The Hippopotamus Defense encompasses several unconventional chess openings where Black advances multiple pawns to the sixth rank, frequently develops pieces to the seventh rank, and deliberately avoids moving pawns to the fifth rank during the opening phase.
Although primarily associated with Black, this strategic approach can also be occasionally adopted by White as an opening system, albeit with less frequency.
Move Order of Hippopotamus Defense
The move order in the Hippopotamus Defense is highly flexible, but it generally involves Black moving a series of pawns to the sixth rank.
These pawns, like a line of defense, stand guard over the seventh rank, where Black’s pieces are often developed.
In the early stages of the game, the Hippopotamus Defense stipulates that no pawn moves to the fifth rank.
This, in essence, creates a fortress-like structure, reminiscent of a hippopotamus submerged under water, with only the top of its head and eyes visible.
It’s worth noting that, although less common, the Hippopotamus Defense can also be employed by White.
Theory, Strategy and Purpose of the Hippopotamus Defense
The Hippopotamus Defense is unconventional, to say the least. Unlike other chess openings, which prioritize immediate control of the center, it doesn’t advocate for such control early on.
The rationale behind this strategy is to entice the opponent into overextending their pawns or pieces.
In doing so, Black hopes to exploit these overstretched pieces and pawns, creating potential opportunities for counterattacks.
The defense, in its core, seeks to capitalize on the opponent’s overzealousness and impatience.
Sometimes the Hippopotamus Defense is used against opponents where one knows it will be impossible to win against.
It is typically designed to stall and try to force a draw.
Players will often play the hippo defense against strong bots, engines, or even against people they know are cheating, knowing they can’t win and want to avoid getting into tactical positions with them.
Variations of the Hippopotamus Defense
The Hippopotamus Defense is, by nature, highly flexible. Its structure can be slightly adjusted to accommodate for various threats from the opponent.
For instance, Black can opt to fianchetto one or both bishops, to reinforce control of the long diagonals.
In certain scenarios, the knights can also be placed on d7 and e7 instead of b7 and g7.
Despite these variations, the basic structure of the Hippopotamus remains unchanged, emphasizing robustness and flexibility.
Chess Openings: Learn to Play the Hippopotamus Defense… as Played by Simon Williams!
History of the Hippopotamus Defense
The Hippopotamus Defense, while not as old as some traditional openings, has an interesting history.
It gained some traction in the mid-20th century when it was used by several players in high-level tournaments.
Despite this, it has remained somewhat of a fringe opening, not gaining mainstream adoption but always maintaining a niche following.
While some grandmasters have occasionally used the Hippopotamus Defense, it’s more often seen in amateur games, where it continues to intrigue and confound players.
Evaluation of the Hippopotamus Defense
The Hippopotamus Defense is a certain way of arranging the pieces, so it depends.
In this position, white is considered slightly better (about +0.70):
Example Hippopotamus Defense Line
Below is an example line of the hippo defense:
1. e4 b6 2. d4 g6 3. Nc3 Bb7 4. Nf3 Bg7 5. a4 e6 6. h4 d6 7. Bd3 Ne7 8. O-O Nd7 9. Be3 h6 10. Qd2 a6
Is the Hippopotamus Defense Good for Beginners or Intermediates?
The Hippopotamus Defense, due to its unconventional approach, can be both a boon and a bane for beginners and intermediates.
For beginners, it might be challenging to handle, as it does not follow traditional opening principles.
However, once they grasp the nuances of the Hippopotamus, it can provide a strategic edge, as many opponents are unprepared for it.
For intermediate players, the Hippopotamus can serve as an excellent surprise weapon.
It’s also a good opening for those seeking to expand their understanding of chess, as it encourages a different perspective on the game.
How Often the Hippopotamus Defense Is Played at the Grandmaster Level
Despite its unique strategic appeal, the Hippopotamus Defense is rarely seen at the grandmaster level.
This is largely due to its defensive nature and the lack of immediate central control, which is generally favoured by top-level players.
However, it’s worth noting that a few grandmasters have been known to use it as a surprise weapon, particularly in rapid or blitz games.
Thus, while not a mainstay, the Hippopotamus Defense certainly has a place in the repertoire of some high-level players.
FAQs – Hippopotamus Defense
1. What is the basic structure of the Hippopotamus Defense in chess?
The Hippopotamus Defense is an irregular chess opening where Black does not move any pawns to the fifth rank in the opening.
Instead, Black moves a number of pawns to the sixth rank and often develops pieces to the seventh rank.
The pieces generally positioned on the seventh rank include the bishops, knights, and queen, while the rooks stay on the original squares (a8, h8).
This setup resembles a “hippopotamus in the water” with only the top of its body visible, hence the name.
2. Why is the Hippopotamus Defense considered an irregular opening?
The Hippopotamus Defense is considered irregular because it does not follow the standard principles of opening theory.
Typically, opening theory recommends controlling the center quickly with your pawns, developing your knights and bishops to useful squares, and aiming to castle early for king safety.
The Hippopotamus, by contrast, does very little in the early game to fight for central control, with the pieces lurking behind a wall of pawns.
3. Can the Hippopotamus Defense be used by White?
Yes, the Hippopotamus Defense can also be used by White, although it is much less frequent.
When utilized by White, the setup is typically mirrored on the third rank with the pieces on the second rank.
However, it’s less popular because as White, you have the first move and generally try to seize the initiative right from the start, something the Hippopotamus doesn’t aim to do.
4. What are the main strategic ideas behind the Hippopotamus Defense?
The main idea behind the Hippopotamus Defense is flexibility.
By not committing to a specific plan or pawn structure in the early stages of the game, Black maintains the potential to break in the center or on the flanks depending on how White sets up their pieces.
This approach also avoids early conflicts and reduces the chance of walking into a well-prepared opening line of the opponent.
5. Is the Hippopotamus Defense a sound opening?
While the Hippopotamus Defense does not adhere to traditional opening principles, it is not unsound.
It offers less experienced players a chance to avoid theoretical battles in well-known openings and leads to unique positions that can be disconcerting for the unprepared opponent.
However, players using the Hippopotamus Defense should be ready to face a space disadvantage and need to be comfortable playing in cramped positions.
6. How do you counter the Hippopotamus Defense?
Countering the Hippopotamus Defense usually involves establishing strong central control and taking advantage of the extra space granted by Black’s passive setup.
Typically, it’s best to delay direct confrontation until you’ve improved all your pieces, expanded on the queenside or kingside, and prepared a pawn break in the center.
However, timing is key, as premature attacks can often give Black the counterplay they’re seeking.
7. Can you provide an example of a famous game using the Hippopotamus Defense?
While the Hippopotamus Defense isn’t common at the elite level, it has been employed occasionally.
One memorable game is Bent Larsen vs. Boris Spassky from the 1970 Siegen Chess Olympiad.
Spassky, as Black, used the Hippopotamus Defense to secure a comfortable position and eventually won the game, demonstrating the viability of this unorthodox opening in top-tier play.
8. How can I learn and master the Hippopotamus Defense?
To learn and master the Hippopotamus Defense, you can start by studying the games of players who have used this opening effectively.
Analyzing these games can help you understand the key ideas and typical plans for both sides.
