The Van Geet Opening starts with 1.Nc3, and when Black answers 1...c5 you push 2.e4 – a hybrid of the Sicilian and the Closed Game that puts immediate pressure on Black's centre. Statistically this is razor-close: White scores 47.5% across over 18.6 million games, with Black just ahead at 48.7%. But the engine gives +0.28 – a small edge in your favour. That gap between theory and result is exactly where this drill helps. You'll learn to convert that slight advantage into real winning chances, starting with the position after 1.Nc3 c5 2.e4, Black to move. Jump into the interactive board below and see how you handle what comes next.
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Play the Van Geet Opening: c5 against the engine
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Now that you know the plans and the pitfalls, it's time to practise. Jump into the interactive drill below – play the position against the engine, test your rep
Find your own #1 mistake — free →What You're Fighting For
After 1.Nc3 c5 2.e4, you've built a classical centre with pawns on e4 and d4 coming soon. Black's c5-pawn eyes d4, and their most natural plan is to develop the knight to c6, putting immediate pressure on your centre. The engine's best reply is indeed Nc6 (by a wide margin – it appears in over 8.2 million games). From that point the recommended continuation runs: Bb5 Nd4 a4, with your light-squared bishop pinning the knight and the a-pawn advance preparing to chase the invader further. Your small edge comes from better central control and quicker development – but only if you handle Black's counterplay accurately.
The Critical Moment: Black's Most Popular Replies
Black has several ways to respond, and the statistics show that White's results hold up well in every line – but you must know what each one signals. Here are the top continuations at this position (all from Black's next move):- Nc6 (8.2M games, White scores 47.5%) – The principled developing move. You answer Bb5, pinning the knight and preparing to trade if Black tries Nd4.- d6 (4.6M games, White scores 47.8%) – A flexible Sicilian-style setup. Black prepares to fianchetto or play e5 later. Your best plan is to continue development and push d4, seizing the centre.- e6 (3.3M games, White scores 46.6%) – Solid but passive. Black bolsters d5 and keeps options open. Use the tempo to expand: d4 is your priority.- g6 (946K games, White scores 46.9%) – Black wants a Hyper-Accelerated Dragon setup. Push d4 before Black can castle and counter-attack.- a6 (693K games, White scores 46.9%) – A waiting move or preparation for b5. Don't slow down – build your centre with d4 and expand.Notice that Black's results are slightly better in the most popular lines – that's because club players often fail to follow up correctly. The drill will train you to keep the pressure on.
The One Mistake You Must Punish
The facts flag one clear inaccuracy in this position: if Black plays e5, they lose roughly 0.6 pawns of evaluation. Stockfish confirms that Nc6 would have been much better. Why is e5 so wrong? It blocks the dark-squared bishop, commits the e-pawn without preparation, and leaves d5 undefended. Against a club opponent who plays 2...e5 (and it does appear in 355,000 games), White actually scores 51.4% – your best result against any reply. The correct approach is simple: continue developing and prepare d4, breaking open the centre while Black's pieces are still tangled. The engine line shows you exactly how to capitalise, and the drill will let you practise that punishment until it's automatic.
When This Opening Suits You
The Van Geet is perfect if you enjoy side-stepping mountains of mainline theory while still getting a playable position. Unlike 1.e4 or 1.d4, your opponent may already be uncomfortable after 1.Nc3 – they face non-standard decisions from move one. The position after 1.Nc3 c5 2.e4 leads to a flexible game where you can transpose into Sicilian structures or carve your own path. If you're patient and comfortable holding a small edge rather than chasing a quick knockout, this opening rewards you with positions that are easier to play than your opponent's. Use the drill below to internalise the key plans and start racking up wins with this underrated weapon.
Results across 18,662,109 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nc6Main line | 8,274,289 | 47.5% |
| 2 | d6 | 4,647,074 | 47.8% |
| 3 | e6 | 3,292,398 | 46.6% |
| 4 | g6 | 946,499 | 46.9% |
| 5 | a6 | 693,272 | 46.9% |
| 6 | e5 | 355,120 | 51.4% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Van Geet Opening a good opening for beginners?
Yes – it's excellent for learning piece development and central control without needing to memorise deep theory. After 1.Nc3 c5 2.e4, you reach a position where good general chess principles (rapid development, central expansion) guide your play. The engine gives White a small edge at +0.28, so you're not sacrificing anything by playing it.
What should White do if Black plays 2...Nc6?
This is the most popular reply by far. Your best response is **Bb5**, pinning the knight. Black will often challenge your bishop with **Nd4**, and you can then chase the knight further with **a4** (the engine's recommended continuation). The key is not to let Black's knight disrupt your development – use your pawns and pieces to control d4.
Why does 2...e5 lose 0.6 pawns for Black?
Playing e5 blocks Black's dark-squared bishop, weakens the d5-square, and wastes a tempo because the e-pawn doesn't attack any White piece. Black should have developed with Nc6 instead. White scores 51.4% against 2...e5, so you should be happy to see it. Simply continue developing and prepare d4 to tear open the centre.
Is the Van Geet Opening better for White in blitz or classical chess?
The statistics come from all time controls, but the Van Geet shines especially in faster games where your opponent's unfamiliarity matters most. After 1.Nc3 c5 2.e4, many players waste time trying to refute you and make positional errors instead. The engine evaluation of +0.28 holds in both formats – it's a sound choice at any speed.
How many games feature the Van Geet Opening: c5?
Over 19 million Lichess games have reached the Van Geet Opening: c5 position. White wins 47.5%, Black wins 48.7%, with 3.8% draws — based on real rated games.