Chessy
Van't Kruijs Opening: g6 – A Quiet Start with Real Potential
The Van't Kruijs Opening begins with a quiet move — 1.e3 — which might not look threatening at first, but it sets the stage for a flexible game. After Black responds with 1...g6, you immediately occupy the centre with 2.d4. The result? A position where Stockfish gives you a small edge (+0.29), meaning you are slightly better right from the start. The database of over 2.6 million games shows this is a competitive battleground — you'll want to understand the key responses to keep that edge. The interactive drill below will help you learn exactly that.
Play the Van't Kruijs Opening: g6 against the engine
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At first glance, 1.e3 looks unambitious, but the idea is to avoid heavy theoretical lines while keeping full central flexibility. After 2.d4, you have a solid pawn on d4 and your e3-pawn supports a future d4-d5 break or prepares to develop the king's bishop. Black's g6 signals a fianchetto setup, and the most common reply — 2...Bg7 (in over 2.3 million games) — is exactly what you'd expect. White scores 46.5% from there, which is respectable given that this isn't a sharp attacking line. Your goal is simple: develop naturally, keep your centre intact, and look for chances to expand when Black commits their pieces.
The Engine's Recommendation
Stockfish's top choice for Black after 2.d4 is 2...Nf6, and the engine's suggested continuation runs Nf6 c4 Bg7 Nf3. Notice how White aims for a broad pawn centre with c4 and develops the knight to f3 — a classical approach. This line leads to a position that resembles a reversed King's Indian or a quiet English Opening, which should feel familiar to many club players. Even after Black's best reply, you keep your slight advantage. The key is to not rush; build up your position move by move.
What the Statistics Tell Us
Over 2.6 million games have reached this position, and the results are remarkably balanced: White wins 46.7%, Black wins 48.8%, and draws account for just 4.5%. That low draw rate tells you this opening leads to decisive, fighting chess — rarely a quiet draw. Looking at the most-played responses: 2...Bg7 is by far the most popular (2.35 million games, White scores 46.5%), while 2...e6 gives White your best result at 50.3%. The other top replies — 2...d5 (White 48.9%), 2...b6 (48.5%), and 2...Nf6 (47.3%) — all keep things competitive. No reply crushes you, and a few actually favour White.
A Typical Plan After 2...Bg7
When Black plays the most common move, 2...Bg7, you have a clear path: continue developing with c4, Nc3, Nf3, and Be2 or Bd3. Your pawns on d4 and c4 form the classic 'little centre' that gives you space and options. If Black plays ...d6 and ...e5, you can consider d5 to cramp them or maintain tension and wait for a mistake. The statistics show White scores nearly evenly here, so don't expect a quick knockout — but do expect Black to have to play accurately to equalise. Your job is to improve piece placement, maintain the centre, and outplay your opponent in the middlegame.
Results across 2,632,690 Lichess games
| Most-played continuation | Games | White wins |
|---|---|---|
| Bg7 | 2,354,818 | 46.5% |
| Nf6 | 72,799 | 47.3% |
| d6 | 61,608 | 46.7% |
| d5 | 33,771 | 48.9% |
| b6 | 31,555 | 48.5% |
| e6 | 25,380 | 50.3% |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Van't Kruijs Opening a good opening for beginners?
Yes — it avoids massive opening theory while still fighting for the centre. After 1.e3 g6 2.d4 you reach a playable position where Stockfish gives you a small edge (+0.29). Games are decisive (only 4.5% draws), so you'll get plenty of practice in unbalanced positions.
What is White's plan after 1.e3 g6 2.d4 Bg7?
Develop naturally with c4, Nc3, Nf3, and a flexible bishop (Be2 or Bd3). Your pawn duo on d4 and c4 gives you central space. Black's bishop on g7 eyes the long diagonal, so keep an eye on it — but don't fear it. Build up slowly and look for a d4-d5 push when Black commits pawns to the centre.
Should I play d4 on move 2 every time?
In the Van't Kruijs, 2.d4 is the most principled follow-up after 1...g6. It stakes a claim in the centre and leads to the position covered in this lesson. The statistics show White scores well across all major Black responses, so it's a solid choice.
Why does the Van't Kruijs Opening have a low draw rate?
Because both sides have flexible setups without forced tactical lines, the game tends to stay imbalanced into the middlegame. With only 4.5% draws in over 2.6 million games, you can expect a real fight rather than a quick handshake.
How many games feature the Van't Kruijs Opening: g6?
Over 3 million Lichess games have reached the Van't Kruijs Opening: g6 position. White wins 46.7%, Black wins 48.8%, with 4.5% draws — based on real rated games.