Van't Kruijs Opening: what should Black play?

In this position from the Van't Kruijs Opening, Black's most principled and statistically favorable central reply is d5, securing central space and earning a -0.22 engine evaluation. Black also achieves comfortable equality through the energetic Sicilian-style push c5, evaluated at -0.13. With 228,404 games recorded at this position, Black holds a solid posture regardless of White's modest opening scheme.

Fighting for the Center with d5 or c5

Black's primary strategic choices involve claiming central control before White can dictate the pace. The engine's top-rated continuation is d5, which immediately stakes out central territory and blunts White's light-squared bishop. In an illustrative continuation, play proceeds d5 Nf3 g6 Be2 Bg7 O-O, where Black seamlessly transitions into a kingside fianchetto setup with active minor pieces. Alternatively, striking with c5 challenges White's control over d4, leading to dynamic piece play after c5 e4 Nc6 Nf3 e5 Bb5.

Flexible Continuations: e6 and Nc6

Black can also opt for more flexible development. The move e6 carries an evaluation of -0.13 and allows Black to contest the center via French Defense structures, as seen in e6 e4 d5 e5 Nfd7 f4. Meanwhile, natural piece development via Nc6 (-0.06) avoids early pawn commitments while targeting key central squares, with an illustrative engine line running Nc6 d4 d5 Nf3 Bg4 h3.

The Waiting Move a6

The quiet flank thrust a6 yields an evaluation of +0.00, preserving complete balance. While less direct than central pawn breaks, it prevents any potential piece incursions on b5 and can transpose into French-style formations after a6 e4 d5 e5 Nfd7 f4. However, direct central development remains the most direct way to contest White's setup.