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Rules & notation

Algebraic notation

The standard way to record moves: files a–h, ranks 1–8, so e4 and Nf3 mean exact squares.

Each square has a name (a1 to h8). A move gives the piece letter (N, B, R, Q, K; pawns have none) and the destination square: Nf3, e4, Qxd5 (x for a capture), O-O for castling, + for check, # for mate.

It is the universal language of chess — every book, database, and website uses it, and PGN files are just lists of these moves.

Why it matters

You cannot study games, use a database, or read chess literature without it — it is the alphabet of the game.

The mistake everyone makes

Confusing the file letter with a piece letter (a lowercase 'b' is the b-file; an uppercase 'B' is a bishop).

Related terms

FEN
A single line of text that captures an exact position — pieces, side to move, castling rights and more.
PGN
The standard text format for recording a whole game — its moves, players, result and comments.
En passant
A special pawn capture of a pawn that just advanced two squares, as if it had moved only one.
Promotion
A pawn reaching the last rank becomes any piece you choose — almost always a queen.

See Algebraic notation in your own games

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