ECO code: C20
Open Game: Portuguese, 2...Nf6
The Portuguese Opening arises after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Bb5 Nf6. Here, Black develops the knight to f6 early, immediately challenging White’s central presence and preparing for quick kingside development.
Characteristic: The key feature of 2...Nf6 in the Portuguese is Black’s active piece play and early pressure on the e4 pawn. Unlike the more common 2...Nc6 in the Ruy Lopez, this move invites dynamic play and potential counterattacks.
Attacking or Defensive: From Black’s perspective, 2...Nf6 is an attacking move, aiming to contest the center and provoke White to clarify the central tension. White must decide how to defend or advance the e4 pawn, often leading to sharp play.
Center Control: Yes, this opening directly contests the center. Black’s knight on f6 attacks the e4 pawn, encouraging active central engagement from both sides. White’s Bb5 indirectly supports central control by pinning Black’s knight on c6 (if played later), but the immediate battle for the center is the main theme.
This opening is defined by the position shown on the board below. The moves displayed are a typical sequence that leads to it, but different sequences can reach the same position and still carry the same opening name.
Practice puzzles and train your tactics with real positions from games that used the Open Game: Portuguese, 2...Nf6, and sharpen your opening mastery.
Puzzle 1 of 4 - Move #7 black