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Chess Notation
Chess notation (algebraic notation) is the standard way to write moves like e4 or Nf3. If you can read notation, you can follow lessons, study books, and review your own games.
Quick idea: A move is usually
Piece + Destination square.
Pawns have no letter (so e4 means “pawn to e4”).
📝 Language insight: Notation is the “language” of chess study.
Want the full tutorial?
Visit the structured guide (with the same diagrams + extra practice):
Chess Notation Guide →
Chessboard Coordinates (a1–h8)
Notation is built on coordinates. Files are a–h (left to right), ranks are 1–8 (bottom to top). Once this clicks, everything becomes easier to read.
Start Position (Interactive)
Files: a → h (left to right). Ranks: 1 → 8 (bottom to top).
Piece Letters
| Symbol | Piece | Symbol | Piece |
|---|---|---|---|
| K | King | Q | Queen |
| R | Rook | B | Bishop |
| N | Knight | Pawn (no letter) |
Nf3 Knight to f3
Bb5 Bishop to b5
e4 Pawn to e4
Common Notation Symbols
Simple Moves
Examples: e4, Nf3, Bb5
e4
Nf3
Bb5
Captures (x)
Captures use x (examples: Nxe5, exd5)
Nxe5
exd5
Check (+)
Check is marked with +
Example: Qh7+
Example: Qh7+
Qh7+
Checkmate (#)
Checkmate is marked with #
Example: Qh7#
Example: Qh7#
Qh7#
Castling
O-O = kingside castling
O-O-O = queenside castling
O-O-O = queenside castling
O-O
O-O-O
En Passant
En passant is a special pawn capture.
Example: after ...d7-d5, White can play exd6 e.p.
Example: after ...d7-d5, White can play exd6 e.p.
exd6 e.p.
Promotion (=Q)
Promotion uses =
Example: e8=Q
Example: e8=Q
e8=Q
Underpromotion (=R / =B / =N)
Sometimes you promote to something other than a queen.
Examples: e8=R+, e8=B, e8=N
Examples: e8=R+, e8=B, e8=N
e8=R+
e8=B
e8=N
Why Learn Chess Notation?
- ✅ Record and review your games
- ✅ Read chess books and resources
- ✅ Communicate moves clearly
- ✅ Follow chess commentary and lessons
- ✅ Essential skill for tournament play
Next step: Browse more beginner resources in the
Chess Topics & Training Tools Hub.
🎯 Beginner Chess Guide
This page is part of the Beginner Chess Guide — A structured step-by-step learning path for new players covering chess rules, tactics, safe openings, and practical improvement.
📖 Beginner Chess Topics Directory
This page is part of the Beginner Chess Topics Directory — A structured index of beginner chess topics — rules, tactics, openings, common mistakes, and practical training resources.
Also part of: Chess Notation Guide