Bongcloud

The Bongcloud Attack is an opening in chess which starts with the moves:

1. e4 e5
2. Ke2?

	a	b	c	d	e	f	g	h
8									8
7									7
6									6
5									5
4									4
3									3
2									2
1									1
	a	b	c	d	e	f	g	h

The Bongcloud Attack.

The Bongcloud is a non-serious and often controversial chess opening that involves moving the king out early, usually to e2. The Bongcloud is not a common or respected opening, and it's often played for fun or as a joke rather than in serious chess games. The reverse of the Bongcloud Opening is also called the Bongcloud, which White plays a move other than Nf3, d4, and Qh5 and then Black plays Ke7. If White plays the King’s Knight Variation (2... Nf3) or Center Game (2... d4), playing Ke7 is called the Bongcloud Gambit. If White plays the Wayward Queen Attack (2... Qh5) and Black plays the Bongcloud, Black will get checkmated after Qxe5#. This is known as the Bongcloud Mate.

History of the Bongcloud

The origins of the Bongcloud are unclear, but it's thought to have been invented by amateur players as a way to confuse or frustrate their opponents. The name "Bongcloud" is believed to have originated on internet forums or message boards, where players would post screenshots of their Bongcloud games as a way to poke fun at the opening.

Despite its non-serious nature, the Bongcloud has gained a small following online, with some players even creating opening variations or systems around it.

Why the Bongcloud is Not Recommended

While the Bongcloud may be entertaining to watch or play for some, it's not a sound opening strategy and can put the player at a disadvantage very quickly. Moving the king out early leaves it vulnerable to attack, and the opponent can gain control of the center and develop their pieces more quickly.

Additionally, the Bongcloud can be seen as disrespectful or unsportsmanlike, as it shows a lack of respect for the game and the opponent. It's not recommended to use the Bongcloud in serious or competitive chess games, and players who wish to improve their skills should focus on learning and practicing more conventional and effective opening strategies.

Variations of the Bongcloud

While the Bongcloud is not a recommended opening, some players have created variations or systems around it. These variations often involve developing the other pieces quickly and creating a strong pawn structure to compensate for the weakened king position.

One example of a Bongcloud variation is the "Bongcloud Attack" system, which involves playing 1.e4, 2.Ke2, and 3.d3 as White, followed by developing the other pieces and pushing the pawns forward.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bongcloud is a non-serious and often controversial chess opening that involves moving the king out early. While it may be entertaining to watch or play for some, it's not a sound opening strategy and can put the player at a disadvantage. It's not recommended to use the Bongcloud in serious or competitive chess games, and players who wish to improve their skills should focus on learning and practicing more conventional and effective opening strategies.

Bongcloud Counter-Gambit: Hotbox Variation

On the 15th of March 2021, Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura faced off against each other in the Magnus Carlsen Invitational Preliminaries. Because they both qualified already, they opted for a draw they called the Bongcloud Counter-Gambit: Hotbox Variation

1. e4 e5
2. Ke2 Ke7
3. Ke1 Ke8
4. Ke2 Ke7
5. Ke1 Ke8
6. Ke2 Ke7
7. Ke1 Ke8