Explanation
The −+ symbol means that Black has a decisive advantage. With correct play the position is considered winning for Black, or so favorable that White would need a serious Black error or exceptional resources to escape.
The mark does not record the game result. Many moves may remain, Black can make mistakes, and the final outcome can still differ. It also does not by itself claim that a forced checkmate exists.
In PGN, a decisive Black advantage is NAG $19. Plain text often writes it as -+. It is stronger than and . The opposite sign, , favors White.
With a slash, it is a different result
contains a slash and, in the FIDE glossary for unplayed games, means a Black win by forfeit. −+ or -+ has no slash and only evaluates the position.
Common confusions
−+ versus -/+
−+ evaluates a winning Black position; -/+ records a Black forfeit win.
−+ versus ∓
−+ is a decisive advantage; ∓ is a moderate advantage.
Sources
- 1.System of Signs, Chess Informant
- 2.Portable Game Notation Specification and Implementation Guide, Steven J. Edwards
- 3.FIDE Laws of Chess taking effect from 1 January 2023, FIDE
