Can anyone post any game(s) where their opponent has set up a hedgehog defence or similar equivelant i.e. making no attempt to attack, all moves are for strict defensive purposes. when playing against people who do this, I have trouble finding the weakness in their structure to try to attack, so I in turn end up moving my pieces around aimlessly. how do you spot these "weaknesses" to punish your steel-coated opponent?
Originally posted by rubberjaw30I am by no means expert on this but I think the problem with the hedgehog defense pawn structure shows up most in the endgame. So, if possible exchange to an endgame where the weaknesses of the hedgehog pawn structure can be exploited. Perhaps others can express this less vaguely.
Can anyone post any game(s) where their opponent has set up a hedgehog defence or similar equivelant i.e. making no attempt to attack, all moves are for strict defensive purposes. when playing against people who do this, I have trouble finding the weakness in their structure to try to attack, so I in turn end up moving my pieces around aimlessly. how do you spot these "weaknesses" to punish your steel-coated opponent?
Generally speaking, players who have set up defences like this tend not to move much past the sixth rank. I have a few tips on taking these types down.
1.Blockade the centre, apart from one or two files where you have possibilities of attack.
2.Dont allow ANY exchanges unless completely forced - this gives them an extremely cramped position where it is difficult to mobilise the pieces quickly for an attack.
3.Prepare your thrust, this could involve a sacrifice of a piece (I would suggest a bishop as the sacrificial pawn as the queen and knights can hop into the holes which have opened up.
4. Remember, if he plays like this, he is waiting for you to come to him. Time is on your side, dont go recklessly throwing pawns and pieces up the board to try and smash him quickly - even if you dont get a winning position till move 50, it will be worth the wait.
Originally posted by Tyrannosauruschexyou are right about 2 3 and 4 ...but as for number 1.block the center....thats what we want.
Generally speaking, players who have set up defences like this tend not to move much past the sixth rank. I have a few tips on taking these types down.
1.Blockade the centre, apart from one or two files where you have possibilities of attack.
2.Dont allow ANY exchanges unless completely forced - this gives them an extremely cramped position w ...[text shortened]... h him quickly - even if you dont get a winning position till move 50, it will be worth the wait.
I play very very defensive and a blocked center is what i am after...
Yes, it seems counter productive at first but when you run out of squares to put your pieces on then the purpose of this strategy starts to manifest itself.
It makes sacrificial attacks more effective too, as black cannot quickly put the pieces where they are needed to defend in a blocked game.