Alessio De Santis

The Hippopotamus Defence

A Deceptively Dangerous Universal Chess

Opening System for Black

New In Chess 2019

Contents
Explanation of symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
The Hippopotamus in 60 seconds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Layout of the book and study method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Stage 1: Flash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Chapter 1: Introduction to the Hippopotamus system . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Chapter 2: A universal defence or not? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Chapter 3: The idea behind the Hippopotamus defence . . . . . . . . . . 21
Chapter 4: Why play the Hippopotamus? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Chapter 5: Hippopotamus or semi-Hippopotamus? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Chapter 6: The strategic elements of the Hippopotamus . . . . . . . . . 30
Chapter 7: The significance of the Hippopotamus moves . . . . . . . . . 46
Chapter 8: The significance of the semi-Hippopotamus moves . . . . 53
Chapter 9: Three famous Hippopotamuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Stage 2: Reflection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Chapter 10: History and development of the Hippopotamus . . . . . . 66
Chapter 11: How to classify Hippopotamus games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Chapter 12: Instructive games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
  Section 1: From the king’s centre to a King’s Indian centre . . . . . 82
  Section 2: From the king’s centre to a French centre . . . . . . . . . . 107
  Section 3: From the classical centre to a Sicilian centre . . . . . . . 122
  Section 4: From the classical centre to an open e-file . . . . . . . . . 132
  Section 5: From the classical centre to an open d-file . . . . . . . . . 138
  Section 6: Extended 3-pawn king’s centre
       (Austrian Attack) ♙f4+♙e4+♙d4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
  Section 7: Attack with the h6♙+g5♙ and
       attack with the a6♙+b5♙ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
  Section 8: Using the f5♙ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
  Section 9: Extended 3-pawn queen’s centre ♙e4+♙d4+♙c4 . . . . .188
  Section 10: Benoni structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
  Section 11: 4-pawn centre ♙c4+♙d4+♙e4+♙f4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
  Section 12: 1-pawn centres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
  Section 13: The Super-Hippopotamus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237

5
 The Hippopotamus Defence

Stage 3: In depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245

Chapter 13: Elements of advanced strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Chapter 14: Theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
  Section 1: Theoretical problems in the 2-pawn centre
       (classical centre) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
  Section 2: Theoretical problems in the 3-pawn centre
       (Austrian Attack) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
  Section 3: Theoretical problems in the 3-pawn queen’s centre . . 275
Chapter 15: Mistakes to avoid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Chapter 16: Complex games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291

Points to remember when building a repertoire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313

Repertoire with 1...g6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Repertoire with 1...b6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Index of players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320

Explanation of symbols
The chessboard
with its coordinates:
8
7 TsLdMlSt
6 jJjJjJjJ 䩲 White stands slightly better
5 ._._._._ 䩱 Black stands slightly better
4 _._._._.  White stands better
3 ._._._._  Black stands better
_._._._.  White has a decisive advantage
2
IiIiIiIi  Black has a decisive advantage
1
rNbQkBnR  balanced position
∞ unclear
a b c d e f g h
⇆ with counterplay
q White to move ! good move
n Black to move !! excellent move
♔ King ? bad move
♕ Queen ?? blunder
♖ Rook !? interesting move
♗ Bishop ?! dubious move
♘ Knight N novelty

6
Preface
Hello to all my old and new readers.

In this book I propose to you the dangerous and underrated

Hippopotamus system, a ‘universal’ defence for Black against all White’s
possible openings: 1.e4, 1.d4, 1.c4, 1.f4, Colle, London, Trompowsky, Réti
and minor ones.

For me this system has a great sentimental and practical value as it was
my main defence in the period when I achieved three IM norms. Back
in 2006, I wrote a book on this set-up which sold out quickly and is now
unavailable. In the meantime the system has grown and has been noticed
by many players, both at normal Open level and by top GMs. I myself
gained a fourth IM norm thanks to the semi-Hippopotamus, in a key
game against the ‘living legend’ Romanishin, and several students of mine
have had success with this system. In short, now is the right time for a
completely new work on the Hippopotamus system, supplemented by a
full discussion of the semi-Hippopotamus, which was left unexplored in
the earlier book.

