Anderssen Opening & Hippopotamus Attack
Anderssen Opening
Definition
The Anderssen Opening is defined by the first move 1. a3. Named after the 19th-century German master Adolf Anderssen (famous for “The Immortal Game”), it is classified under ECO code A00 (“Irregular Openings”). By advancing the a-pawn one square, White claims a bit of queenside space and prepares the thrust b2–b4, but postpones immediate central occupation.
Typical Move Order & Ideas
The opening has no fixed second move; instead, it serves as a waiting or transpositional device. Two of the most common plans are:
- Pawn expansion: 1. a3 followed by 2. b4, grabbing space on the a–b files and often fianchettoing the queen’s bishop on b2.
- Central transposition: 1. a3 e5 2. c4 or 2. d4, reaching English or Queen’s Pawn structures while sidestepping an opponent’s preparation.
Strategic Significance
- Because the move makes no direct claim in the centre, White must justify it later with either energetic pawn breaks (b4–b5, d4, e4) or piece activity.
- The rook on a1 is subtly activated; after a future b2–b4–b5, the a-file can open quickly.
- Black is given maximum freedom; if Black replies inaccurately, the surprise value of 1. a3 can yield an immediate initiative.
Historical Notes
Adolf Anderssen employed 1. a3 on several occasions, most famously in off-hand games against strong contemporaries such as Kieseritzky (London, 1851). In modern times it has appeared in grandmaster rapid and blitz play—Hikaru Nakamura and Richard Rapport have both used it as a psychological weapon.
Illustrative Mini-Game
An example of how quickly 1. a3 can become tactical:
White’s rooks will soon occupy a and c files, illustrating the latent power of the early a-pawn push.
Interesting Facts
- Because 1. a3 does not alter the pawn center, it can transpose into almost any opening— analysts have tracked transpositions to the Ruy Lopez, Benoni, and even the Pirc.
- When 1. a3 is followed by 2. h3, the pair is humorously called “The **Double-Anderssen**” or “The Adam and Eve setup.”
- Some engines initially dislike 1. a3, yet practical results at club level are surprisingly good due to the rarity factor.
Hippopotamus Attack
Definition
The Hippopotamus Attack is a system for White that mirrors the well-known Hippopotamus Defence used by Black. White places almost all pawns on the third rank and keeps the pieces “submerged” behind them, waiting to spring forward—much like a hippo lurking under water. A typical starting diagram might arise from 1. g3, 1. b3 or, intriguingly, from the Anderssen Opening:
Typical Structure
- Pawns on a3, b3, d3, e3, g3, h3 (sometimes c3 and f3 as well).
- Bishops fianchettoed on b2 and g2.
- Knights usually on d2 and f3 or g1–e2–g3, eyeing central jumps.
- The king castled short behind the compact pawn wall.
Strategic Themes
- Flexibility & Waiting. White invites Black to occupy the centre, aiming to undermine it later with pawn breaks such as f2–f4, g3–g4, or d3–d4.
- Flank Counterplay. The double fianchettoed bishops target e5, h1–a8 and a2–g8 diagonals, making Black’s centre hard to maintain.
- Psychology. The setup can be irritating for opponents who rely on concrete theory; move orders are fluid and easy to vary.
Historical & Modern Usage
While the term “Hippopotamus” was popularised in the 1960s by GM Boris Spassky and later by English GM Anthony Miles (for the Black version), the White-side Attack saw systematic exploration by British players Mark Hebden and Tiger Hillarp Persson in the 1990s-2000s. It is especially popular in rapid and online games, where its off-beat nature reaps practical dividends.
Illustrative Game Snippet
Hebden demonstrates the delayed central strike:
After quietly “submerging,” White’s kingside pawns and pieces suddenly surge forward, catching Black off guard.
Interesting Facts
- The name was coined because, like a hippo, the formation looks passive but can move with surprising speed and force.
- In some databases, the Hippopotamus Attack is catalogued under A00 but it can also arise via transpositions from the English, Reti, or King’s Indian Attack.
- The setup is highly modular; players can omit or add pawn moves (e.g., c2–c3) without losing the essence of the system.