Kasparov offers objective assessments of the most important thematic ideas throughout the book. Because of its focus on plans and long-range maneuvering, the hedgehog is more of a high-level opening than most. This book is for more advanced players, rather than for beginners. The abundant amount of diagrams will allow strong players to read the book without using a chessboard. However, I recommend buying the ebook of The Hedgehog, because it can be used as a foundation for a repertoire database that you can build based on your own experiences and analysis.
Description
An understanding of Hedgehog structures is an essential component in any chessplayer’s knowledge. These structures arise when the black c-pawn is exchanged early on for the white d-pawn (as in the Sicilian Defence). White then adopts a formation with pawns on c4 and e4 and Black curls up in a Hedgehog formation with pawns on a6, b6, d6 and e6.These structures are important as they can arise from an extraordinary variety of openings including the Sicilian Defence, the English Opening and the Queen’s Indian Defence. Play is usually highly intricate with White hoping to exploit the natural space advantage while Black remains solid and looks to break out of his or her carapace with the classical thrusts ...b7-b5 and ...d7-d5.• Everything you need to know about the Hedgehog systems.• The structure emphasizes plans and strategies.• Written by an expert on the opening.
