Clemenz Opening

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This article uses algebraic notation to describe chess moves.

The Clemenz Opening is a chess opening described in algebraic chess notation as 1.h3. It is named after Hermann Clemenz (1846–1908), an Estonian player.

Like Anderssen's Opening, 1.a3, 1.h3 is a time-wasting move even though it does not do much destruction either. It makes no claim on the central squares, nor does it aid the development of any piece. It also leads to a slight weakening of the king's side, albeit not as severely as Grob's Attack, 1.g4, or Barnes Opening, 1.f3. Since there is no need for White to make such a time-wasting move on the first move, it is among the rarest of the 20 possible first moves. It is considered an irregular opening, so it is classified under the A00 code in the Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings.

Black has a number of playable responses, the most common being 1...d5 and 1...e5, which stake out a claim for central space. The most logical move, however, should be 1...b6!, taking away all the good of h3 and leaving the bad, since the bishop will not need to go to g4 and white can't play g4 without awkwardly placing his pieces. If White starts playing well after 1.h3, Black cannot expect any great advantage.

One of the weaker plausible responses by Black would be 1...f5, when White can play 2.d4!, transposing to a sharp line against the Dutch Defense introduced by Korchnoi. White's idea is to play 3.g4!? even if it entails a pawn sacrifice (2.g4!? is also possible), one possible continuation being 2.d4 Nf6 3.g4!? fxg4 4.hxg4 Nxg4 5.Qd3 Nf6?? (5...g6! is forced) 6.Rxh7! Rxh7 7.Qg6#.

[edit] References

• Hooper, David and Kenneth Whyld (1996). The Oxford Companion To Chess. Oxford University. ISBN 0-19-280049-3.