Chess Notation
How to read and write chess moves like a pro
What is Chess Notation?
Chess notation is a system for recording chess moves so that games can be replayed, studied, and shared. The standard system used worldwide is called algebraic notation, adopted by FIDE (the World Chess Federation) as the official notation system. Every tournament player is required to record their games using this system.
Learning notation unlocks the entire world of chess literature. You can replay famous games, follow opening theory books, read annotated game collections, and record your own games for later analysis. It takes about 10 minutes to learn and becomes second nature after a few games.
The Chessboard Coordinates
Every square on the chessboard has a unique name made of a letter (the file) and a number (the rank):
Files (Columns): a through h
Files are the vertical columns labeled a through h from left to right (from White's perspective). The a-file is on the queenside, and the h-file is on the kingside.
a - b - c - d - e - f - g - h
Ranks (Rows): 1 through 8
Ranks are the horizontal rows numbered 1 through 8 from bottom to top (from White's perspective). White's pieces start on ranks 1 and 2; Black's start on ranks 7 and 8.
1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8
Combine the file letter with the rank number to name any square. For example, e4 is the square on the e-file and the 4th rank. The starting square of White's king is e1, and Black's king starts on e8.
Piece Symbols
Each piece (except the pawn) is represented by an uppercase letter. Pawns have no letter - only the destination square is written.
The Knight uses N (not K) because K is already used for the King. This is the most common source of confusion for beginners!
How to Write Moves
Basic Moves
- e4 - Pawn moves to e4 (no letter prefix for pawns)
- Nf3 - Knight moves to f3
- Bb5 - Bishop moves to b5
- Qd1 - Queen moves to d1
- Rd8 - Rook moves to d8
- Kf1 - King moves to f1
Captures
- Bxe5 - Bishop captures on e5 (x = captures)
- Nxd4 - Knight captures on d4
- exd5 - Pawn on the e-file captures on d5 (for pawns, the file letter is used)
Disambiguation: When Two Pieces Can Move to the Same Square
When two identical pieces can move to the same square, you need to add extra information to clarify which piece moves. This is called disambiguation:
Rook from the a-file moves to e1 (add the file letter if rooks are on different files)
Rook from the 1st rank moves to e3 (add the rank number if rooks are on the same file)
Knight from the b-file moves to d2 (clarifies which of two knights)
Common Annotations
Beyond the basic notation, chess commentators use annotation symbols to evaluate moves:
Reading a Full Game
Moves are numbered sequentially. White's move comes first, then Black's. Here is the famous Scholar's Mate written in notation:
1. e4 e5
2. Bc4 Nc6
3. Qh5 Nf6??
4. Qxf7#
Reading this: White plays pawn to e4, Black replies pawn to e5. White plays bishop to c4, Black plays knight to c6. White plays queen to h5, Black blunders with knight to f6. White captures on f7 with checkmate. Try replaying this on our analysis board!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Knight use N instead of K?
Because K is already used for the King. The letter N was chosen because it is the second letter in "Knight" (and also stands for "kNight"). This convention is universal in English chess notation.
What does O-O mean in chess?
O-O represents kingside castling (short castling). O-O-O represents queenside castling (long castling). The letter O (not zero) is used.
Do I need to learn notation to play chess?
You can play casual games without knowing notation. However, learning it is essential for studying chess books, reviewing games, playing in tournaments, and using chess analysis tools like our chess calculator.
What is the difference between algebraic and descriptive notation?
Algebraic notation (e4, Nf3) is the modern standard used worldwide. Descriptive notation (P-K4, N-KB3) is an older system used in English-language books before the 1980s. Today, algebraic notation is universally used.
How do I write pawn captures in notation?
For pawn captures, write the file the pawn is on, then x, then the destination square. For example, exd5 means a pawn on the e-file captures a piece on d5.
Practice reading notation in real games!
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