Chessy
Van Geet Opening: e6 — A Small Edge for the Daring Player
The Van Geet Opening starts with 1.Nc3, a flexible and less common first move that often catches opponents off guard. When Black answers 1…e6 and you follow up with 2.e4, you've built a strong centre before Black has even touched a central pawn. Stockfish rates this position at +0.33, a small edge for White, which means you are slightly better. But the statistics tell a more complicated story: over 8.4 million games from this exact spot, White wins 47.6% against 48.4% for Black. That tiny advantage on the board only becomes a real score if you know what to do next. The drill below will show you the engine's top move and the most common replies — play through it to feel the position for yourself.
Play the Van Geet Opening: e6 against the engine
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Play through the Van Geet Opening: e6 drill below. The engine will respond to each of your moves, helping you learn the best plans and avoid common mistakes. No
Create a free account →What This Opening Is All About
The Van Geet Opening (ECO A00) is built around the idea of rapid development and central control from a slightly different angle. By playing 1.Nc3, you prepare to support a later 2.e4 or 2.d4 while keeping Black guessing. When Black plays 1…e6, they are often aiming for a French Defence (2.d4 d5) — but your 2.e4 changes the narrative. You've already claimed e4 and can now develop the knight to f3 or the bishop to c4, all while Black hasn't fully committed to a central pawn push. The position remains fluid, but you have a clear lead in space and a tiny +0.33 edge that rewards active play.
The Engine's Top Move: d5
After 1.Nc3 e6 2.e4, Stockfish recommends Black's reply d5 — the most popular and principled response, appearing in over 4.3 million games. White scores 45.6% from there, which is below the overall average, so you need a clear plan. The engine's suggested continuation is d5 d4 Nf6 Bg5. That means after Black plays 3…d4, you should push your d-pawn to d4, then develop the knight to f6 and pin Black's knight with Bg5. This line keeps you active and fighting for the centre. Don't fear the early …d5 — embrace it as a challenge that tests your understanding of space and piece play.
What the Most-Played Replies Tell You
Beyond d5, Black has several other options worth knowing. Here is how White scores against each (remember, you are playing White): - c5 (658,428 games, White scores 47.7%) — a Sicilian-style approach that leads to sharp play. - c6 (636,170 games, White scores 48.6%) — Black preps …d5, but you have time to develop. - b6 (501,773 games, White scores 48.4%) — Black fianchettoes on the queenside; stay central. - d6 (463,342 games, White scores 50.3%) — this is your best result among the most-played moves. - Nf6 (292,916 games, White scores 50.3%) — Black attacks e4 early, and you score well by defending it. The key takeaway: none of Black's replies give you a crushing statistical win, but the engine says you have a slight edge in every case. Your job is to outplay your opponent in the middlegame, not to rely on a cheap trap.
A Plan to Follow in the Drill
When you play through the interactive position, keep these guidelines in mind: - Develop naturally: bring out your kingside pieces quickly — Nf3, Bc4 or Be2, and castle early. - Control the centre: your pawn on e4 and knight on c3 already do this. If Black plays …d5, be ready to support the centre with d4. - Watch for Black's French-like setups: if Black plays …d5 and …c5, you are in a kind of French Defence reversed. Use your extra tempo to create pressure. - Don't overextend: your edge is small (+0.33), so avoid weakening pawn moves. The drill will adapt to your moves and show you the engine's best response — let it teach you the rhythms of this opening.
Results across 8,425,374 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| d5 | 4,332,954 | 45.6% |
| c5 | 658,428 | 47.7% |
| c6 | 636,170 | 48.6% |
| b6 | 501,773 | 48.4% |
| d6 | 463,342 | 50.3% |
| Nf6 | 292,916 | 50.3% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Van Geet Opening good for beginners?
Yes, because it avoids heavy theory while still teaching you central control and development. The position after 1.Nc3 e6 2.e4 is straightforward to understand — you have a small +0.33 edge and clear plans. It's a great way to practice general chess principles.
What is the best reply to 1.Nc3?
The most common replies are 1…e6 (followed by 2.e4, our opening) and 1…d5. According to the database, 1…e6 is the top choice by a wide margin. From there, you play 2.e4 and get a comfortable position with a tiny plus for White.
How should I respond if Black plays …d5?
That's the main line. After 1.Nc3 e6 2.e4 d5, the engine recommends continuing with d4, then Nf6, followed by Bg5. You keep a central pawn chain and develop with threats. Your opponent has to be careful not to fall behind in development.
Why does White have a small edge here but still lose a lot of games?
The statistics show White wins 47.6% and Black wins 48.4% from this position, despite the +0.33 engine evaluation. That small engine edge requires accurate play to convert. The Van Geet is not a forced win — it gives you a comfortable position that rewards better chess.