Bongcloud enjoyer - Chess glossary

Bongcloud enjoyer

Definition

A “Bongcloud enjoyer” is a chess player who deliberately plays the meme opening known as the Bongcloud—most famously beginning 1. e4 e5 2. Ke2—with enthusiasm and pride, often for entertainment value, psychological effect, or speed-chess practicality. The term blends internet slang with chess culture, describing someone who appreciates the humor, irony, and offbeat challenge of placing the king on e2 (or …Ke7 for Black) at move two.

Origins and cultural context

The Bongcloud Attack originated as a tongue-in-cheek, “anti-theory” opening that subverts classical principles by exposing the king early. It gained mainstream visibility in online blitz and bullet, particularly via streamers and top grandmasters who employed it playfully on camera. The term “Bongcloud enjoyer” emerged from this online culture—someone who not only tries the opening but revels in its audacity.

• Top-level spotlight: The “double Bongcloud” (1. e4 e5 2. Ke2 Ke7) famously appeared in Magnus Carlsen vs. Hikaru Nakamura, Magnus Carlsen Invitational, 2021, ending in a quick draw and cementing the opening’s meme status.
• Streaming era: Content creators popularized the line in blitz and bullet, often to surprise viewers and opponents alike.
• Community vibe: It’s associated with humor, “coffeehouse” bravado, and the willingness to embrace chaos for entertainment and psychological pressure.

How it’s used in chess

While rarely seen in serious classical events, the Bongcloud is a frequent guest in online fast time controls (blitz, bullet, hyperbullet). A Bongcloud enjoyer typically uses it to:

• Disrupt an opponent’s prep: Avoiding Book and forcing the game into uncharted territory.
• Play for practical chances: In Bullet and Blitz, unusual positions can generate Swindling chances and time pressure.
• Entertain and tilt: It’s a classic Coffeehouse choice and a quintessential “Streamer move”.
• Psych warfare: The shock value can provoke overreaction or a premature Blunder.

Strategic ideas and themes

Despite its comedic reputation, the Bongcloud isn’t completely random. A Bongcloud enjoyer often follows practical ideas tailored to fast chess:

• King walk plan: Ke2-f1 or Ke2-e1 with Re1, c3, d4 setups; sometimes Kf2 if a kingside fianchetto (g3, Bg2) is chosen.
• Flexible center: White often plays d3, Nd2, c3, and sometimes d4 under favorable circumstances to claim central squares later.
• Piece coordination: Knights to f3 and d2; bishops on e2/d3 or via fianchetto; quick rook connection despite the king’s adventure.
• Practical traps: Opponents may overextend in pursuit of the exposed king, allowing tactical resources like In-between move ideas, Deflection, or surprise checks for time gain.
• Engine verdict: Typical Engine eval gives a negative CP score for White; it’s objectively dubious, but subjectively playable in fast time controls.

Risks include a permanently compromised King in the center and limited castling rights (you can’t castle after moving the king). Many Bongcloud enjoyers compensate with activity, initiative, and clock pressure.

Playing as a Bongcloud enjoyer: practical tips

• Use the clock: Lean into time pressure. Strong pre-move habits and clean development matter for Flagging.
• Simple plans: Keep structure solid (d3, c3), harmonize pieces, and avoid over-ambition until your king finds safety (often back to e1 or over to f2/f1).
• Avoid autopilot: Respect basic tactics—don’t gift a quick Back rank mate or walk into a forceful central break (…d5/…f5).
• Psychology first: Choose it against theory-heavy opponents or when you sense frustration; it’s a practical weapon, not a universal solution.

Against a Bongcloud enjoyer: Strike quickly in the center (…d5, …f5), develop with tempo (…Bg4, …Nd4 ideas), and keep the initiative. Keep your cool—don’t force it into a Howler.

Example line (visualize the setup)

Here’s a compact sample of typical Bongcloud development for White. After 1. e4 e5 2. Ke2, White aims for Nf3, d3, c3, Ke1 or Kf2, and steady piece play:

Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Ke2 Nc6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. d3 d5

Position notes: White’s king is on e2. White can consider Nbd2, c3, Ke1, and a slow buildup; Black has gained central space with …d5 and can develop …Bg4, …Be7, and castle quickly.

Notable appearances

• Magnus Carlsen vs. Hikaru Nakamura, Magnus Carlsen Invitational, 2021: The infamous “double Bongcloud” (1. e4 e5 2. Ke2 Ke7) that ended swiftly, spotlighting the meme at elite level.
• Stream games by top blitz specialists such as gmhikaru often feature the Bongcloud in bullet and blitz exhibitions.

Fun facts and anecdotes

• Double Bongcloud: Both sides play Ke2/…Ke7 on move two—an instant classic in chess humor.
• Artificial “uncastling”: Since the king moved, castling is off the table; some enjoyers jokingly call their later Kf1 “DIY castling.”
• Meme ecology: “Bongcloud enjoyer” often pairs with ironic labels like Grob enjoyer, Caveman attack, or “Streamer move”.
• Swindle machine: Chaotic king placement can increase Swindling chances in severe Zeitnot—a favorite hunting ground for the seasoned flagger.

Pros and cons at a glance

• Pros: Surprise value; disrupts Book; increases practical errors; fun and memorable; great content for streams/skittles.
• Cons: Objectively inferior; king safety; no castling; strong opposition may punish with principled central play.

Related terms and cross-references

• Openings and memes: Grob enjoyer, Coffeehouse chess, Streamer move
• Time and technique: Blitz, Bullet, Flagging, Dirty flag
• Evaluation and engines: Engine, Engine eval, CP
• King safety themes: King in the center, Artificial castling
• Culture: Boomer chess, Opening enjoyer, Swindle

Quick FAQ for searchers

• What is a Bongcloud enjoyer? A player who relishes using the Bongcloud (1. e4 e5 2. Ke2) for fun, surprise, and practical edge in fast time controls.
• Is the Bongcloud sound? No, engines consider it dubious, but it’s playable as a practical weapon in blitz/bullet.
• Why play it? For psychological impact, entertainment, and to sidestep heavy Theory.

Profile of a Bongcloud enjoyer

Typical habitat: online blitz/bullet, stream shows, and casual skittles. Loves chaos, values practical chances over objective evaluation, and thrives in time scrambles.

Peak Blitz rating:

Rating over time:

Example miniature with ideas

One possible flow against a principled opponent:

1. e4 e5 2. Ke2 Nc6 3. Nf3 d5 4. d3 Nf6 5. Nbd2 Bc5 6. c3 a5 7. a4 O-O 8. Ke1 Re8 9. Be2 h6. White stabilizes, plans Qc2, h3, and a later Nf1–g3; Black pushes central pressure with …dxe4 or …Be6.

Historical significance and legacy

The Bongcloud’s leap from niche joke to mainstream meme underscores how online culture reshapes opening trends. A Bongcloud enjoyer symbolizes the modern, entertainment-savvy chess player: fearless, ironic, and comfortable blending showmanship with strategy. Its high-profile cameo in Carlsen vs. Nakamura (2021) gave the meme an enduring place in chess history.

Bottom line

Being a Bongcloud enjoyer isn’t about refuting classical chess—it’s about embracing creativity, fun, and practical edge in fast games. If you wield it responsibly, you’ll get laughs, content, and occasionally, a shock victory. If you face it, play principled moves, hit the center, and don’t tilt.