Van't-Kruijs Opening (1.e3)
Van't Kruijs Opening (1.e3)
Definition
The Van't Kruijs Opening is defined by the single move 1.e3 from White. By advancing the e-pawn one square, White opens a diagonal for the dark-squared bishop while keeping the central structure flexible. The opening is recorded in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings under the code A00 (“Irregular Openings”).
Typical Move Order
Core position after the defining move:
- 1.e3 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.c4 e6 transposes to a reversed Queen’s Gambit Declined.
- 1.e3 e5 2.c4 Nf6 3.Nc3 Bb4 reaches an English-type setup with colors reversed.
- 1.e3 c5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4 produces positions akin to the Symmetrical English.
Strategic Themes
- Flexibility. By not defining the central pawn structure immediately, White can choose between d2–d4, c2–c4, or even f2–f4 depending on Black’s reply.
- Development over conquest. The move avoids early confrontations and emphasizes piece development, especially a quick Bf1–e2 or Bf1–b5.
- Transpositional weapon. Many mainstream openings can be reached with colors reversed, often confusing an unprepared opponent’s move-order knowledge.
- Hidden sting. Although 1.e3 looks timid, it can transpose into aggressive systems such as the Colle-Zukertort, Stonewall Attack, or the reversed French (if White later plays d2–d4).
How It Is Used in Practice
Modern players employ 1.e3 mostly as a surprise weapon in rapid & blitz time controls. It is also favored by club-level competitors who wish to avoid heavy theory while steering the game toward familiar structures. In classical events, it is rare but occasionally chosen by grandmasters when they need to sidestep an opponent’s deep preparation.
Historical Significance
Named after Dutch master Maarten van’t Kruijs (1813–1885), one of the strongest European players of his time and a formidable blindfold exhibitor. Van’t Kruijs reportedly opened many of his casual and simultaneous games with 1.e3, impressing contemporaries such as Adolf Anderssen. Although the move never caught on at the top level during the classical era, it has survived as a testament to the creativity of 19th-century chess.
Illustrative Example
Short & Engaging Miniature (annotated):
[[Pgn| 1.e3 e5 2.c4 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.a3 d5 5.cxd5 Nxd5 6.Qc2 Be6 7.b4 a6 8.Bb2 Bd6 9.Nf3 O-O 10.h4 h6 11.Ng5! hxg5 12.hxg5 g6 13.f4 exf4 14.Nxd5 Be5 15.Qxe5 Nxe5 16.Bxe5 |fen|r4rk1/ppp2p2/p1n1b1pp/3np2B/Pb1N1P2/PP2P3/1BQP2P1/R4RK1 w - - 0 17]]
After 16.Bxe5 White has recovered the pawn, shattered Black’s kingside, and enjoys the safer king. The game demonstrates how quickly 1.e3 can erupt into tactical chaos if Black plays casually.
Notable Games Featuring 1.e3
- Akiba Rubinstein – Richard Réti, Scheveningen 1913: Rubinstein used a 1.e3 move order to enter an English-type endgame he eventually won.
- Mikhail Botvinnik – Tigran Petrosian, Moscow (Training Match) 1960: Botvinnik experimented with 1.e3 to test Petrosian’s positional reflexes.
- Levon Aronian – Anish Giri, Stavanger Blitz 2015: A modern top-GM encounter where Aronian’s 1.e3 led to a lively middlegame and a draw after mutual chances.
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
- The move 1.e3 has occasionally been nicknamed “The Apocalypse Opening” by online communities, joking that the world must be ending if a super-GM starts a classical game with it.
- In correspondence chess, 1.e3 can be a powerful psychological ploy, provoking Black into overambitious attempts to “punish” the seemingly passive first move.
- Grandmaster Nigel Short once quipped during commentary, “If you can’t decide between 1.d4, 1.c4, or 1.Nf3, just play 1.e3— you can still have them all later!”
Evaluation Summary
Engine assessments typically give Black a small (≈ 0.20 – 0.30) advantage after 1…d5 or 1…e5, reflecting the fact that White has ceded some central space. However, practical results are close to equal in games below the master level, underscoring the move’s viability as a practical weapon rather than a refutation-proof opening.