Van Geet Opening (1. Nc3) - Overview
Van Geet Opening (1. Nc3)
Definition
The Van Geet Opening is the chess opening that begins with the move
1. Nc3
Because it does not occupy the centre immediately and can transpose into many other systems, the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings (ECO) lists it in the catch-all section A00: Irregular Openings. Anglo-American sources often call the line the Dunst Opening, while Dutch literature favours the name Van Geet Opening in honour of the Dutch International Master Dick van Geet (1932-2012), who employed it throughout his career.
Typical Move Order & Transpositional Possibilities
The beauty—and the occasional bane—of 1. Nc3 is its flexibility. After the first move, play may branch into very different structures:
- 1…d5 2.e4 – The Keoni-Hiva Gambit; White sacrifices a pawn to seize rapid development.
- 1…e5 2.Nf3 – Transposes directly to the Vienna Game.
- 1…c5 2.Nf3 – Black enters a Sicilian Defence where White’s knight is already on c3.
- 1…Nf6 2.e4 d5 – Transposes to the Scandinavian or certain lines of the Alekhine Defence, giving White the choice of continuing with d4, exd5, or even g4!? (the Lasker Simul Gambit).
Strategic Ideas
- Central flexibility. The knight on c3 supports both d4 and e4 but commits neither pawn immediately, leaving Black uncertain which pawn break White intends.
- Piece Play before Pawn Play. Because White delays a central pawn advance, quick development and piece activity are paramount. Minor pieces often flow to f3, g3, d3, or b5 depending on Black’s reply.
- Unbalanced pawn structures. Gambit lines (e.g., 1…d5 2.e4) or early c- and f-pawn pushes frequently create asymmetry, inviting sharp tactical battles.
- Psychological edge. Many players meet 1. Nc3 only rarely; the element of surprise can lead to time consumption and inaccuracies from an unprepared opponent.
Historical Background
The move 1. Nc3 was occasionally tried in the nineteenth century—Louis Paulsen used it in blindfold simuls—but it never entered mainstream theory. In the 1960s and 70s, Dutch IM Dick van Geet adopted it as his main weapon, scoring notable wins against strong grandmasters such as Genna Sosonko (Dutch Ch. 1973).
Across the Atlantic, American master Ted Dunst also championed 1. Nc3 during the same era, leading to the dual naming convention still seen today.
Illustrative Games & Example Lines
Game 1: Van Geet vs. Donner, Dutch Championship, Amsterdam 1968
Van Geet demonstrated the latent attacking chances that can arise when Black underestimates the opening; his knights danced from the rim to the centre, and the ensuing initiative proved decisive.
Game 2: Carlsen vs. Anand, World Rapid Championship 2019 (blitz)
World Champion Magnus Carlsen unveiled 1. Nc3 as a surprise in a blitz game against Viswanathan Anand. Although the game eventually transposed to a Scotch-like structure, Carlsen’s psychological ploy paid off: Anand consumed time early and later blundered in mutual time trouble.
Typical Tactical Motif: The e4 Pawn Sacrifice
One of the sharpest continuations is:
1. Nc3 d5 2. e4 dxe4 3. Nxe4 Nf6 4. Nxf6+ exf6 5. d4
Here White hands Black the f-pawn, arguing that two bishops, a half-open e-file, and lead in development outweigh the material. Computers confirm that with precise play Black is fine—but “precise play” on move five is easier said than done.
Modern Usage
- Over-the-board play. Still rare at top classical level, but it appears regularly in rapid and blitz. GMs Richard Rapport and Alexander Morozevich have both tried it successfully.
- Online arenas. Because the opening avoids heavy theory while creating fresh positions, it is a favourite of streamers and content creators—and a worthy choice for club players seeking a playable surprise weapon.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- Van Geet famously opened every game of the 1968 Dutch Championship with 1. Nc3, finishing with an even score against the country’s best.
- When computers first became strong sparring partners in the 1990s, 1. Nc3 was one of the most effective anti-engine choices because engines of that era struggled with the non-forcing positions it produces.
- The move has a mythical nickname—The Sleipnir Opening—after Odin’s eight-legged horse in Norse legend, a playful nod to the “knightly” first move.
Practical Tips for Players
• If you enjoy the Vienna, Scotch, or King’s Pawn openings but wish to sidestep pet lines like the Petroff, try starting with 1. Nc3.
• Study the main replies 1…d5, 1…e5, and 1…c5; together they cover more than 75 % of practical defences.
• Remember: flexibility is strength, but indecision is weakness. Decide early whether you want to push d4, e4, or maybe f4, and steer the game accordingly.