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Clemenz Opening: what should White play?
Best move
d4-0.20
Black is threatening to overrun the center. By playing d4, you strike back at the e5 pawn and prevent Black from gaining a massive space advantage. It is the only move that forces…
- Games played
- 225K
- To move
- White
- Evaluation
- -0.20
- Depth
- 22
Game counts: Lichess opening book. Move ranking and evaluation: Stockfish. How this page is built
Why d4 is the best move
d4! — The Only Good Move!
⚠️ Critical position — Black has established a strong presence with
d5ande5. You must challenge the center immediately or be suffocated!
Why this is the only good move:
Black is threatening to overrun the center. By playing d4, you strike back at the e5 pawn and prevent Black from gaining a massive space advantage. It is the only move that forces Black to react, rather than allowing them to dictate the pace of the game.
Why Other Moves Fail
| Move | Eval | Why It Fails |
|---|---|---|
| a3 | -0.45 | Too slow. It ignores the central tension and allows Black to solidify their grip. |
| c4 | -0.53 | Weakens the d4 square and allows Black to push d4, cramping White. |
| d3 | -0.66 | Passive. It blocks the f1 and concedes the center to Black's pawns. |
The traps: Most players (23%) fall for the trap of playing a3, thinking they are preventing a bishop pin. However, in this specific setup, time is more valuable than prophylaxis. If you play passively with d3, Black simply develops naturally while you struggle for air.
How To Find The Only Good Move
Step 1 — Recognize the critical moment: Black has two pawns in the center. If White does not challenge one of them immediately, Black will follow up with Nf6 and Bd6, creating a wall that is hard to break.
Step 2 — Eliminate the traps: Ask yourself: "If I play a waiting move like a3, what is Black's best plan?" The answer is central expansion. Therefore, you cannot afford to wait.
Step 3 — Verify the solution:
The engine confirms that after d4 Nc6 dxe5 Nxe5 Nf3, White successfully liquidates the center and maintains an equal footing.
📚 Pattern: Central Counter-Strike. When an opponent occupies the center with two pawns, you must usually strike at one of them (the "head" of the pawn duo) to maintain balance.
What else gets played here
Move choices from 225K games in the opening book, with the engine's evaluation of each.
| Move | Evaluation | Played | Games | White score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| a3 | -0.45 | 165K | 49% | |
| d3 | -0.66 | 26K | 47% | |
| d4Engine pick | -0.20 | 23K | 50% | |
| c4 | -0.53 | 11K | 49% | |
| a4 | -0.68 | 0 | — |
More positions in the Clemenz Opening
All Clemenz Opening positions →Frequently asked questions
What is the best move for White in the Clemenz Opening?
d4 (-0.20). Black is threatening to overrun the center. By playing d4, you strike back at the e5 pawn and prevent Black from gaining a massive space advantage. It is the only move that forces…
Why is d4 the best move here?
Black is threatening to overrun the center. By playing d4, you strike back at the e5 pawn and prevent Black from gaining a massive space advantage. It is the only move that forces Black to react, rather than allowing them to dictate the pace of the game.
How often does this position occur?
This position has been reached 225K times in the opening book.