The Most Ridiculous Chess Opening Names That Actually Exist

Chess has its fair share of genius moves, but sometimes it feels like players just threw caution and logic to the wind. Some openings have names so ridiculous you’d swear they were a joke. Let’s explore a few that prove chess isn’t always as serious as it seems. Otherwise, hell no, real chess can break you to the core. We all know that!

Monkey’s Bum

Yes, it’s real. And yes, it’s called that. The Monkey’s Bum Opening is a variation of the Modern Defense. It was born in the 1970s, courtesy of International Master Nigel Povah. When his friend Ken Coates saw it in action, he famously declared, If that works, then I’m a monkey’s bum! It worked, and the name stuck. Well...

Hippopotamus Defense

The Hippo Defense is basically like an actual hippo lying in wait. Black sets up pawns on d6 and e6 fianchettos both bishops and keeps the knights chilling on e7 and d7. It’s slow and a little passive. Like a hippo deciding it’s had enough, this opening can suddenly charge with devastating force. You've to see it on the board.

Orangutan Opening

Grandmaster Savielly Tartakower took the name to the next level. After a visit to the Bronx Zoo in 1924, he christened 1.b4 the Orangutan Opening in honour of a particularly memorable orangutan named Suzan. The opening is as unpredictable as it sounds. Good luck with that!

Fried Liver Attack