Expert: Chuck Kinzie - 6/5/2009

Question
Reading chess moves, I come across these symbols ++/-,+/- or ?! or variations to them... What do they all mean or can you direct me where i can find the definitions to these symbols?

Answer
Hi Newbie,

Sorry it has taken me so long to respond to your question.  I don't have my own computer, and I haven't been to the library since last Tuesday to use the computer.

Anyhow, now that I got the excuses out of the way....

Here are some common symbols used to show the annotator's evaluation of a chess position:

++/--:  White is winning
--/++:  Black is winning

+/-:  White has a clear advantage
-/+:  Black has a clear advantage

+/=:  White has a slight advantage
=/+:  Black has a slight advantage

=:  Both sides have equal winning chances

Here are some common symbols used by annotators to evaluate a specific move:

!!:  Great move
!:  Good move
!?:  Interesting move
?!:  Dubious move (not the best move, but not downright bad)
?:  Bad move
??:  Blunder

Hope I was able to help.

Again, my apologies for the delay in answering your question.

Your chess friend,

Chuck