user8291: Why is the Gibbins-Wiedehagen Gambit (1.d4 Nf6 2.g4) also known as the Maltese Falcon Attack (or Gambit)? Is there any specific reason for that?

user13147: Well, it's known as a gambit because Bc8 eyes on g4.
A common mistake is 1.d4 Nf6 2.g4? Nxg4? 3.e4 with initiative.

The Maltese Falcon is a prime example of a story that, while important in its day, is lost on the current generation.

Named after Claude Bloodgood, the opening was played as the Bogart Poisoned Spike in the 30's. 
Clearly it's lost on the current generation: 2.g4? Doesn't do anything to control the center. What will White do after 2...h6! 3.Bg2 c6, when Black will play solid and exploit White's weakness ten moves later?

user9025: Humphrey Bogart was known to play this opening on a regular basis. Here is one of the recorded games with him playing the opening. One of Bogart's most famous movies is The Maltese Falcon, thus the Maltese Falcon Gambit or Attack.

8291: <p>Why is the Gibbins-Wiedehagen Gambit (1.d4 Nf6 2.g4) also known as the Maltese Falcon Attack (or Gambit)? Is there any specific reason for that?</p>
 13147: <p>Well, it's known as a gambit because Bc8 eyes on g4.</p>

<p>A common mistake is 1.d4 Nf6 2.g4? Nxg4? 3.e4 with initiative.</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>The Maltese Falcon is a prime example of a story that, while important in its day, is lost on the current generation.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Named after Claude Bloodgood, the opening was played as the <a href="http://bdgpages.blogspot.com/2008/11/maltese-falcon-attack.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Bogart Poisoned Spike</a> in the 30's. </p>

<p>Clearly it's lost on the current generation: 2.g4? Doesn't do anything to control the center. What will White do after 2...h6! 3.Bg2 c6, when Black will play solid and exploit White's weakness ten moves later?</p>
 9025: <p>Humphrey Bogart was known to play this opening on a regular basis. <a href="http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1233918&amp;kpage=1" rel="noreferrer">Here</a> is one of the recorded games with him playing the opening. One of Bogart's most famous movies is The Maltese Falcon, thus the Maltese Falcon Gambit or Attack.</p>
