Bongcloud Attack
ECO C20 · 1. e4 e5 2. Ke2
The Bongcloud Attack, 1.e4 e5 2.Ke2, is a joke opening that breaks every principle: it blocks the bishop and queen and gives up castling on move two. It became famous online when top grandmasters played it in blitz as a light-hearted gesture.
Plans for White
There is no real plan beyond returning the king to safety later, typically with Ke1 or a slow walk to the kingside, and trying to play a normal middlegame a few tempi down.
Plans for Black
Black simply develops quickly, takes the center with ...d5, and looks to open lines toward the exposed king.
Typical pawn structures
Normal e4/e5 structures, but White's king and lost time are the defining features.
Who it suits
Fun games with friends or to make a point in a winning position. Not recommended for serious play, although it is a good lesson in why opening principles exist.
Common traps
The real trap is psychological: against a stronger opponent it simply hands over the initiative.