An ever wider public is looking for clear and simple systems of play,
to avoid getting lost in the endless maze of opening theory, and the
Hippopotamus really fits the bill here. The book is aimed at everyone,
in that the explanations are as detailed as possible. Conversely, using the
opening itself will be more suitable for some than others. In the band
from beginners up to Elo 1800 it can be used with light preparation, as
games are decided by factors that lie outside the opening; in the 1800-2100
range, a good knowledge of the strategy and a careful study of move orders
will be needed. Above the 2100 threshold, the defence is still perfectly
sound but, for competitive reasons, it is kept back as a surprise weapon
because it requires accurate preparation as well as deeper study by yourself
with a computer.

It’s time to get down to work. Enjoy your Hippopotamus games!

Alessio De Santis
Piacenza 2018

7
The Hippopotamus in 60 seconds

The Hippopotamus is a The semi-Hippopotamus

‘universal’ set-up for Black, comes about when it isn’t
against all White openings. possible, or suitable, to
complete all the moves of the
basic set-up.

T_.dM_.t T_LdM_.t
_LjSsJl. _.jSjJlJ
Jj.jJ_Jj J_.j.sJ_
_._._._. _J_._._.
._._._._ ._._._._
_._._._. _._._._.
IiIiIiIi IiIiIiIi
rNbQkBnR rNbQkBnR

T_.d.tM_ T_.dM_.t
jL_SsJlJ jL_SlJj.
.j.jJ_J_ .j._Js.j
_.j._._. _.jJ_._.
._._._._ ._._._._
_._._._. _._._._.
IiIiIiIi IiIiIiIi
rNbQkBnR rNbQkBnR

T_.dM_.t Ts.dMl.t
jLjSlJjJ jLjJ_.jJ
.j.jJs._ .j._Js._
_._._._. _._._J_.
._._._._ ._._._._
_._._._. _._._._.
IiIiIiIi IiIiIiIi
rNbQkBnR rNbQkBnR

There is only one Hippopotamus, there are many semi-Hippos.

9
The Hippopotamus Defence

Layout of the book and study method

This book is designed to be studied in three parts, corresponding to three
different levels of detail. You can study one, two or three of the sections
according to how much preparation you need. The many diagrams given
allow you to study large parts of the book by following the moves without
a board from one diagram to the next.

Stage 1: Flash
The first stage makes much use of visualization of positions, rather
than memorizing moves. Here you’ll find the basics for playing the
Hippopotamus straight away, advantages, disadvantages and a quick
outline of strategic themes and recurring motifs. This section might take
you no more than 3-4 hours of work, depending on your playing strength
and how quickly you learn.

Stage 2: Reflection
The second stage introduces you to the study of complete strategies and
the problems posed by your opponent. It is the longest section, full of
instructive annotated games without the burden of theory. The knowledge
contained in the first two levels is often adequate for me to compete up to
international level, given that many opponents are not as well prepared
for the Hippopotamus as they are for other openings.

Stage 3: In depth
In the third stage we’ll do a detailed study of the theoretical problems
(often not known by White either), but still in a form that’s manageable for
the club player. This is the part where semi-Hippopotamuses predominate,
because these come about to counter specific ideas by White.

10
Stage 1: Flash
TOPICS
• Chapter 1 – Introduction to the Hippopotamus system
• Chapter 2 – A universal defence or not?
• Chapter 3 – The idea behind the Hippopotamus defence
• Chapter 4 – Why play the Hippopotamus?
• Chapter 5 – Hippopotamus or semi-Hippopotamus?
• Chapter 6 – The strategic elements of the Hippopotamus
• Chapter 7 – The significance of the Hippopotamus moves
• Chapter 8 – The significance of the semi-Hippopotamus moves
• Chapter 9 – Three famous Hippopotamuses

11
Stage 1: Flash

CHAPTER 7

The significance of the Hippopotamus

moves
Now we will look at the Hippopotamus concept, the significance of each
move and take a look ahead to some finesses.
You can start off with 1...g6 or 1...b6.

