Algebraic Notation

Most chess strategy you will find will be written using a shorthand notation known as algebraic notation. Once you understand the basics, it is simple and easy to use. Let’s jump right in!

1. The board above has the algebraic notation on the left (1 to 8) and right (a to h) sides.
2. Each square on the board can be labeled by combining the corresponding letter for the file the square is in, and the number for rank the square is in. Examples: the white queen is in square d1, the black king is in square e8, and the black queen is in square d8.
3. The chess boards in our shop are great for learning and practicing your algebraic notation. They all have the rank (1 to 8) and file (a to h) inscribed on them.

Now that you have the basics down we are ready to step it up and move into the second phase of this lesson. You’ll be reading, writing, and performing chess arythmetic in no time! (Disclaimer: no math is actually required)

Piece abbreviations:

• K – King
• Q – Queen
• K or Kt – Knight
• B – Bishop
• R – Rook
• Pawns do not have an abbreviation

Move numbers

1. The move number of the game is shown with a number followed by a period, e.g. 1., 2., 3., 4., etc.
   • Here is an example of a few moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6
2. These all tell you what move the game was on or is on
3. One whole move is constructed of a white move and a black move
   • 1. e4 e5 represents the opening move white pawn to e4 and black pawn to e5 (see diagram below)

Captures

1. Place an x between the piece moving and the square where the capture occurred, e.g. QxNc3 represents the Queen taking a knight at square c3
2. A pawn taking another pawn looks like this: exd5
   • The pawn from e4 took the pawn from d5
   • note: in the event of an en passant capture, you would give the square your pawn lands on, and not the location of the captured pawn

Promotions

Congrats your pawn has been promoted! Did you choose a Queen after reaching e8? That would look like this: e8Q

Castling

• Kings-side: o-o
• Queens-side: o-o-o

Check

Append the + symbol to the move that created the check

Checkmate

Append the # symbol to the move that won the game!

Summary:

That’s it! you’re an expert! Don’t forget to check out our shop to find chess sets that have the notation inscribed right on them! They’re sold right through amazon and with Prime you can get 2 day shipping.