Chessy
Hippopotamus Defense: Black’s first lesson
The Hippopotamus Defense starts with 1.e4 Nh6, and the position already asks you to solve a problem: White to move, and White is better. That does not mean the opening is unplayable, but it does mean you need to know what you are doing from the very first move. This lesson helps you face the most common plans, recognise the critical reply, and practise the position in the drill below as Black.
Play the Hippopotamus Defense against the engine
Free, no signup — you play black, the engine adapts to your level.
Play the drill as Black and practise the position against White’s best ideas.
Create a free account →What the position really says
Stockfish rates this +1.10, a clear, lasting advantage for White. That means you are already worse, so your job is not to “equalise by force” but to survive sensibly and play accurately.
The database confirms that this is a tough start for Black. Across 170,929 games at this exact position, White wins 59.8%, draws 3.9%, and Black wins 36.2%. If you choose this opening, you should do it because you want an unusual fight, not because it gives you an easy game.
The move White chooses most often
The most-played continuation is d4, and it appears in 74,280 games. It is also the engine’s best move here, so you should expect it in practice.
The main message is simple: White takes space and tries to keep the centre under control. Your task as Black is to stay flexible, avoid drifting, and meet White’s central play with patience rather than panic.
What the engine wants you to face
The engine’s best line starts with d4 and continues d4 c6 Nc3 d5. You do not need to memorise a long theory tree to get value from this page, but you do need to understand that White’s central push is the most important challenge.
The practical lesson is to watch the centre and develop in a way that supports later counterplay. If you let White build comfortably, the position can become a long, unpleasant squeeze.
Common replies you should recognise
After d4, White’s other popular continuations are Nf3, Bc4, d3, Nc3, and f4. Their database results are all good for White, which is another reminder that this opening gives your opponent an early pull.
One specific mistake is f4. In this exact position it is a mistake and loses about 1.0 pawns; better was d4. That makes the centre especially important: if White overreaches, they can still be punished, but only if you know what to look for.
Results across 170,929 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| d4 | 74,280 | 62.3% |
| Nf3 | 34,445 | 58.6% |
| Bc4 | 19,233 | 60.8% |
| d3 | 11,229 | 56.5% |
| Nc3 | 10,296 | 58.7% |
| f4 | 4,981 | 56.7% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Hippopotamus Defense good for Black?
It is playable, but this position is already favourable for White. Stockfish gives +1.10, and the database also shows White scoring well across 170,929 games. Use it if you like unusual structures and are ready to defend accurately.
What is White’s main move against 1.e4 Nh6?
d4 is the most-played continuation, with 74,280 games, and it is also the engine’s best move here. White wants to claim space and make the centre the focus immediately.
What should Black expect after the main reply?
The engine line continues d4 c6 Nc3 d5. The exact move order matters less for a learner than the strategic point: White is pressing in the centre, so Black needs solid development and patience.
Are there common mistakes White can make here?
Yes. In this position, f4 is listed as a mistake and loses about 1.0 pawns, with d4 being better. Even so, White still has the better practical chances overall, so Black should not rely on mistakes alone.
How many games feature the Hippopotamus Defense?
Over 170K Lichess games have reached the Hippopotamus Defense position. White wins 59.8%, Black wins 36.2%, with 3.9% draws — based on real rated games.