Move Notation

• !!Brilliant (!!)An outstanding, hard-to-find move, often a sacrifice that works.
• !Great (!)A strong move, often the only one that keeps the advantage or saves the game.
• BestThe engine’s top choice in the position.
• ExcellentNearly as strong as the best move.
• GoodA solid move that keeps the position about the same.
• BookA known opening move from established theory.
• ?!Inaccuracy (?!)A slightly weaker move that gives away a small part of the advantage.
• ?Mistake (?)A clear error that noticeably worsens the position.
• MissFailing to take advantage of your opponent’s mistake.
• ??Blunder (??)A serious error that loses material or the game.

The symbols !!, !, ?!, ? and ?? are widely used chess annotation symbols, found in chess books, annotated scoresheets and online game reviews. Labels such as Brilliant, Great, Best, Excellent and Book can vary by platform and analysis settings. Finish a game in Play a Friend and choose “Review with Stockfish” to see them applied to your own moves.