Portuguese Gambit

Scandinavian Defense

1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Nf6 3.d4 Bg4 4.Nf3

Black delays the recapture and plays ...Bg4 at once, offering the pawn for quick development.

The idea

After 3.d4 Bg4 4.Nf3, Black develops the bishop with a pin before taking back on d5. If White holds the pawn, Black gets fast development and attacking chances. Wikipedia calls the Portuguese a sharp line; Lichess names 4.Nf3 its Classical Variation.

Plans for White

Develop calmly with Be2, c4 and Nc3, and decide whether to keep the d5 pawn or give it back for a safe position. White can also choose the sharper 4.f3 or 4.Bb5+, which have their own lines.

Plans for Black

Win the pawn back with ...Qxd5 or ...Nxd5 when it is safe, or keep developing with ...e6 and ...Nc6 and take it back later. The bishop on g4 and Black's quick development are the point of the gambit.

Watch out for

For Black, getting nothing for the pawn. If White develops safely and keeps d5, Black is simply a pawn down.

For White, the bishop on g4 and pressure on d4. If the pinned knight on f3 is traded with ...Bxf3, d4 loses a defender, and Black's pieces can win the pawn back with interest.