What is Mistake in chess?
A move that significantly worsens your position, but is less severe than a blunder.
Engines classify moves as inaccuracies, mistakes, or blunders depending on how much the evaluation drops. Avoiding mistakes - not just obvious blunders - is what separates improving players from beginners.
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- InaccuracyA move that is slightly suboptimal but does not throw away the game.
- BrilliancyA spectacular, usually unexpected sacrifice or combination that is objectively sound and aesthetically striking.
- Elo ratingA number that estimates a player's strength from their results.
- Time controlThe amount of time each player has to complete their moves.
- Bullet chessAn ultra-fast time control with one or two minutes for the entire game.
- Blitz chessA fast time control with three to five minutes per player.