Openings
- Chess Atlas Subsections
- VOL. I • Chess HistoryFrom Chaturanga to Neural Engines
- VOL. II • Classic ChessPieces, Notation & Rules
- VOL. III • Legendary PlayersPantheon of Chess Immortals
- VOL. IV • Great GamesInteractive game studies
- VOL. V • OpeningsOriginal CAISSORA Opening Articles
- VOL. VI • Tactics & StrategyForks, Pins & Board Geometry
Van't Kruijs Opening
A quiet move that can become anything
- Offbeat
White plays 1.e3: one step into the centre, an open diagonal for the f1 bishop and no commitments. The idea is to see what Black does and then choose a set-up: d4, c4 or something else. Next to 1.e4 the move is passive, but perfectly playable, and handy for dragging an opponent out of home preparation.
4.Nf3
Moves
(7 plies • 4 moves)- 1–4moves
- 1.
- 2.
- 3.
- 4.
Defining move
1.e3 — a door for the bishop, not yet a claim on the centre
A modest move that decides nothing yet
The pawn takes one step and frees the f1 bishop. It also prepares d4. But it takes no space and shuts in the c1 bishop, so the opening is patient, not ambitious. White waits to see what Black wants.
Tabiya
An English set-up with the pawn already on e3
Black has the e5 pawn and two knights out. White has c4, Nc3, Nf3 and the pawn on e3. It is a familiar English set-up reached by a different move order. White can strike with d4 at the right moment or play b3 and Bb2, while Black tries to hold the centre and develop calmly.
White’s plan
- Wait for Black's set-up, then choose: d4 or c4.
- Develop the f1 bishop quickly and castle.
- Reach a familiar structure on your own terms and sidestep the opponent's theory.
Black’s plan
- Take the centre at once with …e5 or …d5, since White has not claimed it.
- Develop, play …Bb4 or …Be7, and castle.
- Punish drifting play: if White dithers, take more space.
History
It is named after the Dutch player Maarten van ’t Kruijs (1813–1885), who won the Dutch championship in 1878.
Games in the Atlas
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