Van Geet Opening: what should White play?

In this position from the Van Geet Opening, White's most robust tactical choice is Nf3, though Bf4 provides a slightly higher engine evaluation of +1.84. Developing pieces naturally while defending the advanced e5 pawn exerts immediate pressure on Black's central structure. While the vast majority of players resolve the tension immediately by capturing on d6, maintaining central pressure with minor piece development yields superior theoretical advantages.

Minor Piece Development with Nf3 and Bf4

The developing move Nf3 has been played in 16.1% of games (56K recorded), scoring 59.0% for White with an engine evaluation of +1.77. The illustrative continuation Nf3 Nc6 Bf4 Nge7 exd6 cxd6 shows how White harmoniously introduces threats against Black's pawn on d6. Alternatively, Bf4 immediately focuses firepower along the c1-h6 diagonal, scoring 63.0% across 15K recorded games (4.3% popularity) and carrying the engine's highest assessment at +1.84 via the line Bf4 Nc6 Nf3 Nge7 exd6 cxd6.

The Popular Pawn Capture exd6

By far the most common human approach is exd6, which occurs in 77.6% of recorded games (272K recorded). Although this exchange scores 59.9% for White, its engine evaluation sits somewhat lower at +1.54. The illustrative line runs exd6 Nf6 Bf4 cxd6 e3 O-O, after which Black obtains active piece placement in exchange for White's modest positional edge.

Tactical Alternatives: Ne4 and Qd3

A more combative option is Ne4, chosen in 1.9% of games (6.7K recorded), which scores 62.8% and evaluates at +1.30. It prompts dynamic complications illustrated by Ne4 Qe7 Qd5 Nc6 Bg5 f6. Lastly, the queen sortie Qd3 presents an engine evaluation of +0.75 in the line Qd3 dxe5 Qg3 Nf6 Qxe5+ Be7, although it concedes much of White's opening initiative compared to development via Nf3.