Chessy
Van't Kruijs Opening: e6 – How to Play It as White
The Van't Kruijs Opening starts with the modest move 1.e3, but don't let its quiet appearance fool you. After 1.e3 e6 2.c4, White has set up a solid, flexible formation that often transposes into familiar structures like a reversed Queen's Pawn opening or a Hedgehog setup. Black has a wide range of options here, but the engine rates the position at +0.08 — dead equal. Across nearly 706,000 games, White scores a healthy 50.0%, with Black slightly behind at 46.3%. In other words, you are fighting for a win on completely even terms. The interactive drill below will help you learn the most common replies and the best plan to keep the balance — or tilt it your way.
Play the Van't Kruijs Opening: e6 against the engine
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Play the Van't Kruijs Opening: e6 position against our adaptive engine now — test your understanding of the main lines and see if you can improve on the 50.0%
Create a free account →The Big Idea: Flexibility Over Force
With 1.e3 White delays committing the d-pawn, keeping open the option of a d4 centre or a Dutch-style setup. After Black plays ...e6, 2.c4 continues that flexible approach, fighting for the d5 square from the flank. You are not trying to blow Black off the board with a direct attack. Instead, you are building a harmonious, hard-to-touch position that can adapt to whatever Black plays. The engine's preferred continuation — 2...d5 3.d4 Nf6 4.Nf3 — leads to a classic Queen's Gambit structure where you have reversed colours. If you are comfortable in slow, strategic battles with equal chances, this opening is a fine choice.
The Engine's Answer: A Symmetrical Centre
Stockfish's top reply is 2...d5, grabbing space in the centre. The suggested continuation is d5 d4 Nf6 Nf3, which builds a full pawn centre for White and develops the king's knight to its best square. This is the purest test of the opening: Black challenges your ambitions directly. With 279,189 games played, 2...d5 is also the most popular choice among Black players. You score 49.3% in this line — essentially a toss-up. The key is to play simple, strong moves: complete development, keep the centre solid, and look for small advantages in the middlegame.
What the Statistics Reveal
The numbers for the most-played Black moves are remarkably tight. Here is what you face and how you score: - 2...d5 (279,189 games): White wins 49.3% — the main line, a fair fight. - 2...Nf6 (79,115 games): White also scores 49.3% — a flexible developing move. - 2...c5 (72,076 games): White wins 49.7% — Black claims their own central space. - 2...c6 (56,338 games): White scores 49.9% — a solid, Slav-like setup. - 2...b6 (45,849 games): White wins 48.8% — a Hypermodern approach. - 2...d6 (43,092 games): White wins 50.2% — the only line where White edges slightly above 50%. No single reply breaks the symmetry. This opening rewards understanding, not memorisation.
A Practical Tip Against the Most Popular Reply
If Black plays 2...d5, your plan is straightforward: 3.d4 transposes into a Queen's Gambit Declined with colours reversed. From there, develop naturally with Nf3, then Nc3 or Be2, and castle kingside. Do not rush to play cxd5 unless you are sure it helps — keeping the tension in the centre is often best. Black has nothing better than equality, and many club players lose patience in quiet positions. Your task is to outplay them in the middlegame that follows. Trust the 50% score: this is a full game, not a trap.
Results across 705,930 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| d5 | 279,189 | 49.3% |
| Nf6 | 79,115 | 49.3% |
| c5 | 72,076 | 49.7% |
| c6 | 56,338 | 49.9% |
| b6 | 45,849 | 48.8% |
| d6 | 43,092 | 50.2% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Van't Kruijs Opening a good surprise weapon for White?
Yes. With 1.e3 you avoid all mainstream opening theory while reaching a position that is completely sound. The engine gives +0.08, meaning you are not worse. White scores 50.0% across 705,930 games, so the stats show no downside for White.
What is the best way to respond to 2...d5 as White?
The engine recommends 3.d4. This sets up a full pawn centre and leads to structures similar to the Queen's Gambit Declined. Continue with Nf3 and natural development. You score 49.3% in this line, so the game is balanced from the start.
Is the Van't Kruijs Opening: e6 good for beginners?
Absolutely. The position after 1.e3 e6 2.c4 is simple to understand and relies on sound chess principles rather than memorised theory. You face many different Black replies, which teaches you to play chess, not lines. The 50.0% White win rate shows beginners can trust the opening.
What is the main strategic goal for White in this opening?
Your main goal is to build a solid centre and develop harmoniously. Since the engine rates the position at +0.08, you are not aiming for a quick knockout. Instead, look for a slight edge in the middlegame by outplaying your opponent in a quiet, strategic battle.
How many games feature the Van't Kruijs Opening: e6?
Over 705K Lichess games have reached the Van't Kruijs Opening: e6 position. White wins 50.0%, Black wins 46.3%, with 3.7% draws — based on real rated games.