How to Counter Van’t Kruijs Opening: A Complete Guide

If you’ve ever faced the move 1.e3 and wondered what on earth your opponent is doing, you’ve just met the Van’t Kruijs Opening. At first glance, it looks passive and even a little strange compared to mainstream openings like 1.e4 or 1.d4. 

But don’t be fooled — the Van’t Kruijs is a flexible system designed to sidestep theory, surprise opponents, and steer the game into uncharted territory. That’s why so many players ask the same question: how to counter Van’t Kruijs Opening effectively?

The good news is that this opening isn’t dangerous if you know what you’re doing. In fact, with the right moves, Black can seize the initiative quickly. In this guide, we’ll break down the key principles, best responses, traps to watch out for, and practical plans so you can meet 1.e3 with confidence — whether you’re playing casual games, blitz online, or competitive tournaments.

Understanding the Van’t Kruijs Opening (1.e3)

The Van’t Kruijs Opening begins with 1.e3, a quiet yet flexible pawn push. At first glance, it looks harmless compared to big center grabs like 1.e4 or 1.d4. But here’s the twist: this move doesn’t commit to a fixed setup, allowing White to transpose into other openings such as:

• A Queen’s Gambit-style structure after 2.d4.

• A reversed French Defense if White later plays d4/e4.

• An English Opening flavor if White fianchettos with b3 and Bb2.

What makes it frustrating is that most players haven’t studied it deeply, so they may waste time in the opening trying to “figure it out.” White counts on that confusion.

Your job as Black: don’t panic, stick to principles, and claim the center.

Why You Shouldn’t Underestimate It

While many coaches call Van’t Kruijs “inoffensive,” it’s not something you should dismiss. Its real strength lies in:

1. Surprise value – Most Black players expect 1.e4, 1.d4, or 1.c4. Seeing 1.e3 can knock you off balance.

2. Transpositional traps – You think you’re playing a French setup, but suddenly it becomes a Queen’s Gambit with slight tweaks.

3. Psychological play – Opponents who play Van’t Kruijs often thrive on steering the game away from theory.

So yes, the move is passive, but if you don’t have a prepared plan, it can become annoying rather than easy.

Core Principles to Counter Van’t Kruijs

Here’s your guiding framework:

These principles are your “anchor” when you’re not sure what to do.

Best Black Responses (Move by Move)

Let’s go through specific setups you can use:

1. …d5 – The Classical Response

This is the most principled answer. By taking the center immediately, you reduce White’s flexibility.

• Line: 1.e3 d5 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nf3 c5

• Plan: Build a Queen’s Gambit Declined-style structure, develop naturally, and target the d4 pawn.

• Benefit: You play a familiar setup without much risk.

1. …e5 – Equalize Instantly

Aggressive and direct, this punishes White’s “shy” first move.

• Line: 1.e3 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.exd4 d5

• Plan: You get symmetry, but with more active development.

• Watch out: Don’t allow White to sneak into a reversed French if you dislike those pawn structures.

1. …Nf6 – Flexible Development

If you want to keep options open, develop first.

• Line: 1.e3 Nf6 2.b3 g6 3.Bb2 Bg7 4.Nf3 O-O

• Plan: A hypermodern fianchetto system where you let White build a center, then break it with …c5 or …d5.

• Benefit: Works great if you’re comfortable with Indian Defense setups.

1. …g6 – Hypermodern Counter

This invites White to overextend.

• Line: 1.e3 g6 2.d4 Bg7 3.Nf3 d6

• Plan: Prepare …e5 or …c5. Your bishop on g7 becomes a powerful piece.

• Benefit: Exploits White’s passive start by aiming for long-term pressure.

Common Traps & How to Avoid Them

Some Van’t Kruijs players try tricks. Here’s what to expect:

• Early Queen moves (Qh5/Qf3) – Looks scary, but if you calmly play Nf6 or d5, these threats fade quickly.

• F4 gambit setups – If White plays Nc3 followed by f4, don’t panic. Capture if safe, and develop with Nf6/Be7. Black often ends up better.

