit with 3.d4. Another Black reply is 2...Nc6, possibly hoping White will transpose into the Ruy Lopez with 3.Nf3, but a more popular try is to kick White's bishop with 2...c6. The game might continue 3.Ba4 Nf6 and now White can play 4.Nc3 or 4.Qe2.

[edit] Reader Commentary

Another advantage of the Portuguese opening is the possibility of pulling apart the lower pawn structure by tempting the a, b and c pawns out in pursuit of the bishop.