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.Bc5), by delaying Nf3 White has left 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 to transpose into the Ruy Lopez, but a more popular try is to kick the White bishop with 2...c6.
The game might continue 3.Ba4 Nf6 and now White's best move is probably 4.Nc3.
