Hedgehog - chess term
Hedgehog
Definition
The Hedgehog is a family of mainly Black defensive set-ups in which the defender adopts a seemingly passive, spiky pawn structure that is deceptively full of latent energy. The characteristic pawn configuration is: a6, b6, d6, and e6 (sometimes with …g6), supported by pieces that stay behind the pawn line until the right moment to spring forward with central or queenside pawn breaks (b5, d5, or e5).
Typical Formation
Although the Hedgehog can arise from many openings (English, Sicilian, Queen’s Indian, even the King’s Indian), the canonical arrangement contains:
- Pawns: a6, b6, d6, e6 ( …g6 is common but not obligatory )
- Knights: d7 and f6
- Bishops: b7 and e7
- Rooks: c8 (sometimes b8 or e8) and a8/f8
- Queen: c7 (or b8/d7)
The minor pieces sit behind the pawns, like a hedgehog’s quills, waiting to counterpunch.
Strategic Ideas
Black’s position is cramped but elastic. The main plans are:
- Pawn breaks: …b5, …d5, or …e5. Achieving any of the three usually equalises — and sometimes turns the tables.
- Piece re-coordination: Rooks often swing to c8/b8, then to g8 after …g6; knights may reroute via f8–g6 or b8–d7–f8.
- Patience: Invite White to over-extend, then undermine the advanced pawns.
For White, the usual plan is to leverage more space on the 4th rank (pawns on c4, e4, sometimes f4) and provoke one weakness that can be targeted before Black’s breaks arrive.
Historical Background
The structure was systematised in the 1970s by Yugoslav and Soviet grandmasters such as Ljubojević, Andersson, and later by Karpov. They demonstrated that “passive” positions could hide enormous dynamic resources — a revelation that influenced opening theory for decades.
Famous Examples
Three classic demonstrations:
- Karpov – Andersson, Moscow 1976: Karpov slowly strangled the Hedgehog, showcasing White’s ideal treatment.
- Ljubojević – Karpov, Tilburg 1981: Black unleashed the trademark …b5 break and won brilliantly.
- Kasparov – Karpov, World Ch. (Game 16) 1990: a modern theoretical duel where Black equalised from a Hedgehog-type English.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The name “Hedgehog” was coined by grandmaster Svetozar Gligorić, who likened the retracted but dangerous pawn structure to a hedgehog curled up with its spines out.
- Computer engines long underestimated the Hedgehog for Black; only after depth-30+ calculations do modern engines realise how resilient it is.
- The structure is symmetrical to the “Hippo” for White, but the Hippo keeps pawns on the 3rd rank (g3, f3, e3, d3, c3, b3) instead of the 6th.
When to Choose the Hedgehog
Ideal for players who enjoy:
- Strategic manoeuvring with occasional tactical eruptions.
- Counterattacking instead of outright memorising long forcing lines.
- Psychological battles — many opponents over-press against the “passive” set-up.
Related Concepts
Maróczy Bind, English Opening, Sicilian Defence, Prophylaxis