by Andrew Martin, 140pp. (2005 Batsford)
 
In these days of huge databases and long forcing lines, the Hippopotamus chess opening stands out, offering everyone the chance to play chess in an original and interesting way. Black plays his pawns up to the third rank (lying low in the water like the hippopotamus himself), perhaps fianchettos both Bishops and bides his time, waiting for the right moment to strike.

International Master Andrew Martin traces the history of this fascinating line, examines all the critical move-orders, gives recommendations, and shows how this opening is used with success at all levels, from club players to Grandmasters. But perhaps the best thing about the Hippopotamus is that, for once, there is no fixed theory: you can tailor the opening to suit yourself.