What's hypermodern strategy aiming at in chess?

Question

What's hypermodern strategy aiming at in chess?

Answer 1

Hypermodern play started off like this:

One player would try to lure the opponent's centre pawns forward, then try to break up the centre, for example with the c- or f-pawn. Aiming both bishops at the centre is also a popular idea. (Fianchetto of Bb2 and Bg2.) Now, the ''hypermodern play'' in it's purest form sortof failed, because: 1) You can't break up the opponent's centre with one or two pawns, and it may be impossible if you wait too long. 2) Using the fianchetto for both bishops will often leave one of them in a bad position. If your opponent spots the double fianchetto in time he can build up a solid block in the centre. When the centre is open, of course the bishops do a great job.

Still, hypermodern play is not bad, but you should not be afraid to grab space in the centre if your opponent waits. Also, you should respond if your opponent tries to pin you down in the centre. A great example in practice is the English opening. White plays just c4, and keeps a fluid centre with, for eample, d3 and e3. White hopes for an open diagonal for his bishop on g2. If black doesn't do much, white is just going to grab space on the queen's wing to exploit Bg2 to the fullest. If black does respond, and tries to take over the centre with c6, d5 and e5, the pawns on d3 and e3 will contain the pawns while white tries to put pressure on d5. (Bg2 and c4 already do that of course.)  The black centre will probably dissolve then and it will depend on the position who has the better chances.

So, the idea is to keep a fluid centre while waiting for the opponent to let his centre pawns walk into a wall. On the other hand, if the opponent does little, you use your fianchettoed bishop and advance on the wing that bishop is aimed at. It's a flexible approach and it can work, just as long as you're prepared to change your fluid centre when the situation demands it. After all, you don't want to be mopped up on the king's wing by an f5-f4 pawn thrust while you've got your eyes on the queen's wing.

Answer 2

hyper-modern strategy is aimed at controlling the center of the board without being in the center of the board.  It is mainly for the openings which set up the rest of the game, but at some point combos and tactics will determine the outcome of the game.