What does 'energetic' mean in chess terms?

Sort:
Avatar of Legendary_Race_Rod

I've come across this word frequently in annotations of games, where a particular move is described as 'the most energetic', for example. It seems that this is a very positive thing and usually with perhaps the best move in a lot of positions. I assume this means that such move is the most active, but does anyone have some insight into what this precisely means in chess?

Avatar of shine5

I think it means that the move is the one which produces maximum chaos and which increases the chance for more dynamic attacks. Good sacrificing moves are more energetic.

Avatar of Legendary_Race_Rod

Thanks, although I'm not sure about the maximum chaos part. The examples I've seen include a pawn move to set in motion a favourable pawn trade. It seems like it might refer to the most active and immediate way to achieve the strategic objective, without wasting time responding to your opponent's threats.