Van Geet: Sicilian Variation, 2.Nf3

Van Geet Opening: Sicilian Variation (1. Nc3 c5 2. Nf3)

Definition

The Van Geet (or Dunst) Opening begins with 1. Nc3, a flexible knight move that discourages early …d5 and keeps White’s central intentions concealed. If Black replies 1…c5, mimicking the Sicilian Defence’s thrust but with colors reversed, and White follows up with 2. Nf3, the resulting position is called the Van Geet: Sicilian Variation. In ECO tables it is indexed under A00, the code for “Irregular Openings.”

How the Line Arises

Typical move order:

1. 1. Nc3   c5
   • Black seizes space on the queenside and prepares …d5, echoing the spirit of the Sicilian Defence.
2. 2. Nf3
   • White develops a second knight, eyes the d4 advance, and keeps all central pawns in reserve, maintaining maximum transpositional freedom.

Strategic Themes

• Flexibility – Because neither side has committed a centre pawn, the structure can transpose into a Closed Sicilian (with colors reversed), a Pirc/Modern set-up, or a King’s Indian Attack.
• Delayed central clash – White often aims for d4 or e4 later, choosing the most convenient moment after Black has revealed his intentions.
• Piece activity – Knights on c3 and f3 control the important d5 and e5 squares and prepare rapid development of bishops to g2, e2, or b5.
• Psychological value – As an “off-beat” path, it may push the opponent into unfamiliar territory only two moves into the game.

Typical Plans for White

• Central break with d4 – After preparatory moves (g3, Bg2, 0-0), White often strikes with d4, recapturing with a knight to keep a grip in the centre.
• English/Réti transposition – c2-c4 can transpose to reversed Sicilian or English structures, where the extra tempo of the white pieces counts.
• King’s Indian Attack set-up – e2-e4, d2-d3, g3, Bg2, 0-0, and Re1 follow classical KIA themes aimed at an eventual e4-e5 thrust.
• Queenside expansion – A quick a2-a3 and b2-b4 can mirror mainline Sicilian ideas—but again with an extra tempo.

Plans for Black

• Classical set-up – …d5, …Nf6, …Nc6, grabbing central space and challenging Nc3.
• Fianchetto systems – …g6 and …Bg7 transpose to reversed Dragon-type positions, aiming at the d4 square.
• Immediate symmetry break – …e5 can yield a reversed Closed Sicilian in which Black (the second player) has essentially equalized.

Historical & Notable Games

• Van Geet vs. Timman, Dutch Ch. Qualifiers 1969 – The Dutch master of the opening used 1.Nc3 c5 2.Nf3 to steer play into unfamiliar channels and won a tactical middlegame.
• Boris Spassky – gave the line a brief test in simultaneous exhibitions, praising its “elastic” character.
• Modern practitioners such as Baadur Jobava, Richard Rapport, and Hikaru Nakamura have used 1.Nc3 against strong opposition in rapid and blitz, occasionally reaching the Sicilian Variation after …c5 2.Nf3.

Illustrative Mini-Game

White wins a pawn in the centre and exploits the extra tempo typical of the line.

Interesting Facts & Anecdotes

• Named after a correspondence legend – Dutch IM Dick van Geet (1932-2012) played 1.Nc3 in hundreds of postal games, scoring impressively and proving its soundness.
• Sneak into the Sicilian with colors reversed – Some players adopt this move order to sidestep vast anti-Sicilian theory while still reaching familiar structures where they get the first move advantage.
• ECO’s “everything else” bucket – Along with 1.a3 and 1.h3, 1.Nc3 falls under A00, showing that even in a miscellaneous category, rich sub-variations like the Sicilian one exist.
• Speed-chess favorite – In online bullet, the knight-first approach saves precious seconds while keeping options wide open.

When to Choose It

Opt for the Van Geet: Sicilian Variation when you:

• Enjoy system openings with flexible pawn structures.
• Prefer to sidestep deep mainline theory of 1.e4 c5 Sicilians while still playing positions you know.
• Like creating early psychological pressure by taking opponents out of their comfort zone.

Key Takeaways

• A sound, off-beat weapon that can transpose to many mainstream openings.
• Maintains maximum central flexibility—pawns stay at home while knights stake early claim to key squares.
• Works best when you understand typical ideas rather than memorizing forced lines.