I've always liked the concept of playing the Hedgehog, and studied it in some depth a couple years ago - but then got scared away by some concrete lines (where White plays a quick g4-g5, I believe). Realistically though, probably not something to be that worried about with the usual level of opposition we're getting in Australia ;).
I have been thinking recently, though, of venturing into the Reti version of the Hedgehog - as opposed to the Sicilian one.
Thanks Sam, you're right, theoretically speaking White looks like they're doing well (e.g. against the Kan), with pushing pawns quickly onto the 4th rank, as in
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6 5. c4 Nf6 6. Nc3 Qc7 7. Be2 b6 8. O-O Bb7 9. Qd3 d6 10. f4 Nbd7 11. b4 perhaps followed by g4 if Black continues normally. You're probably safe in Australia, though some young players have probably studied these concrete lines now :P
Yup, the Hedgehogs in the closed games are probably still holding their underground parties!
Nice post!
I've always liked the concept of playing the Hedgehog, and studied it in some depth a couple years ago - but then got scared away by some concrete lines (where White plays a quick g4-g5, I believe). Realistically though, probably not something to be that worried about with the usual level of opposition we're getting in Australia ;).
I have been thinking recently, though, of venturing into the Reti version of the Hedgehog - as opposed to the Sicilian one.
Thanks Sam, you're right, theoretically speaking White looks like they're doing well (e.g. against the Kan), with pushing pawns quickly onto the 4th rank, as in
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 a6 5. c4 Nf6 6. Nc3 Qc7 7. Be2 b6 8. O-O Bb7 9. Qd3 d6 10. f4 Nbd7 11. b4 perhaps followed by g4 if Black continues normally. You're probably safe in Australia, though some young players have probably studied these concrete lines now :P
Yup, the Hedgehogs in the closed games are probably still holding their underground parties!