Universal Chess Opening: The Hippo Beginner Ideas Series Part 1

Welcome to the Palm Beach Chess Beginner Chess Openings series on the Hippo! I am often asked by students starting out: is there an opening I can play with both white and black? Yes and no… we can’t always get exactly what we want but by guiding opening principles and plans we can reach a playable position without too much difficulty. Hopefully, this series by NM Bryan Tillis is enjoyable as clearly, the Hippo is not for everyone ;)

[johnmahugu]

I play the hippo exclusively, it has increased my opening drastically.

[bigslick]

You are such an amazing teacher! I just love your teaching style. Thanks for this Hippo course.

[OmarMohammed-fyhe]

Thank you for making this series. I will try to learn this opening through these videos.

[brasileirosim]

I came here after your last video. This is something I can show my students, as I don’t have the time to show them any openings (beginners, two hours lessons per week). I even could consider playing this myself in blitz, in case I begin again playing blitz. Thanks a lot for the games Bryan!

[stolenhandle]

So glad you're doing this. Thank you!

[allanmarks]

Thank you for posting this great video. What I would like to see you do is series of videos on the Hippo, like you have done for other openings like the Czech Benoni.

[woodenfences]

Good intro, I like the rapid pace. Hippo perfect for me who doesn't have the memory for opening theory, but I am still struggling with the pawn breaks. Which pawn to push?

[tonytom]

I'm a new to chess and I use this setup not knowing what I'm doing at all...I honestly had no clue there were names of openings until a few weeks ago

[dwiii]

King's Indian would be a go-to for easy to remember black and white setups, no? Besides the hippo.

[tompagano]

Did you set computer to 1300 level, you say?

[MM-ttnp]

isn't it better to pretend to play the modern defense and then continue towards the hippo setup?
if you signaling wierd stuff your opponent will look for wierd thing too ;)