← Bongcloud Attack

Practice: The Double Bongcloud

When both kings unite

Both players advance their kings to the second rank. A completely equal and completely ridiculous position. Famously played by Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura in a 2021 rapid game - they agreed a draw immediately.

1. e4 e5
2. Ke2 Ke7
♟

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Key strategic ideas

  • 2.Ke2 is the defining move. White brings the king to the centre early, giving up castling rights in exchange for confusion and chaos.
  • The Bongcloud is a meme, not a serious opening. Its only value is psychological and it is only recommended in blitz or for entertainment.
  • After 2.Ke2, White often follows up with d4, h4, or g4. The goal is to keep the opponent off balance.

Common mistakes & traps

  • The Double Bongcloud (2.Ke2 Ke7) is the rarest response. Both sides lose castling rights and the game becomes total chaos.
  • If Black tries to play normally with 2...d5 3.exd5 Qxd5, the king on e2 is surprisingly safe. There is no easy way to punish the exposed king.

Pawn structure notes

The Bongcloud ignores normal chess principles. The pawn structure is whatever develops, because the king's position makes standard opening concepts irrelevant.

Tips

  • Both kings are now blocking development and will never castle
  • The position is objectively equal - the game is perfectly balanced, as all things should be
  • Carlsen and Nakamura drew this game in 2021, sending the chess world into chaos

About this line

This line is rated beginner. Practice it repeatedly until you can play the entire sequence without thinking. The in-app trainer tracks your perfect streaks and celebrates milestones.