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How to Read and Write Chess Notation

Algebraic notation is the universal language of chess, allowing you to record games and study chess literature. This guide teaches you how to read and write moves, giving you the literacy needed to follow commentary, analyze your games, and learn from books.

• 1. What is Algebraic Notation?

  It’s the standard way to write chess moves using letters and numbers. Each square is identified by a unique coordinate (e.g., e4, d5).

• 2. File and Rank System

  The board is labeled a–h horizontally (files) and 1–8 vertically (ranks). The bottom-right square is always h1 (light).

• 3. Piece Letters

  K = King, Q = Queen, R = Rook, B = Bishop, N = Knight. Pawns are not given a letter.

• 4. Writing a Move

  Example: Nf3 means Knight to f3. e4 means Pawn to e4. Qxd5 means Queen captures on d5.

• 5. Special Symbols

  O-O = Kingside Castling
  O-O-O = Queenside Castling
  + = Check
  # = Checkmate
  =Q = Promotion to Queen

• 6. Captures

  Use "x" to indicate a capture. For example, Bxe6 means Bishop captures on e6. For pawns: exd5 means pawn from e-file captures on d5.

• 7. Disambiguation

  If two pieces of the same type can move to the same square, use the file or rank to clarify: Nbd2 (knight from b-file to d2), R1e2 (rook on rank 1 to e2).

• 8. Pawn Promotion

  If a pawn reaches the 8th rank, it must promote. e8=Q means a pawn on the e-file reaches the back rank and becomes a queen.

• 9. Game Result Notation

  1–0 = White wins
  0–1 = Black wins
  ½–½ = Draw

• 10. Why Use Notation?

  It helps track and study your games, follow master games, and communicate chess ideas universally across languages and platforms.

Practice by writing down your games or replaying classic ones using notation. It’s a vital skill for improvement and lifelong chess enjoyment.