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When annotating Chess -games, commentators frequently use Question Mark s and Exclamation-point s to denote a move as good or bad. The symbols normally used are "??", "?", "?!", "!?", "!", and "!!". The corresponding symbol is juxtaposed in the text immediately after the move (e.g. Re7? or Kh1!?). Use of these annotation-symbols is always somewhat subjective, and different annotators will often wind up using the same symbols differently. MOVE EVALUATION SYMBOLS Move symbols in increasing effectiveness of the move: ??: 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 . Whether a single or double question-mark is used often depends on the player's strength. For instance, if a beginner makes a serious strategic error or overlooks a tactical sequence, this might be explained by the beginner's lack of skill, and the mistake will receive only one question-mark. If a master were to make the same move, some annotators might use the double question-mark to indicate that the mistake is not at all indicative of the player's strength. However, a blunder does not necessarily mean that the move utterly destroys the position; if a player overlooks the fact that he can checkmate his opponent in one move, but instead decides to enter a winning Endgame , that move may receive a double query, even though the one being playing still leads to a win. ?: 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. Andrew Soltis has called "!?" the symbol of the lazy annotator who finds the move interesting but cannot be bothered to work out whether it is good or bad. !: 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. Usually the move must demonstrate the player's skill. For example, few annotators would comment a game in this way: 1.e4! c5! 2.Nf3! d6!. All the moves of this mainline Sicilian Defense are good ones, but the players have not really demonstrated much skill by playing through well-known opening-theory. Once the players start making good choices when faced with difficult decisions, however, some of the moves may receive exclamation-points from annotators. 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. Yes, Omg. Greatness. POSITION EVALUATION SYMBOLS ∞: 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. OTHER SYMBOLS Some annotators put together even more question-marks and exclamation-points. For example "????" might indicate an outright horrid move, too horrid to give a mere "??". However, use of such symbols is not common. ○: Space ↑: Time or initiative These symbols indicate an advantage in the given area. ↑↑: Development Indicates a lead in development. Also written ↻ ⇄: Counterplay Indicates that the player has counterplay. ∇: Countering Indicates the opponent's plan this defends against. Δ: Idea Indicates the future plan this move supports. THE NUNN CONVENTION In his book ''Secrets of Rook Endings'' (Gambit, 1992), John Nunn uses these symbols in a more specific way in the context of Endgame s where the optimal line of play can be determined with some certainty:
This convention has been used in some later works, such as Karsten Muller and Frank Lamprecht 's ''Fundamental Chess Endings'' (Gambit, 2001), but it can be safely assumed the convention is not being used unless there is a specific note to the effect that it is. |