Learn Chess Notation

Master the language of chess: Algebraic Notation, PGN, and FEN

Algebraic Notation

Algebraic notation is the standard way to record chess moves. It's precise, concise, and universally understood.

Basic Piece Movement

Piece Symbols

K = King
Q = Queen
R = Rook
B = Bishop
N = Knight
Pawns have no symbol

Movement Examples

e4 = Pawn to e4
Nf3 = Knight to f3
Bb5 = