Flank openings
English, Hedgehog System
1.c4 c5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nc3 e6 4.g3 b6 5.Bg2 Bb7ECO A30
Black adopts the famous Hedgehog: a compact, springy setup with pawns on a6, b6, d6 and e6 that looks passive but is loaded with latent energy. Black cedes space, then uncoils with …b5 or …d5 breaks at the perfect moment — a strategically deep, counter-punching system beloved of positional players.
Key ideas
- The a6/b6/d6/e6 'quills' restrain White's centre and prepare the …b5 and …d5 pawn breaks.
- Black develops behind the lines (…Be7, …O-O, …Qc7, …Nbd7) and waits to strike when White over-extends.
- It's a battle of White's space versus Black's coiled counterplay — patience and timing decide it.
Who it suits
Positional players who enjoy a flexible, counter-punching setup against 1.c4 and 1.Nf3.
Add it to your repertoire.
Drill the English, Hedgehog System move by move against the board until it's second nature.
Open the trainer