The Hedgehog is a thoroughly modern defense where flexibility and understanding trump rote memorization.

Using deeply annotated critical games from international practice, GM Sergey Shipov traces the Hedgehog's development - from its origins as a way to avoid well-trodden paths to its current status as a respected weapon in Black's armory.

The Hedgehog has been adopted by the likes of Tal, Larsen, Adams, Kasparov, Kamsky, and Karpov. Drawing on decades of experience playing this defense, Shipov has put together much more than a simple opening manual full of variations.

Volume 1: The author meticulously explains strategic themes, typical formations, move-order subtleties, and explores the thorny question: Is the Hedgehog a "theoretically sound" opening - and does that really matter?

Along the way, the reader gets to see the mind of a grandmaster hard at work, and is treated to a lesson on one of the most important skills in chess: how to evaluate a position.

Shipov shares his approach to chess and life, and his passion for both, in this entertaining, philosophical, and highly readable work.

Volume 2:  GM Sergey Shipov concludes his monumental investigation of this counterattacking system for Black with in-depth coverage of formations arising from 1.e4 and 1.d4.

Sparing no effort to discover best play for both sides, he presents White’s most promising plans and breathes new life into variations that – according to theory – had turned the Hedgehog into an endangered species.

Like its companion volume focusing on the English Opening, this is no dry reference manual, but a labor of love and a lively exposition of the opening’s strategic basis and typical tactical ideas.

Along the way, the reader is treated to the author’s wide-ranging observations on such topics as the usefulness of computers in opening analysis; the dangers of narrow thinking; and the value of optimism to a chessplayer’s rating.

The Hedgehog is an unconventional opening requiring unconventional treatment by both Black and White. Sit down with one of its foremost experts and learn how elite players including Fischer, Karpov, and Judit Polgar honed it into a formidable weapon.

Russian GM Sergey Shipov is a highly respected author and trainer, best known for his live online commentary at top international chess tournaments.