Starting with 1...g6

1.e4 centre, as prescribed in the chess
The king’s pawn opening 1.e4 is the bibles.
most common move, you’ll meet it 2...♗g7
40% of the time. You complete the fianchetto by
1...g6 deploying the bishop.
You fianchetto on the kingside to
move the dark-squared bishop onto TsLdM_St
the long diagonal h8-a1. jJjJjJlJ
._._._J_
TsLdMlSt _._._._.
jJjJjJ_J ._.iI_._
._._._J_ _._._._.
_._._._. IiI_.iIi
._._I_._ rNbQkBnR
_._._._.
IiIi.iIi Note that your king’s bishop is
rNbQkBnR attacking the d4♙, but it’s defended
by the white queen. Had you begun
Since this fianchetto is present in with 1...b6/2...♗b7, the attack would
the Pirc/Modern/Dragon, White be on the undefended e4♙.
needs to bear in mind a great many 3.♘c3
transpositions. White develops naturally. For him
You can start off with 1...d6, 1...e6, it is too early for drastic moves
or immediately 1...a6, 1...h6, each of like 3.f4, against which you have
these requires special tuning to deal valid options such as 3...c5, or 3...
with the problem of the Austrian c6 followed by 4...d5, or even 3...d5
Attack. immediately, with a good type of
2.d4 Gurgenidze System, in which Black
White brings up a second pawn controls the light squares. The best
alongside the first, occupying the way to counter f2-f4 is for you to

46
 Chapter 7 – The significance of the Hippopotamus moves

go into these openings, because in

any case you should deviate with a T_LdM_St
semi-Hippo sooner or later. jJjSjJlJ
3...d6 ._.j._J_
_._._._.
TsLdM_St ._.iI_._
jJj.jJlJ _.n._N_.
._.j._J_ IiI_.iIi
_._._._. r.bQkB_R
._.iI_._
_.n._._. 5.♗c4
IiI_.iIi White can develop this bishop
r.bQkBnR on various squares. He’s also
threatening the trick ♗xf7+,
You continue with the move that if Black isn’t careful, e.g. 5...a6?
points towards two major openings, 6.♗xf7+ ♔xf7 7.♘g5+ ♔f6 (7...♔e8
the Pirc and Modern. You prepare 8.♘e6) 8.♕f3#.
the development of the knight and 5...e6
at the same time the ♗c8 eyes the You establish the first backward
sensitive f5-square if needs be. pair of pawns side by side, prepare
4.♘f3 the development of the other
This is the first key moment. knight, block the attack on the f7♙
White has to decide between a and begin to control d5 too.
solid ‘normal’ development and an
aggressive 4.f4 or 4.f3. T_LdM_St
I can tell you straight away that in jJjS_JlJ
practice you will often reach the ._.jJ_J_
generic Hippopotamus with 4.♘f3. _._._._.
But 1.e4 specialists will employ the ._BiI_._
Austrian Attack and the like, so _.n._N_.
you need to have a specific antidote IiI_.iIi
ready. We will go into this later. r.bQk._R
4...♘d7
You develop the knight to a 6.♗g5
sheltered place and control the White thinks he’s gaining a tempo,
e5-square. but he’ll have to give it back later.
You can continue with 4... e6, 4... This is not the best, but it happens
b6, 4...h6 or 4...a6 (the latter is often because White wants to
considered best by Tiger Hillarp provoke what he considers a
Persson) but clearly these are less weakening.
useful moves. 6...♘e7

47
Stage 1: Flash

Developing the knight blocks the gain time with ...b7-b5, so White
attack on your queen. prevents this:
9.a4 b6
T_LdM_.t Black goes for a second fianchetto.
jJjSsJlJ
._.jJ_J_ T_LdM_.t
_._._.b. _.jSsJl.
._BiI_._ Jj.jJ_Jj
_.n._N_. _._._._.
IiI_.iIi I_BiI_._
r._Qk._R _.n.bN_.
.iIq.iIi
7.♕d2 r._.k._R
This sets up an annoying battery
against your fianchetto. 10.0-0
7...h6 White completes his development.
The h-pawn takes the g5-square Occasionally someone will delay
away from the white pieces and castling for fear of a possible attack
prevents the swapping off of the by you on the kingside.
fianchettoed bishop, so we would 10...♗b7
have played it anyway. You complete the Hippopotamus,
controlling the long diagonal.
T_LdM_.t
jJjSsJl. T_.dM_.t
._.jJ_Jj _LjSsJl.
_._._.b. Jj.jJ_Jj
._BiI_._ _._._._.
_.n._N_. I_BiI_._
IiIq.iIi _.n.bN_.
r._.k._R .iIq.iIi
r._._Rk.
8.♗e3
On any square the bishop might be The set-up is complete. Note that
disturbed at some point, but this is in this example, White has lost
the safest one. a tempo; he might lose two, or
For example, 8.♗f4 might none at all. From here onwards,
eventually encourage ...g6-g5 or the middlegame plans will take
...e6-e5. shape. You will be able to choose
8...a6 what plan to follow based on the
This move is interchangeable drawbacks that you identify in
with the next one. It threatens to White’s next move.

