Variation

A series of moves logically connected to one another.

A variation can branch in different directions depending on the opponent's replies. Calculating variations quickly, and seeing every possible branch in advance, matters enormously for a good result in the game.

In openings

The word "variation" is also widely used in openings. Here, though, the concept is broader: the word sometimes refers to an entire opening system — for example, the Chigorin Variation of the Ruy Lopez:

Boards can be stepped through with the mouse wheel, a swipe, or the arrow keys — not just the buttons below them. Interactive boards

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In composition

In composition, a distinction is drawn between the main variation, thematic variations that reveal the core idea of the problem or study, and side variations.