Hong Kong Chess Player

Thursday, July 06, 2006

Chess Annotation Symbol

When annotating chess games, commentators frequently use symbols to denote a move as bad or good. The symbols normally used are "??", "?", "?!", "!?", "!", and "!!". The corresponding symbol is juxtaposed in the text immediately after the move (e.g. Ke7? or Rg1!?). Use of these annotation-symbols is always somewhat subjective, and different annotators will often wind up using the same symbols differently.

?? - Blunder

The double question-mark "??" indicates a blunder , that is, a move so bad that it cannot be explained by the player not knowing any better. Typical moves which receive double question-marks are those that overlook that the queen is under attack or overlook a checkmate.

? - Mistake

A single question-mark "?" after a move indicates that the annotator thinks that the move is a poor one that should not be played. However, the nature of the mistake may be more strategic than tactical in nature; or, in some cases, the move receiving a question-mark may be one that is difficult to find a refutation for.

?! - Dubious move

This symbol is similar to the "!?" but usually indicates that the annotator believes the move to be objectively bad, albeit hard to refute. The "?!" is also often used instead of a "?" to indicate that the move is not all bad. A sacrifice leading to a dangerous attack which the opponent should be able to defend against if he plays well may receive a "?!". Alternatively, this may denote a move that is truly bad, but contains an attractive trap.

!? - Interesting move

The "!?" is one of the more controversial symbols. Different books have slightly varying definitions. Among the definitions are "interesting, but perhaps not the best move", "move deserving attention", "enterprising move" and "risky move". Usually it indicates that the move leads to exciting or wild play and that the move is probably good. It is also often used when a player sets a cunning trap in a lost position. Typical moves receiving a "!?" are those involving speculative sacrifices or dangerous attacks which might turn out to be strategically deficient.

! - Good move

While question-marks indicate bad moves, exclamation-points ("!") indicate good moves. However, annotators are usually somewhat conservative with the use of this symbol, as not all good moves deserve an exclamation-point. Typical moves receiving exclamation-points are good opening-novelties, well-timed breakthroughs, sound sacrifices, and moves which avoid falling into traps.

‼ - Brilliant move

The double exclamation-point ("‼") is used to praise a move which the annotator thinks really shows the player's skill. Such moves are usually hard to find. These may include sound sacrifices of large amounts of material and moves that at first glance seem very counter-intuitive.

∞ - Unclear

It is unclear who (if anyone) has an advantage. This is often used when a position is highly asymmetrical, such as Black having a ruined pawn structure but dangerous active piece-play.

= - Even position

This symbol indicates that the annotator believes that White and Black have equal chances.

+/= (=/+) - Slight advantage

This symbol indicates that White (Black) has slightly better chances.

+/- (-/+) - Advantage

This symbol indicates that White (Black) has much better chances.

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