Best in Chess: Definition and Practical Use
Best
Definition
In chess, “Best” typically refers to the objectively strongest continuation in a position—most often the Best move according to deep calculation, established theory, or engine analysis. The “best” line maximizes a player’s evaluation (in centipawns or mate score), preserves or increases advantage, and minimizes counterplay. Players also use “best” in a practical sense: the best practical move is the choice that gives the highest winning chances OTB, even if an engine prefers a slightly different continuation.
How It’s Used in Chess
- Commentary: “The best move here is 19. Rc1!” or “Black missed the best defense.”
- Analysis rooms and engines: “Best” is what minimizes the loss in CP (centipawns) in the engine’s principal variation and is often shown as the top line in the Engine eval.
- Opening theory: “The best line” or “main line” often coincides with the most resilient, time-tested sequence—sometimes a Book move—though theory evolves.
- Training: Coaches urge players to search for candidate moves and then find the best one through calculation, pattern recognition, and evaluation.
- Practical play: Strong players balance the “engine best” with human factors (time, risk, opponent’s style), optimizing for Practical chances.
Strategic and Historical Significance
Before engines, “best” was established by human analysis, master practice, and correspondence play. The rise of modern engines (Stockfish, Leela) refined our understanding of the objective best in many openings and endgames (via Endgame tablebase knowledge). Yet legends like Lasker, Petrosian, and Karpov often preferred the best practical move—one that was hardest for the opponent. Today’s elite blend both approaches: they prepare engine-best novelties in home labs (Home prep) but choose practically best continuations under pressure, especially with Zeitnot looming.
Examples
Example 1: “Best defense” in a classic trap (Two Knights Defense)
After 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6 4. Ng5 d5 5. exd5, the best defense is 5...Na5!, avoiding the Fried Liver ambush. Choosing the “second best” 5...Nxd5? invites serious trouble after 6. Nxf7!.
- Best defense line preview:
- Second-best that fails:
Example 2: Best practical vs. engine best
In sharp middlegames, the engine’s “best” may be a narrow, forcing line with perfect defense for the opponent. A top GM might instead choose a “best practical” option: slightly lower engine eval, but maximally unpleasant for a human defender—often creating time pressure, complication, and chances to Swindle.
Example 3: Famous brilliancy where the best move was spectacular
Kasparov vs. Topalov, Wijk aan Zee 1999. Kasparov’s stunning attacking sequence (beginning with a rook sacrifice) is often cited as a case where the best move also happened to be the most beautiful. The finish showcased accurate calculation and domination of piece activity—a model for finding the best continuation under fire.
Interesting Facts
- “Only move” is a commentator’s phrase for a move that alone preserves the evaluation; missing it turns equality into a disadvantage.
- Engines score “best” in hundredths of a pawn (centipawns). A difference of 0.10 CP is usually negligible; a swing of 1.00 CP or more often signals a clear change in assessment.
- Modern theory sometimes overturns old “best” lines overnight, especially when new resources are found via cloud analysis or correspondence databases.
- In events with Sofia rules (no early draw offers), players are pushed to fight for best continuations rather than steering to quick draws.
How to Find the Best Move OTB
- Generate candidate moves first, then calculate. Include checks, captures, and threats.
- Use comparison: evaluate each line’s king safety, material, activity, pawn structure, and endgame prospects.
- Look for tactical resources: forks, pins, skewers, Zwischenzug/Intermezzo, deflections, and sacrifices.
- Balance objective strength with practical considerations (clock, complications, opponent tendencies).
- When in doubt and low on time, pick the move that keeps the position safe and your plan coherent.
Common Misconceptions
- “Engine best is always the best for humans.” Not necessarily in fast time controls; a line that is “0.00 but complicated” can be a practical disaster to defend.
- “A best move must be flashy.” Often the best move is a quiet improvement or prophylaxis that restricts counterplay.
- “Second best is fine.” Sometimes okay, but at critical moments the difference between the Best move and the Second best can be decisive.
Mini Test Position: Find the Best Resource
After 1. e4 e5 2. Qh5 Nc6 3. Bc4 Nf6?, White has a forced win. Can you spot White’s best continuation?
Solution: 4. Qxf7# — the classic Scholar’s Mate pattern. The lesson: prioritize forcing moves (checks, captures, threats) to uncover the best line quickly.
Tips for Study
- Analyze your own games and identify critical moments where “best” mattered; tag moves as Inaccuracy, Mistake, or Blunder.
- Practice with engine restrictions: hide eval bar, show only top move after you commit to a line.
- Memorize typical best defensive resources (back-rank luft, piece exchanges to neutralize attack, timely counterplay).
- Compare engine-best vs. human-best choices in rapid/blitz to learn when “practical best” wins more games.
Related Terms
Anecdote
Garry Kasparov often spoke about the “best practical chance.” Even when engines later found a cold-blooded defense, his over-the-board choices (e.g., in Kasparov vs. Topalov, Wijk aan Zee 1999) exemplified selecting moves that were both sound and maximally challenging—a hallmark of world-champion decision-making when the clock is ticking.
Track Your Progress
See if your search for the “best move” is paying off: — Peak blitz: .