Chess opening · ECO B01

Scandinavian Defense: Portuguese Gambit

The Scandinavian Defense: Portuguese Gambit starts 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. d4 Bg4. It ranks #163 of the 174 openings on this site by how often rated players on Lichess reach it.

The position after 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. d4 Bg4. White to move.

Move by move

  1. 1. e4White pushes the e-pawn two squares to e4, staking a claim in the center.
  2. 1... d5Black pushes the d-pawn two squares to d5, staking a claim in the center.
  3. 2. exd5White takes the pawn on d5 with the e-pawn.
  4. 2... Nf6Black develops the kingside knight to f6.
  5. 3. d4White pushes the d-pawn two squares to d4, staking a claim in the center.
  6. 3... Bg4Black develops the light-squared bishop to g4. It now attacks the queen on d1.

At the end of the line White is a pawn up.

What players choose next, by rating

The three most common White moves from this position in rated Lichess games, grouped by the rating of the player making the move. Be2 is the most popular next move among players rated 1400–1599 and 2000 and up, though the favorite changes in between.

RatingMost commonSecondThird
1400–1599Be2 100%––
1600–1799Be2 50%f3 25%Nf3 25%
1800–1999Nf3 37%Be2 35%f3 28%
2000 and upBe2 100%––

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