Ok, first off, in case you didn't know, the full name is *deep breath* Tome of Battle: Book of Nine Swords. Thus, any reference to "ToB" or "Bo9S," etc... is talking about the same book. IF you can dip into Crusader, I'd recommend two levels at character level 8 or 9. Level 9 is better slightly, but if you want the goodies early, 8 works.
You'll get two stances, one each level. The first doesn't matter. If you want the White Raven Tactics maneuver (and you should), take Leading the Charge. Otherwise...eh, Martial Spirit? Iron Guard's glare helps with tanking, but it's really just a poor man's version of what you get with the second class level stance: Thicket of Blades. This stance makes ANY movement made in your threatened area provoke attacks of opportunity, including tumbling and 5 ft steps, meaning barring teleportation, if the enemy wants to escape you, it's gonna cost him, big time. maneuvers chosen can be whatever. You may even want to abuse the delayed damage pool class feature with feats like Stone Power (same book), Lady's Gambit, and/or Retribution (last two fromdragon mag, summaries below).
Retribution: Much like Furious Counterstrike Crusader class feature. On your next attack against someone who hurt you (has to be your next attack and within one round), get a +1 attack per 5 points of damage dealt to you.
Lady's Gambit: Once per round, you can lose up to (character level) hit points, gaining half that amount as a bonus to attack and damage for the round. You would combine this with the delayed damage pool and Stone Power to not actually take damage.
