This system, the Hippopotamus Opening, is fluid and flexible and almost hypermodern – almost, but more accurately an “anti-modern” chess opening. In fact, this creeping forward with pawns to the third rank is a very old strategy, dating to the ancient pre-chess game of Shatranj.
How do you use the Hippo defense?
The Hippo Defence involves g6, Bg7, d6, e6, Ne7, Nd7, b6, Bb7, O-O and relies on white trying to break through with e4 or d5 before black. It does not matter too much what white plays. It is a counter attacking opening where, if white breaks with d5 black plays e5 and plays for f5. If e5, black plays d5 and c5.
What is the Hippo chess?
The Hippopotamus Defence is a name for various irregular chess opening systems in which Black moves a number of pawns to the sixth rank, often developing pieces to the seventh rank, and does not move any pawns to the fifth rank in the opening.
How big can a hippo’s mouth open?
Some of their teeth are deadly sharp and can grow to a length of 51 centimetres. A hippo can almost open its mouth at 180 degress — that’s wide! They use their strong mouth and teeth whenever they feel threatened. Hippos attack humans who enter their territory or get too close to their young.
What’s the best opening strategy against the Hippo?
Make a pawn break on a flank and bring a minor piece into the now weakened square. The Hippo does not do well against a large pawn center, since White can rip up the position before Black castles. Also, White can trade off the g7-bishop and take advantage of the weaknesses caused on the f6-square for occupation with a piece.
When to beware of the Hippo in the room?
Beware of the HiPPO in the room. When a HiPPO (highest paid person’s opinion) is in play, your organization is most likely not relying on data to inform decision-making. In fact, I believe the HiPPO effect is one of the biggest barriers to more evidence-based and data-driven decision-making.
How does the Hippo defence work in chess?
The Hippo Defence is a system which is based on reaching a specific end position. The moves in reaching that position can vary alot. To illustrate this let me give you an example of how the Hippo Defence end position looks like. Notice the yellow highlights.
Is the Hippo effect a barrier to data driven decision making?
When a HiPPO (highest paid person’s opinion) is in play, your organization is most likely not relying on data to inform decision-making. In fact, I believe the HiPPO effect is one of the biggest barriers to more evidence-based and data-driven decision-making.
