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TechnicalLast Updated: 2026-07-18
Engine Depth
"A measure of how many plies ahead a chess engine has searched in its main calculation."
In-Depth Explanation
Depth is reported in plies, where one ply is one move by one side. Selective search means depth is not a uniform horizon across every branch. Higher depth usually improves reliability, but tactical complexity, hardware, time, tablebases, and the stability of the evaluation also matter.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does engine depth mean in chess?
A measure of how many plies ahead a chess engine has searched in its main calculation.
How can I practice engine depth?
Use a real game in the Plychess analysis tools and identify where engine depth affected the position or result.
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