Here’s GM Marian Petrov’s exclusive course for you, The Hedgehog System. A 3-hour long video training covering the nitty gritty of playing this system against the Sicilian, the English, the Nimzo-Indian, and so on.
There’s a reason this 3-rank system is employed by legendary players like Portisch, Suba, Adorjan, Ljubojevic, Kasparov, and Karpov…and easily one of the most popular systems in chess.
The Hedgehog System. The perfect way to keep the battle tense and avoid simplifications.
If you’re a chess player looking for a versatile and flexible opening system, then the Hedgehog system might be just what you need.
This unique opening is characterized by a pawn structure that resembles a hedgehog, with pawns on a6, b6, d6, and e6 forming a defensive barrier around the king.
Why play the Hedgehog system?
Come what may, you will always be ready for your opponent’s attacks. The pawn structure around your king offers a strong barrier of protection―making your opponent scratch their hair off trying to come up with an idea.
Most improving chess players suffer from what I call the “stiff board syndrome”. Once they start out with an opening, they are stuck to playing that. No flexibility or versatility at all. That’s where the Hedgehog comes in.
You can choose to play aggressively or defensively, depending on the situation. The structure allows you to move your pieces around the way you want.
What’s more, many players are not familiar with the Hedgehog system. Talk about a surprise weapon in your arsenal, right?
Your opponent may not know how to respond to your opening and already have the winning advantage from the first move.
Last but not least, it’s helluva challenging for your opponent as it requires a different approach from traditional openings.
Unless your opponent has spent hours studying this opening, good luck to him breaking through the defense and finding a weakness in your position.
Want to learn how to play the Hedgehog System like a pro?
Here’s GM Marian Petrov’s exclusive course for you, The Hedgehog System. A 3-hour long video training covering the nitty gritty of playing this system against the Sicilian, the English, the Nimzo-Indian, and so on.
Marian is one of our most POPULAR coaches, with thousands of students and dozens of courses to his name. In short, you cannot go wrong with this one!
What you will learn:
- Tough position to play. Look at Black’s position. It seems pretty closed off, back to the wall, right? Do you know what he should play next?
The Hedgehog system is not the easiest to play—if you do not know the fundamental ideas.
In this training, Petrov goes through each of the ideas that can branch off from this tabiya and why some of them work and some do not.
- Be wary of sharp positions. If you think the Hedgehog is a “mild” opening, take a look at this position. It seems every piece is under threat (an exaggeration, I know, but you know what I mean!).
What if Black takes the bishop on f4? Is it gaining material in exchange?
While you solve the puzzle, do know that positions like this can arise in this system? Start getting ready with this training now.
- Tough endgame battles. Frankly, this type of endgame makes me sweat! I don’t know which piece to move forward with and which not. You break the pawn structure wrongly and the next you know, your king is running for the hills.
Again, playing the Hedgehog is fun, but only if you know what you are supposed to be doing. Make the wrong moves and you will go down fast, super fast.
But yes, the Hedgehog system is a versatile, flexible, and challenging opening that can give you a strategic advantage in your chess games.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, the Hedgehog system is worth considering as a part of your opening repertoire.
Outline:
Chapter 1. Hedgehog System 1
Chapter 2. Hedgehog System 2
Chapter 3. Hedgehog System 3
About The Author:
GM Marian Petrov [FIDE 2537]
is an accomplished professional chess coach, theorist, and Bulgarian champion for 2002 and 2017, as well as the winner of many open tournaments around the world. Also, a FIDE trainer and coach of the team Wales at the last Olympiad in Baku in 2016. He graduated from the National Sports Academy in Sofia, Bulgaria with a Bachelor’s degree in Chess Pedagogy, a four-year undergraduate program designed to prepare top-level chess trainers.
