Portuguese Opening
What is the Portuguese Opening?
The Portuguese Opening is a chess opening that begins with 1. e4 e5 2. Bb5. It is classified under ECO C20 and has 3 named variations. White chooses it with the move Bb5.
Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Bb5
ECO: C20
Chosen by: White
Main variations
1. e4 e5 2. Bb5 Bc5 3. b4
1. e4 e5 2. Bb5 Nf6 3. d4
All 3 variations
| ECO | Variation | Moves |
|---|---|---|
| C20 | Main line | 1. e4 e5 2. Bb5 |
| C20 | Miguel Gambit | 1. e4 e5 2. Bb5 Bc5 3. b4 |
| C20 | Portuguese Gambit | 1. e4 e5 2. Bb5 Nf6 3. d4 |
How to learn an opening
Learn the ideas before the moves: where the pieces go, which pawn breaks matter and what the typical middlegame plans are. Then play it, and after each game look up the point where you or your opponent left the known moves. MentoChess shows that point automatically for every game you import.
Opening lessons: Three golden opening rules · Scholar’s mate and how to stop it · Italian Game: plans, not just moves · Answering 1.d4: the Queen’s Gambit Declined · Meeting the Sicilian with 2.c3 · From moves to structures