48
 Chapter 7 – The significance of the Hippopotamus moves

Starting with 1...b6 without doubt 4...♗b4, followed by

Let’s now look at one of my pressure on the e4♙.
preferred move orders, starting 4...d6
with the other fianchetto.
1.e4 b6 Ts.dMlSt
The queen’s fianchetto is less well jLj._JjJ
known than the king’s fianchetto .j.jJ_._
and tends to confuse opponents _._._._.
more. ._.iI_._
2.d4 ♗b7 i.n._._.
Note that the e4♙ is en prise and .iI_.iIi
needs protection. r.bQkBnR
3.♘c3
The normal way of covering the Controlling e5 and preparing the
pawn. If White prefers 3.♗d3 it development of the knights.
may indicate the intention of 5.♗d3
following up with an Austrian Normal development. Theory
Attack, but after 3...g6! 4.f4 f5! the has not yet settled what is the
complications favour Black or lead best move order to set up the
to equality. Hippopotamus, or whether it’s
3...e6 necessary to prevent subsequent
attempts at an Austrian Attack.
Ts.dMlSt If 5.f4 ♘f6! 6.♗d3 c5
jLjJ_JjJ
.j._J_._ Ts.dMl.t
_._._._. jL_._JjJ
._.iI_._ .j.jJs._
_.n._._. _.j._._.
IiI_.iIi ._.iIi._
r.bQkBnR i.nB_._.
.iI_._Ii
This move goes naturally with the r.bQk.nR
queen’s fianchetto, as it threatens analysis diagram
the pin with 4...♗b4, from which
spring various lines which the White isn’t actually threatening
opponent must bear in mind. e4-e5 as long as the ♙g2 is en prise,
4.a3 and with it the ♖h1. This typical
White prevents it. You could go counterattack is not available with
ahead with the Hippopotamus the other fianchetto, so I’m happy
even without 4.a3, but after 4.f4 the to start with 1...b6.
strongest reply you need to know is 5...♘d7

49
Stage 1: Flash

Development. Black can go down c5, when the enemy rooks are not
other roads, among which the semi- well placed.
Hippo with 5...♘f6.
Which is better, 1...g6, 1...b6 or
T_.dMlSt some other?
jLjS_JjJ The Hippopotamus is a system
.j.jJ_._ all by itself which can arise from
_._._._. various openings.
._.iI_._ Normally it is seen as a variation of
i.nB_._. the Modern Defence 1...g6. In that
.iI_.iIi case, you can also study a specialist
r.bQk.nR book on the Modern or Pirc to
broaden your repertoire.
6.♘f3 1...b6 has caught on in recent
One last chance for an Austrian times, particularly thanks to my
Attack is 6.f4 ♕h4+ 7.g3 ♕e7 with efforts to popularize it in the book
a complicated game, generally not Hypermodern Defence 1...b6. It is less
too popular with white players. well-known by White and there is
Once White has chosen normal almost no risk of it being met with
development, there are no more the Austrian Attack, but it is more
turning points and we reach a extensive because of the number of
standard Hippopotamus. semi-Hippo variations.
6...g6 7.0-0 ♗g7 8.♗e3 ♘e7 9.♕d2 Once the Hippopotamus is reached,
h6 10.♖ae1 a6 there is no difference. But while
it’s being established, you might
T_.dM_.t end up in a semi-Hippo with only
_LjSsJl. one fianchetto. So, choose based on
Jj.jJ_Jj whether your personal preference is
_._._._. for a king’s or queen’s fianchetto.
._.iI_._
i.nBbN_. Reaching the Hippopotamus
.iIq.iIi with one of the other first moves
_._.rRk. is possible but slightly more
complicated. The problem is that
White is very compact, the a3♙ White could get a good version of
guards the b4-square and the ♗d3 the 3-pawn centre.
from knight incursions. He will
probably also play 11.h3 at his next The problem with the
turn. Yet there is no real pressure Hippopotamus is the 3-pawn
on the black position. You could centre.
already attack the centre with 11...

