Is hedge hogging in chess a good strategy?

Question

I've been trying different openings in chess lately, because most of my opening relied on my knights and I kept accidentally block one of my bishops. I generally play as black and I like to play off my kings side (which hedge hogging does). When I play against the computer it's worked wonders for me. But is it a good chess strategy to use for club play or recreation (I'm only in high school so it's not like I'm really doing any form of hard core playing right now)? Is it balanced/flexible enough to be used effectively against a variety of people?

Answer 1

No.  It takes too long, and if your opponent is stupid and allows it, he only needs to throw pawns at you, then your pieces suck.

Against a human it may work once.

Answer 2

No.  You opponent can develope his pieces, pry open the appropriate files, and make a massive attack.  

All you'll have is a few diagonal pawns.

Really, hedge-hog doesn't work.

Answer 3

Yes, your hedge hogging in chess can be a good strategy for you to use for club play or recreation; in part because suggestions and tips for winning commonly include:

• play to your own strengths, and

• avoid your opponent's favourite variations.

You can be prepared to play your hedge hogging

• to get them out of their book knowledge, and

• to make them fight on their own resources.

Then review your own games and see where you could improve.

If you win games, you might experiment with hedge hogging as white.