Foxy 76: The Hippo with 1...b6 or 1...g6 - Chess Opening Video DVD

IM Andrew Martin demonstrates The Hippo, an original and provocative opening for Black. Author of the book "Hippopotamus Rises," Martin discusses a series of Hippo games, showing the ideas behind the opening for both Black and White. In this system, Black meets all of White's responses with 1...b6 followed by a timely ...g6. The Hippopotamus Opening offers original and interesting chess to anyone handling the Black pieces. Black plays his pawns up to the third rank (lying low in the water like the hippopotamus himself), fianchettoes both Bishops, and bides his time - waiting for the right moment to strike.

The Hippopotamus is a great surprise weapon! There is little established theory so it won't be hard to catch your opponent off guard. This little-known opening has been played at the highest levels by top Grandmasters, including Boris Spassky.