Van Geet Opening - Reversed Nimzowitsch
Van Geet Opening – Reversed Nimzowitsch Variation
Definition
The Van Geet Opening (1. Nc3) is an irregular first move for White that immediately develops the queen’s knight while keeping options open for every central pawn advance. When Black replies with a classical center grab (most commonly 1…d5 or 1…e5) and White follows with 2. e4, the resulting positions mirror the Nimzowitsch Defence (1. e4 Nc6) with colors reversed and, crucially, with an extra tempo for the first player. This family of positions is therefore called the Reversed Nimzowitsch Variation of the Van Geet Opening.
Typical Move-Order
There are several transpositional paths, but two of the most common are:
- 1. Nc3 d5 2. e4 (Reversed Scandinavian-style entry)
- 1. Nc3 e5 2. e4 (Straight reversal of 1.e4 Nc6 2.Nc3 e5)
After 1. Nc3 d5 2. e4, Black can either capture on e4, advance …d4, or support the center with …c6 or …e6. Each choice echoes theory from the Nimzowitsch Defence, but White enjoys an extra move.
Strategic Themes
- Central Tension: Because White has already played Nc3, immediate d2–d4 is often feasible after 2. e4, challenging Black’s center while keeping tactical eyes on d5.
- Flexibility: White can veer into a Pirc structure (g3, Bg2), a King’s Gambit-style setup (f2–f4), or a reversed French/Scandinavian depending on Black’s reaction.
- Tempo Advantage: Many standard Nimzowitsch ideas (…e5, …d5, …f5) take Black two moves, while White can execute analogous plans in a single move.
- Avoiding Heavy Theory: Because the Reversed Nimzowitsch lies outside mainstream opening books, it is popular among creative and surprise-seeking players.
Historical Notes
The opening is named after the Dutch International Master Dick van Geet, who employed 1. Nc3 throughout the 1960s and 70s, scoring several upsets in Wijk aan Zee and other European events. The “Reversed Nimzowitsch” label was coined by theoreticians in the early computer-chess era (late 1980s) when databases revealed the structural symmetry with 1…Nc6 systems.
Illustrative Mini-Game
(Shows a sharp line after 1…d5)
In this eight-move sample White has already disrupted Black’s center, developed five pieces, and is ready to castle long or short, illustrating the initiative granted by the extra tempo.
Model Game
Van Geet – Rellstab, Wijk aan Zee 1965
1. Nc3 d5 2. e4 dxe4 3. Nxe4 Nf6 4. Qe2 Nxe4 5. Qxe4 g6 6. Nf3 Bg7 7. d4 O-O 8. Bg5 Re8 9. O-O-O Nd7 10. Qh4 with a direct kingside assault. Van Geet later sacrificed a rook on the h-file and won in 29 moves, a classic demonstration of central control blossoming into an attack.
Practical Tips for Both Sides
- White: Strike quickly with d2–d4 or f2–f4 before Black fully equalises; be ready to transpose to familiar systems (Vienna Game, Pirc, or French Advance) if it suits your style.
- Black: Treat the position seriously—opt for solid setups with …c6 and …dxe4 or challenge the center immediately with …d4. Delayed development on the queenside can leave you permanently a tempo behind.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- In correspondence databases White scores over 60 % in the Reversed Nimzowitsch, due largely to surprise value and flexible pawn structures.
- Grandmaster Bent Larsen occasionally started with 1. Nc3 when he wanted “to make the opponent think for himself from move one.”
- The opening was humorously nicknamed “the Queen’s Knight Tango with a Dutch accent,” referencing both Van Geet’s nationality and the knight’s early dance around c3–e4–f6 squares (with colors reversed).
Summary
The Van Geet Opening – Reversed Nimzowitsch Variation is an unorthodox but fully sound choice for players who enjoy steering opponents into unfamiliar territory while retaining a healthy share of the center and a treasured extra tempo. Its strategic richness, historical charm, and element of surprise make it a valuable arrow in the quiver of any versatile chess practitioner.