FENr1bqkbnr/pp3ppp/2n5/2ppp3/8/P2PP2P/1PP2PP1/RNBQKBNR w KQkq -
Van't Kruijs Opening: what should White play?
Best move
Be2-0.80
By playing Be2, you prioritize flexible development and prepare for kingside castling. The e2 is perfectly placed to defend the d3 and f3 squares while keeping an eye on the…
- Games played
- 32K
- To move
- White
- Evaluation
- -0.80
- Depth
- 22
Game counts: Lichess opening book. Move ranking and evaluation: Stockfish. How this page is built
Why Be2 is the best move
Be2! — Excellent Choice!
✅ One of 3 top moves — you found the most precise way to develop!
Why this move is excellent:
By playing Be2, you prioritize flexible development and prepare for kingside castling. The e2 is perfectly placed to defend the d3 and f3 squares while keeping an eye on the kingside, avoiding the common mistake of overextending with g3.
Multiple Valid Strategies
This position is unique because it offers three distinct, high-quality paths. You chose the most solid one!
| Move | Eval | Style / Strategic Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Be2 | -0.80 | Solid Development: Prepares castling and maintains a flexible structure. |
| c4 | -0.80 | Central Challenge: Immediately fights for the d5 square and space. |
| Nd2 | -0.94 | Positional Reinforcement: Supports the center and prepares for c4 later. |
Different paths, same destination: While c4 leads to a more explosive, tactical struggle in the center, your choice of Be2 is a sophisticated "wait-and-see" move. It is a non-natural move that only 10% of players find, as most amateurs mistakenly prefer the passive Ne2.
Your Continuation
After Be2:
f5 b4 e4 Bb2 Nf6
What Made This Move Good
You correctly saw: That the f1 needed a home that didn't weaken your kingside pawns. By avoiding the tempting but weakening g3, you kept your position compact and difficult for Black to crack.
📚 Takeaway: When multiple moves are engine-approved, trust your stylistic preference. You chose stability and development over immediate central tension!
What else gets played here
Move choices from 32K games in the opening book, with the engine's evaluation of each.
| Move | Evaluation | Played | Games | White score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nd2 | -0.94 | 17K | 49% | |
| Be2Engine pick | -0.80 | 8.4K | 44% | |
| Nf3 | -1.00 | 4.2K | 46% | |
| Nc3 | -1.02 | 1.7K | 47% | |
| c4 | -0.80 | 0 | — |
More positions in the Van't Kruijs Opening
All Van't Kruijs Opening positions →Frequently asked questions
What is the best move for White in the Van't Kruijs Opening?
Be2 (-0.80). By playing Be2, you prioritize flexible development and prepare for kingside castling. The e2 is perfectly placed to defend the d3 and f3 squares while keeping an eye on the…
Why is Be2 the best move here?
By playing Be2, you prioritize flexible development and prepare for kingside castling. The e2 is perfectly placed to defend the d3 and f3 squares while keeping an eye on the kingside, avoiding the common mistake of overextending with g3.
How often does this position occur?
This position has been reached 32K times in the opening book.