50
 Chapter 7 – The significance of the Hippopotamus moves

1.e4 d6 2.d4 e6 4...♗g7 5.♘f3 ♘e7 6.♗d3

2...g6 gives a Modern, 2...♘f6 gives Both White and Black are
a Pirc. developing with an eye to the
f5-square.
TsLdMlSt
jJj._JjJ TsLdM_.t
._.jJ_._ jJj.sJlJ
_._._._. ._.jJ_J_
._.iI_._ _._._._.
_._._._. ._.iIi._
IiI_.iIi _.nB_N_.
rNbQkBnR IiI_._Ii
r.bQk._R
3.♘c3 The Hippopotamus takes shape but
We need to treat 3.c4 or 3.f4 as at every move you need to analyse
dangerous possibilities. Since you what happens after f4-f5 by White.
have already committed the e- and 6...0-0 7.0-0 ♘d7 8.♗e3 b6
d-pawns, any reaction by you in the We have almost completed the
centre is more or less ruled out. Hippo, and we are at one of the key
3...g6 moments. I would argue that the
3...♘e7 and 3...♘d7 are interesting. move 8...a6 might have been wiser.
4.f4 9.f5!
Like it or not, we always end up For good or for ill, this is the move
here: the Austrian Attack is one of to be afraid of. White plays it just
the problems to be resolved. when Black was preparing to take
the queen’s bishop away from where
TsLdMlSt it controlled f5.
jJj._J_J
._.jJ_J_ T_Ld.tM_
_._._._. j.jSsJlJ
._.iIi._ .j.jJ_J_
_.n._._. _._._I_.
IiI_._Ii ._.iI_._
r.bQkBnR _.nBbN_.
IiI_._Ii
You might object that we could r._Q_Rk.
have reached this position starting
with the move 1...g6, but, in that The position isn’t lost, but to stay
case, you would have had better afloat Black has to go through
theoretical options. In any case, let’s contortions in which the average
go on. player could come unstuck.

51
Stage 1: Flash

9...exf5 10.exf5 ♘f6! The real issue is how ‘playable’

We can’t afford a doubled pawn on this position is, compared to
f5 even if we were to win a pawn, those reachable at the various key
since the resulting position would moments.
be very bad. I think that in a game between
players of 1800 strength, any result
T_Ld.tM_ might happen, and even a 2000
j.j.sJlJ player might not know exactly
.j.j.sJ_ what to do. It takes a really strong
_._._I_. player to exploit White’s positional
._.i._._ advantage.
_.nBbN_. So what matters is how you feel in
IiI_._Ii positions where White gets in f4-f5,
r._Q_Rk. as compared to those where you
avoid the problem.
If you ask a computer, it might give According to my rule ‘Play ...f7-f5
this as equal, but in practice Black before White plays f4-f5’ Black
will lose easily. Obviously there can should play (instead of 6...0-0):
be exceptions and it’s an area where 6...f5䩲/=
you could succeed in beating White
on his own ground.
TsLdM_.t
Let’s return to the main
jJj.s.lJ
continuation and go on for a few ._.jJ_J_
moves. _._._J_.
11.fxg6 fxg6 12.♕d2 ♗b7 13.♖ae1 ._.iIi._
_.nB_N_.
T_.d.tM_ IiI_._Ii
jLj.s.lJ r.bQk._R
.j.j.sJ_ If this solution isn’t adequate either,
_._._._. you will need to find a different
._.i._._ move order even earlier.
_.nBbN_. The reason that the most popular
IiIq._Ii moves are 1...g6 and 1...b6 is that
_._.rRk. you are better able to meet the
Austrian Attack in the standard
I’ll tell you right away that Black lines. This is an area where there
(a 2200 player, up against a GM) is huge potential for analysis and
lost the game. The computer personal research. For the moment
gives advantage to White, though you just need to be conscious of the
the matter is certainly not as problem and have a rough idea of
straightforward as that. how to deal with it (...f7-f5).

52
CHAPTER 8

The significance of the semi-

Hippopotamus moves
In general terms, you start off with the idea of setting up the
Hippopotamus, but you are conscious that you will need or want to deviate
from the normal set-up against certain moves by White. The significance of
the moves will vary from case to case; here I can only give a few examples.
If White is getting ready for the Austrian Attack (thought to be almost
a refutation of the Hippopotamus) we will have to adapt along the way,
using various devices.

