Bongcloud Opening (1.e4 e5 2.Ke2)
The Bongcloud Opening begins with the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Ke2. Instead of developing a piece or castling later, White immediately moves the king into the centre of the board.
Because it breaks several basic opening principles, the Bongcloud became famous as a humorous or provocative opening in online chess culture.
The Position After 2.Ke2
Try the Bongcloud vs the Computer
Curious how bad the position really is? Start from the Bongcloud position and try playing it against the computer.
Why the Bongcloud Is a Bad Opening
The move 2.Ke2 breaks several important opening principles.
- The king loses the right to castle.
- The queen and bishop become blocked.
- The king becomes exposed in the centre.
- No piece is developed.
Instead of improving White's position, the move mostly creates weaknesses and slows development.
A Simple Way to Punish the Bongcloud
The best approach is not to hunt for a quick tactic. Just develop normally and take control of the centre.
After 2...Nf6, Black develops naturally while attacking the pawn on e4. White already has problems coordinating pieces.
The Famous Double Bongcloud
Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura famously played the Double Bongcloud during the 2021 Magnus Carlsen Invitational. Both players moved their kings early and repeated moves for a draw.
The Double Bongcloud occurs after:
1.e4 e5 2.Ke2 Ke7
Both players move their kings early. This position became famous after Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura played it in an online tournament game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bongcloud opening in chess?
The Bongcloud Opening is a humorous chess opening that begins with the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Ke2. White moves the king early instead of developing a piece, which violates several basic opening principles.
What moves define the Bongcloud opening?
The Bongcloud Opening usually begins with 1.e4 e5 2.Ke2. The defining idea is moving the king on move two instead of developing a piece.
Is the Bongcloud opening good?
No. The Bongcloud Opening is widely considered a poor opening because it moves the king early, blocks the queen and bishop, and permanently gives up the right to castle.
Is the Bongcloud a blunder?
The Bongcloud is not an immediate blunder that loses the game instantly, but it is strategically inferior because it weakens king safety and wastes time.
Is the Bongcloud the worst chess opening?
The Bongcloud is often jokingly described as one of the worst chess openings because it breaks several key opening principles and leaves the king exposed.
Why is it called the Bongcloud?
The name likely originated from internet chess culture and the username Lenny_Bongcloud. It humorously suggests the move is so strange that the player must be intoxicated to think it is a good idea.
Who invented the Bongcloud opening?
The opening became popular online through internet chess communities and the user Lenny_Bongcloud, although the move itself existed long before it became a meme.
Did Magnus Carlsen play the Bongcloud?
Yes. Magnus Carlsen famously played the Bongcloud in online blitz games and in a tournament game against Hikaru Nakamura where both players used the Double Bongcloud.
Did Hikaru Nakamura play the Bongcloud?
Yes. Hikaru Nakamura has used the Bongcloud in online blitz events and once streamed an account where he repeatedly played the opening.
What is the Double Bongcloud?
The Double Bongcloud occurs after the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Ke2 Ke7, where both players move their kings early.
Why do some strong players use the Bongcloud?
Strong players sometimes use the Bongcloud as a joke, psychological weapon, or entertainment in blitz games.
How do you punish the Bongcloud opening?
The best way to punish the Bongcloud is to develop pieces normally, control the center, and exploit the exposed king.
Can you win with the Bongcloud?
Yes. Players can still win with the Bongcloud because chess games are decided by mistakes, but the opening itself gives the opponent a better position.
What is the Bongcloud Attack?
The Bongcloud Attack is another name for the Bongcloud Opening referring to the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Ke2.
Is playing the Bongcloud insulting?
Some players consider the Bongcloud disrespectful because it suggests the player believes they can win despite making a weak move.
Why is moving the king early bad in chess?
Moving the king early prevents castling, exposes the king to attack, and wastes time that should be used to develop pieces.