Recently we wrote an article where we discussed the main ideas for white in the different positions of the Maroczy Bind (Hedgehog, English, and Accelerated Dragon). In this article, we will see the main plans for black in the Hedgehog setup. Let's start by explaining what the Hedgehog setup is and its characteristics.

We are always on the look to learn new opening ideas to surprise our opponents in the future. It doesn’t really matter whether it is an opening that we play or not; we see someone playing something and if it’s enough interesting for us we take a deeper look and use it in the next opportunity we have. That’s how it works at competitive level. In this article we are going to draw your attention to a short and easy to learn recipe against the Hyper-Accelerated Dragon that was played recently by the International Grandmaster Eduardas Rozentalis.

Scotch Game is a very interesting opening, especially for those club players' strength [meaning under 2200]. It is a pretty rare opening which may either be used a surprise or a weapon of choice. White challenges the black center right away and ends up with an aggressive looking position. Black has his own pluses, including the exposed white's queen in the center of the board and possibility of a rapid development. The games are typically theoretically tense, and those with better opening preparation tend to succeed. Let's take a look at some of the best classical games played on Scotch.