1.e4 g6 2.d4 ♗g7 3.♘c3 d6 4.f4 e6 Some people meet the Austrian in a
5.♘f3 ♘e7 6.♗e3 ♘d7 7.♗d3 f5! totally different way:
1.e4 d6 2.d4 e6 3.f4!? g6 4.♘f3 ♗g7
T_LdM_.t 5.♗d3 ♘e7 6.0-0 ♘d7 7.c3 c5!?
jJjSs.lJ Black hits back with the c-pawn
._.jJ_J_ before White has completed all his
_._._J_. preparations.
._.iIi._
_.nBbN_. T_LdM_.t
IiI_._Ii jJ_SsJlJ
r._Qk._R ._.jJ_J_
_.j._._.
This physically blocks off the ._.iIi._
possibility of f4-f5 by White and _.iB_N_.
in turn threatens to exchange Ii._._Ii
on e4, changing the centre rNbQ_Rk.
advantageously. Note that the ♗c8
remains in place to defend the This position scores 80% for Black!
e6-pawn. Even the ♘d7 can go to So, is it good?
f8 to cover e6. On the other hand Not exactly. Nobody with white has
the white ♗e3 obstructs any use of ever found the counterthrust
the e-file. The centre now becomes 8.f5!N∞
closed. Here the engines are not agreed
8.e5 d5 9.0-0 a6 on their assessment. In the book I
Black has achieved his aim, i.e. suggest primarily those positions
slowing down the game. that I consider good out of personal

53
Stage 1: Flash

conviction. I briefly mention others

that I play for surprise, and others Ts.dMlSt
that I’m simply pointing out. The j.jJj._.
possibilities are so many that even I .j._._I_
don’t play all of them. _._._._J
._.i.i._
In the same position the _._B_._.
Hippopotamus sometimes IiI_._Li
strikes on the right, sometimes rNbQk.nR
on the left. This is confusing,
but don’t worry, you only need White’s attack is inadequate and
to develop a sensitivity for the with best play he will lose the ♖h1
position. and the game.
White can improve on the fifth
I remind you that by the semi- move with 5.♕e2 fxe4 6.♗xe4 ♗xe4
Hippopotamus I understand very 7.♕xe4 ♘c6 8.d5 (8.c3) 8...♘f6.
early deviations, leading into
completely different openings. T_.dMl.t
j.jJj._J
1.e4 b6 2.d4 ♗b7 3.♗d3 g6 4.f4 f5! .jS_.sJ_
_._I_._.
Ts.dMlSt ._._Qi._
jLjJj._J _._._._.
.j._._J_ IiI_._Ii
_._._J_. rNb.k.nR
._.iIi._
_._B_._. The position is OK for Black; clearly
IiI_._Ii it should be studied and tried out in
rNbQk.nR advance.
Although this variation of the semi-
This is a position I have successfully Hippopotamus is good, some black
defended many times and even players don’t like it because of the
won. The main idea is that White complications. In my opinion they
can’t play the desirable are wrong to deprive themselves of
5.exf5? options because this affects what
because of move orders they can allow, but
5...♗xg2! 6.fxg6 h5! it’s a question of taste. All in all,
This takes the h5-square away from there are so many antidotes to the
the queen, stopping any mating Austrian that it isn’t a given that
attack. White should want to play it.

54
 Chapter 8 – The significance of the semi-Hippopotamus moves

The Hippopotamus requires The exchange allows the conquest

little theory, it’s the semi- of the square.
Hippopotamuses that need 7.♗xc3 ♘e4 8.♕c2 f5
study!
Ts.dM_.t
Now a semi-Hippo example from jLjJ_.jJ
the closed games: .j._J_._
1.d4 b6 2.c4 _._._J_.
Pawns side by side. ._IiS_._
2...♗b7 _.b.iN_.
Necessary development. IiQ_.iIi
3.♘c3 e6 r._.kB_R
A move that goes with ...b7-b6.
4.♘f3 Black’s iron grip on the e4-square
Though there is nothing to has a paralyzing effect on the white
stop Black from going for the forces. From here the battle will
Hippopotamus in this position hinge on White’s efforts to win
after 4...g6, or 4...d6, or 4...♘e7, this square back, but this will only
it’s much better to choose a semi- lead to a series of exchanges and an
Hippo: equal ending.
4...♗b4! 9.♗d3 0-0
The pin stops the knight from By transposition, the semi-Hippo
controlling the e4-square and Black has become a variation of the
starts the battle for control of this Queen’s Indian considered very
square with ...f7-f5/...♘f6-e4, e.g. good for Black. So in this case the
reason for deviating wasn’t that it
Ts.dM_St had become necessary, but that it
jLjJ_JjJ was a better competitive choice.
.j._J_._
_._._._. Sometimes Black actually provokes
.lIi._._ f2-f4-f5 by White:
_.n._N_. 1.e4 g6 2.d4 ♗g7 3.♘c3 d6 4.f4 a6!?
Ii._IiIi Preparing ...b7-b5.
r.bQkB_R But what is this, shouldn’t Black be
taking steps to stop f4-f5 by White?
5.♗d2 This would be the rule if you
Unpinning. wanted a ‘quiet’ game. But there’s
5...♘f6 nothing to stop you playing on a
Development with control over e4. knife-edge if you know your stuff.
6.e3 ♗xc3 5.♘f3 b5

