Principal Variation
Principal Variation: The engine's current best line for both sides from the analyzed position.
In-Depth Explanation
The principal variation, often abbreviated PV, explains the moves behind an evaluation. MultiPV displays several candidate lines, but lower-ranked lines may be substantially weaker. Use the PV to identify tactical points and plans rather than memorizing a long computer sequence without context.
Related Technical Terms
FEN (Forsyth-Edwards Notation)
A standard notation for describing a particular board position of a chess game.
Blunder
A very bad move that loses significant material or the game, usually marked as ?? in chess notation.
Algebraic Notation
The standard system for recording chess moves using square coordinates (e.g. e4, Nf3, O-O).
Recommended Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
The engine's current best line for both sides from the analyzed position.
Use a real game in the Plychess analysis tools and identify where principal variation affected the position or result.
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