Move labels guide

What do move classifications mean?

Move labels are shortcuts for how much a move changed the game. They are useful when they point you toward a decision to study, but the real lesson is always on the board. Missed mates and tactics remain explanations, not a separate move label.

Book

A known opening move while the game is still in theory.

Forced

The position had only one legal move, so it is not judged as a choice.

Brilliant

A deeply verified best move that creates a new, sound material sacrifice while keeping real winning chances.

Great

A deeply verified best move that was meaningfully stronger than the second choice at a critical winning-chance boundary.

Best

The top Stockfish move in the position.

Excellent

A move that kept almost all of your winning chances.

Good

A playable move with only a small practical drop.

Inaccuracy

A move that gave away some chances but did not ruin the game.

Mistake

A move that changed the game enough to deserve focused review.

Blunder

A move that gave away a large part of the position.

How to use the labels

Start with Inaccuracy, Mistake, and Blunder. For each one, compare your move to the best move and name the idea in plain chess terms. Was it a fork, loose piece, king attack, pawn break, or defensive resource?

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