The Clemenz Opening is a chess opening described in algebraic 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. If White starts playing well after 1.h3, Black cannot expect any great advantage.

References

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