The Complete Hedgehog, Volume 2: The Hedgehog lives!

The Complete Hedgehog, Volume 2: The Hedgehog Lives! is a chess opening book on the Hedgehog Defence, with GM Sergey Shipov continuing his detailed study of one of Black’s most distinctive counterattacking systems. It focuses on the structures that arise after 1.e4 and 1.d4, combining strategic ideas with the tactical themes that shape the opening.

What this book covers

Shipov looks closely at the best play for both sides. Rather than offering a dry move-by-move survey, he highlights White’s most promising plans and returns to lines that theory has already tried to challenge. That makes the book useful not only for players building a Black repertoire, but also for anyone who wants to understand the ideas that make the Hedgehog work over the board.

Like the companion volume on the English Opening, this is more than a standard reference manual. It is a lively, experience-based study that explains where the Hedgehog’s strength comes from and how strong players use it to create counterplay from positions that can look quiet at first glance.

Why this volume stands out

Shipov does not stop at move analysis. He also shares observations on opening preparation, the role of computers in analysis, the risks of narrow thinking and the value of optimism in practical tournament play. As a result, the book speaks to readers who want more than theory alone: it also offers insight into how opening work and decision-making happen in real chess.

The Hedgehog is an unconventional opening that asks both sides to think differently. This volume gives you the chance to study it with one of its leading specialists and see how active counterplay can grow from positions that may appear passive at first.

About the author

Sergey Shipov is a Russian grandmaster, author and trainer, and he is also known for his live online commentary during major international events. He is the author of The Complete Hedgehog, Vol. 1. This makes the book a strong choice for ambitious players, coaches and readers looking for an opening book grounded in practical understanding as well as theory.

Key details

• Product type: chess opening book
• Subject: The Hedgehog Defence
• Volume: Volume 2
• Author: GM Sergey Shipov
• Opening focus: structures arising after 1.e4 and 1.d4
• Style: opening analysis with strategic and tactical themes
• Related title: The Complete Hedgehog, Vol. 1