GM Hikaru's Top Tier Chess Opening... THE HIPPOPOTAMUS DEFENSE!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TheChessGiant]

HIPPOPOTAMUS DEFENSE COURSE: thechessgiant.gumroad.com/l/hippopotamusdefensecourse

[@meister-t]

I noticed that you pronounced his name high-ka-roo, again. It's a Japanese name and the correct pronunciation would be hee-ka-roo. I know you don't mean disrespect to him, and you seem to be American ;p so, here we are - just thought I'd let you know. Cheers! and thanks for the great content. :)

[@walterbrownstone8017]

Van't Krujis is apparently fine for a hippo too!

[@TheChessGiant]

Yep!!!!

[@Ris-221]

I played the hippo in a recent fide rated tournament and I was up 20min, lost the game unfortunately… but really shows how hard it can be to play against the hippo. Will continue to study and analyse the hippo so I can improve at playing it

[@walterbrownstone8017]

It's pretty amazing. You gain the time advantage and even if opponent booked up on the hippo is still a hard opening to crack! Eric Hansen did a whole Hippo Speedrun, hundred of games. And then Hikaru smacks him using the hippo hahaha.

[@TheChessGiant]

Ah! Sounds like you gave your opponent a run for his money! My encouragement to you is to take at least one takeaway from the game. If you now know one thing you didn't because of that game, and you keep this process going, it's impossible for your hippo skills to stay the same.

[@Ebobster]

Good game & analysis. Hikaru’s sudden mate just in endgame is super sweet. Cheers!

[@TheChessGiant]

Thanks! And I know wasn't that pretty?

[@Ebobster]

@@TheChessGiant Yes, sweet two bishop mate. Hikaru’s tactical flair shines once his opponents make a misstep facing the hippo. Thanks Solomon for posting these hippo games by Hikaru; they’re most instructional on how to handle the middle game & convert in the endgame, which helps a lot!

[@michaelallport5816]

Instructive on many levels. Take care and be well, Solomon.

[@TheChessGiant]

Thanks! Glad you liked it Michael. Thank you and hope you've been well. Wishing you a great finish to the year.

[@michaelallport5816]

​​@@TheChessGiant You too, Solomon. Each one of your Hippo presentations brings a new discovery. I appreciate your explanations of a position in which you warn a player not to do something, and point out the reasons(s) for avoiding certain moves. Take Care, be well.

[@TipsyFlipper]

get well soon

[@TheChessGiant]

Thanks! Much appreciated my friend.

[@skyeruddell3196]

Let's Go Solo! Always impressing me!

[@TheChessGiant]

Thanks for the kind words. Appreciate the support

[@walterbrownstone8017]

Yes! Hope chess is the only chess I know how to play! Hahaha. I hope opponent doesn't notice I didn't defend my pawn. He took my pawn. Not again!

[@TheChessGiant]

LOLOL 😂😂😂

[@WayOfHaQodesh]

Thank you!

[@1mrq]

Hope you come down and play on Sat

[@TheChessGiant]

Hey Tony! That would be fun, I'll have to see what stuff I gotta get done.

[@FloatingSunfish]

Many thanks for another instructive Hippo video, Solomon! 🦛👑

[@TheChessGiant]

You got it! Hippo Defense > Everything Else 🦛🦛

[@madzilla14]

What are you talking about?? -- You sound like Cronkite (!!) 😉

[@TheChessGiant]

That's foul 😂😂