Thinking & Calculation

What is a ply in chess?

  • Thinking
  • Calculation
  • Review

Ply is a thinking and analysis concept: term mainly used in computer chess to denote one play of either White or Black. Thus equal to half a move. Turn the term into a question you can ask before moving.

What to look for on the board

  • Candidate moves.
  • The opponent's best reply.
  • Whether this is a critical position.

Free game review

See where ply decides your games

Chessiro reviews your games with an AI coach that names the concept behind every mistake, then drills you on the exact positions where it happened until you stop repeating them.

← Browse the full chess glossary