How do you know if a clam is fresh?

Question

I'm about to cook clams that a bought at a store i am soaking them in water. What should i look for? Should the clams stay open or closed?

Answer 1

The clams should be closed. Throw out any that are open.

I think you only need to wash off the shells, not soak them. If they are all open now, the clams have died and can't be cooked.

Answer 2

The shells must be closed. If you tap on an open one and it doesn't close it's dead so throw it out.