Van't Kruijs Opening: what should White play?

In this position from the Van't Kruijs Opening, White most frequently continues with Nf3, a flexible developing move played in 22.3% of the 22,000 recorded games. This continuation maintains a slight engine advantage of +0.25 and prepares for kingside castling while contesting the center. Other viable alternatives include the pinning Bb5 or the more conservative Be2, depending on whether White seeks immediate pressure or a solid setup.

The Strategic Role of Nf3

The move Nf3 is the most popular choice at the master level, appearing in 10,000 recorded games. It serves to control the e5 and d4 squares while preparing the transition into structures resembling the Queen's Gambit Declined or the Catalan. The engine evaluates this line at +0.25, leading to the main continuation Nf3 Bg4 Bb5 e6 c4 Be7, where White scores approximately 49.4%.

Direct Pressure with Bb5

The second most common response is Bb5, occurring in 15.1% of games. This move immediately challenges the c6 and can lead to doubled pawns for Black if an exchange occurs on c6. The engine considers this position equal at +0.00. The typical sequence follows Bb5 a6 Bxc6+ bxc6 Nf3 e6, resulting in a complex middlegame where White trades the light-squared bishop for structural concessions.

Alternative Setups and Statistics

White may also opt for f4, which, despite a lower engine evaluation of -0.42, boasts the highest win percentage in the database at 53.0%. This aggressive flank advance often leads to the line f4 Bf5 a3 e6 Nf3 Bd6. For players preferring a more restrained approach, Be2 is played in 4.0% of games, maintaining a 50.1% scoring rate and focusing on solid development before committing to a central pawn break.