Diagonal annotation symbol

A diagonal is a slanting line of squares of the same color. Bishops move along diagonals, and queens can use them as well. The ⇗ sign signals that one of these lines is an important theme, perhaps because it enables long-range pressure, an entry route, or a defense.

The glyph alone does not identify the relevant diagonal or say which side controls it. The position and surrounding comment must complete the idea. It is also not an instruction to move a piece upward and to the right; its shape is a convention of the Chess Informant system.

Scid vs. PC lists $150 as a proposed Numeric Annotation Glyph (NAG) for “diagonal.” It comes after the meanings assigned by the original Portable Game Notation (PGN) specification, the text format for storing games, so compatibility can vary. Distinguish it from the file symbol, which highlights a vertical line of the board, and from interface arrows drawn directly between two squares.