Basman’s Creepy-Crawly System (Black)

Basman’s Creepy-Crawly System (as Black)

Definition

Basman’s Creepy-Crawly System is a provocative opening set-up for Black in which the player deliberately develops the flank pawns first—usually 1…g5 and 2…h6 (or the reverse order)—while delaying the advancement of central pawns and minor pieces. In its purest form it arises after 1. d4 g5 2. Bxg5 h6, but it can be reached against many White first moves. International Master Michael Basman popularised the idea during the 1970s–1990s, using it to confuse theoretically minded opponents and to drag the game into uncharted strategic territory.

Typical Move-Order

Against the queen’s pawn:

• 1. d4 g5 (!?)
• 2. Bxg5 h6
• 3. Bh4 Bg7
• 4. e3 c5   …and Black prepares …Qb6, …Nc6, or even …Qb8-b7.

Against 1. e4 Black often plays 1…g5 intending …h6, …Bg7 and a later …c5, aiming for a pseudo-Sicilian structure from an offbeat path.

Underlying Ideas

• Psychological Ambush. Most White players have never analysed the early pawn thrusts …g5/…h6 and may overreact, wasting tempi.
• Flank Clamp. The g- and h-pawns restrict White’s kingside knight from f3 (or f6) and can gain queenside space by analogy with the Hedgehog (but on the opposite wing).
• Deferred Centre. By delaying …d6 or …e6, Black keeps options flexible—sometimes striking with …c5 or …e5 only after White’s centre reveals its intentions.
• Dynamic Piece Routes. Black’s bishop commonly appears on g7, the queen may emerge on b6 or b8, and knights sometimes swing via h7-f8-g6 or a6-c7-e6, creating unusual patterns.

Strategic & Historical Significance

While never mainstream at elite level, the Creepy-Crawly epitomises “Basmanism”: using hyper-original openings (e.g., the Groan Opening 1. g4, or the St. George Defence 1…a6). Basman scored notable upsets against Grandmasters who could not solve the over-the-board riddles quickly enough.

The system also influenced computer chess experiments. Early engines sometimes underestimated Black’s resilience after sacrificing the g-pawn, making it a fun weapon in human vs. machine exhibitions during the 1990s.

Example Game

Basman vs. IM Graham Lee, British League 1981.

[[Pgn| d4 g5 c4 h6 e4 Bg7 Nc3 c5 dxc5 Qa5 Bd2 Qxc5 h4 gxh4 Rxh4 Nc6 Nf3 d6 Nd5 Kf8 b4 Nxb4 Bxb4 Qc6 Rb1 e6 Nf4 Qxe4+| fen|r4r1k/5b1p/3p2pp/q1p5/1P1QnNQr/5N2/2PB2PP/1R4K1|arrows|d4c3,d5f4|squares|g5,h6 ]]

Black’s ragged pawn shell looks perilous, yet the dark-square grip and open files compensate. Basman eventually prevailed after a queenside counterpunch.

Common Plans for Black

1. Counter in the Centre. Break with …c5 or …e5 once White has declared a broad pawn centre.
2. Fianchetto Pressure. Place the bishop on g7, aim the queen at the d4- or b2-squares, and pile on tactics.
3. Knight Acrobatics. Redistribute knights to e6/g6 or via h7-f8, exploiting weakened dark squares.
4. Delayed Castling. Sometimes Black leaves the king on e8 or tucks it on f8, arguing that the open h-file gives counterplay.

Typical Pitfalls for White

• Grabbing the g-pawn and then overextending, allowing …c5 and a sudden central strike.
• Castling kingside too early; Black’s rook may already glare along the h-file.
• Ignoring Black’s queenside build-up after …Qb6–b2 or …Qa5, which picks off loose pawns.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Basman once entered the British Championship armed only with the St. George, Grob, and Creepy-Crawly, still finishing in the top half.
• The name “Creepy-Crawly” was coined by English players amused by the slow, sideways “insect-like” advance of the wing pawns.
• Grandmaster Daniel Gormally tried the system online, commenting that “computer evaluation swings from +2 to –2 in five moves—pure chaos!”
• Because engines initially dislike …g5, the opening is a favorite in corr chess to bait opponents into relying on superficial computer assessments.

Modern Usage

Although rare in top tournaments, the Creepy-Crawly appears in blitz and rapid events, where surprise value is magnified. Streamers such as IM Eric Rosen and GM Simon Williams have showcased it on air, reviving interest among club players.

Further Study

Search databases for games by Michael Basman, Andreas Perry, and adventurous online handles like drunkenknight. Also cross-reference the St. George Defence to see thematic similarities in flank-first strategies.