---
title: "Inaccuracy in chess"
url: "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/inaccuracy.md"
canonical_url: "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/inaccuracy"
last_updated: "2026-11-07"
type: "reference"
summary: "An inaccuracy is the mildest error label in game review. The exact cutoff differs between tools, so there is no single agreed size."
related: ["https://georgelichess.com/glossary/mistake.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/blunder.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/best-move.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/game-review.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/accuracy.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/category/computer-chess.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary.md"]
---

# Inaccuracy in chess

> **For AI agents:** the complete index of GeorgeLiChess pages is [llms.txt](https://georgelichess.com/llms.txt). Every page is also served as markdown at its URL plus .md.

An inaccuracy is the mildest error label in game review. The exact cutoff differs between tools, so there is no single agreed size.

An inaccuracy is the mildest error label in game review, given to a move that is playable but gives up a small amount of advantage compared with the engine's better alternative.

In [game review](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/game-review.md), moves that cost a little [evaluation](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/evaluation.md) are usually marked as inaccuracies, the lightest of the three error grades, with [mistakes](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/mistake.md) and [blunders](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/blunder.md) above it. The exact cutoff differs between tools, so there is no single agreed size. An inaccuracy rarely changes the result by itself. It might be a slightly passive retreat, a pawn move that loosens your structure, or a natural developing move when a sharper one was available. Club players meet many of these in every game, and that is normal; even strong players collect them. The common mistake is treating each one as a failure to fix. Chasing every small mark wastes study time and can make you play timidly. A better habit is to look for [patterns](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/pattern-recognition.md) among your inaccuracies across several games. If many of them come in the same phase, such as the early middlegame, or the same kind of decision, such as when to exchange pieces, that is a genuine area to train. Otherwise, save your attention for the larger swings that decide games.

Also called: inaccuracy mark.

Computer terms such as "Inaccuracy" are most useful next to a coach who reads your games with you, which is how a [first lesson](https://georgelichess.com/book/first-lesson.md) with George Li works.

## Related terms

- [Mistake](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/mistake.md)
- [Blunder](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/blunder.md)
- [Best move](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/best-move.md)
- [Game review](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/game-review.md)
- [Accuracy](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/accuracy.md)

## Guides that go further

- [How to choose a chess coach](https://georgelichess.com/how-to-choose-a-chess-coach.md): What to decide first, the questions to ask, what a first lesson should show and the red flags to avoid.
- [How much does chess coaching cost?](https://georgelichess.com/chess-coaching-cost.md): Published rates for private, group and subscription chess coaching, with the source and the date of each.
- [The first lesson](https://georgelichess.com/book/first-lesson.md): A game review, a read on your level and a written study plan from George Li.

[Book your first lesson](https://georgelichess.com/book.md) and George Li reviews your games and builds a study plan around them. Questions about lessons: write to hello@georgelichess.com.

## Related

- [Mistake in chess](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/mistake.md)
- [Blunder in chess](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/blunder.md)
- [Best move in chess](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/best-move.md)
- [Game review in chess](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/game-review.md)
- [Accuracy in chess](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/accuracy.md)
- [Chess terms: Computer chess and analysis](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/category/computer-chess.md)
- [Chess terms glossary: plain definitions](https://georgelichess.com/glossary.md)