Schacksnack

In this episode, gambit expert Björn Knöppel (with IM Thomas Engqvist behind the camera) explores one of the most unusual and daring openings in chess — the Humphrey Bogart Gambit: 1.d4 Nf6 2.g4.

This fascinating but risky idea works best against the right opponent or under fast time controls — the quicker, the better. The gambit was even featured in a thematic correspondence chess tournament, showing that it’s not just a curiosity, but a playable surprise weapon.

Björn presents a book that covers this rare line and analyses a game featuring Humphrey Bogart (1899–1957) himself — the legendary Hollywood actor best known for Casablanca (1942) alongside Ingrid Bergman. Bogart, a keen chess player, even appears at the board in that classic film.