55
Stage 1: Flash

The b5♙ threatens to drive away the 9...hxg6 10.c3 ♕b6 11.a4 ♘gf6䩱
♘c3, undermining White’s e4♙.
6.♗d3 ♗b7 T_._M_.t
Shouldn’t this bishop stay and keep _L_SjJl.
an eye on the f5-square? Jd.j.sJ_
_Jj._._.
Ts.dM_St I_.iI_._
_Lj.jJlJ _.iB_N_.
J_.j._J_ .i._N_Ii
_J_._._. r.bQk._R
._.iIi._
_.nB_N_. White is in trouble, he has to
IiI_._Ii defend the e4♙ and castling is
r.bQk._R dangerous. It’s an advantage for
Black not to have castled.
The idea is that after the voluntary The rest isn’t important, Black won.
invasion As you can see, the significance of
7.f5? moves in the semi-Hippopotamuses
(premature) can be strategic or tactical, and
7...♘d7 8.♘e2 c5! closely connected with a particular
Black is already better! White’s opening variation.
centre is about to collapse without
f4-f5 having achieved much. In the next example, White plays
quietly, rather than trying for an
T_.dM_St extended centre. In such cases
_L_SjJlJ it’s entirely up to you whether
J_.j._J_ to go for the full Hippopotamus
_Jj._I_. or seek advantage with a semi-
._.iI_._ Hippopotamus.
_._B_N_. 1.♘f3 b6 2.g3 ♗b7 3.♗g2
IiI_N_Ii Here I played
r.bQk._R 3...e5!

I’ll show a few more moves to

Ts.dMlSt
illustrate an important point.
jLjJ_JjJ
9.fxg6?! .j._._._
This is probably a mistake because _._.j._.
it opens the h-file for Black, but ._._._._
White had to reckon with various _._._Ni.
threats, such as 9.c3 gxf5 10.exf5 IiIiIiBi
♗xf3!?. rNbQk._R

56
 Chapter 8 – The significance of the semi-Hippopotamus moves

I take the opportunity immediately, difficult for Black to take over the
exploiting the pin on the ♘f3 initiative. If White doesn’t take the
which can’t move as the ♗g2 is centre, that doesn’t mean that we
undefended. I could have played shouldn’t do so.
the normal 3...e6 or 3...g6, but why What’s more, if we give him a
not go for the advantage against a second chance, he might occupy the
compliant opponent? centre as an afterthought.
4.d3 g6 5.c4 ♗g7
The second fianchetto is in place. Ts.dM_St
jLjJ_JlJ
Ts.dM_St .j._J_J_
jLjJ_JlJ _._._._.
.j._._J_ ._Ii._._
_._.j._. _._._Ni.
._I_._._ Ii._IiBi
_._I_Ni. rNbQk._R
Ii._IiBi
rNbQk._R Here White has a queen’s pawn
centre. Now we can expect a more
From here I slowly took the upper defensive game compared to the
hand in the centre and won. previous diagrams.
What is instructive here is the As you see, it’s all connected. My
comparison with what might have job is to show you enough examples
happened if I hadn’t played 3...e5. to give you a feel for the infinite
nuances that are hidden behind the
Ts.dM_St moves in our Hippopotamuses and
jLjJ_JlJ semi-Hippopotamuses.
.j._J_J_
_._._._. The Hippopotamus is like
._I_._._ water: it has no shape of its
_._I_Ni. own but, as it goes along, takes
Ii._IiBi on the shape of whatever
rNbQk._R contains it.
You have to create the right
This is the other scenario, with the container for each occasion.
normal Hippopotamus, but it is

57