• Overextended center – If White pushes pawns too quickly (d4, c4, e4), they leave holes (like c4 or e4 squares). Exploit them with piece play.

Pro tip: Don’t chase White’s queen or pawns aimlessly. Stick to your plan.

Practical Game Plans (Sample Repertoires)

Plan A – Classical Grip

1. e3 d5

2. d4 Nf6

3. Nf3 c5

4. c4 Nc6

5. Nc3 e6

You get a solid structure with strong control of the d4 and c5 squares. It feels like a Queen’s Gambit but with easier equality.

Plan B – Hypermodern Setup

1. e3 Nf6

2. b3 g6

3. Bb2 Bg7

4. Nf3 O-O

5. d4 d5

Here, you invite White to grab space, then undermine it with …c5 or …e5. Great for players who enjoy flexible counterattacks.

Plan C – Punish the Gambit

1. e3 d5

2. Nc3 e5

3. f4 exf4

Take the pawn. White’s compensation is thin, and Black can develop calmly with Nf6, Be7, O-O.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Playing passively – If you just copy White’s slowness, you let them control transpositions.

• Chasing ghosts – Don’t waste moves countering early queen sorties.

• Ignoring development – Prioritize piece activity and king safety.

• Forgetting flexibility – If you dislike French structures, don’t allow 1.e3 e5 2.d4 to trick you.

FAQs

Is the Van’t Kruijs Opening good?

The Van’t Kruijs Opening (1.e3) is playable but not strong at higher levels. Its value lies in surprise and flexibility, often transposing into other openings like the English or Queen’s Gambit. Since it doesn’t fight the center early, Black can equalize fast. For casual or blitz play, it’s decent, but once you know how to counter Van’t Kruijs Opening, its impact is limited.

What are the opening variations for Van’t Kruijs?

The Van’t Kruijs leads to flexible setups rather than strict theory. Common variations include:

• Zukertort Setup: 1.e3, b3, Bb2

• English Style: 1.e3, c4

• French Reversal: 1.e3 d5 2.d4

• Keoni–Hiva Gambit: 1.e3, then f4

Recognizing these early helps in learning how to counter Van’t Kruijs Opening effectively.

Why is e3 a bad opening?

The move 1.e3 is considered “bad” because it doesn’t contest the center immediately and blocks the light-squared bishop. Black can quickly play …d5 or …e5 and get comfortable equality. While not losing, it’s passive compared to 1.e4 or 1.d4. Knowing how to counter Van’t Kruijs Opening makes it even easier to neutralize.

Is Van’t Kruijs a good opening?

The Van’t Kruijs is “good” mainly as a surprise weapon. It works in casual or fast games where opponents aren’t ready, but it’s rarely seen at higher levels because it gives Black too much freedom. Once players learn how to counter Van’t Kruijs Opening, White struggles to claim an edge.

Who was Van’t Kruijs chess player?

Maarten van ’t Kruijs (1813–1885) was a Dutch chess master after whom the opening is named. Though not as famous as other 19th-century players, he introduced 1.e3 as a playable start. His legacy lives on in modern guides showing players how to counter Van’t Kruijs Opening.

Final Thoughts

The Van’t Kruijs Opening may not be as popular as the Sicilian or the Ruy Lopez, but that’s exactly why it catches players off guard. By starting with 1.e3, White keeps their options open, hoping to confuse unprepared opponents. But once you understand how to counter Van’t Kruijs Opening, the element of surprise disappears — and you’re the one dictating the game.

The formula is simple: claim the center with …d5 or …e5, develop pieces naturally, castle on time, and don’t overreact to White’s offbeat tricks. Stay alert to transpositions and punish early queen sorties or pawn gambits calmly. When you stick to these principles, Van’t Kruijs stops being a mystery and starts becoming an opening you actually look forward to facing.

With this preparation, you’ll turn White’s “quiet” start into your opportunity — proving that sometimes, the best counter to the unusual is solid, confident play.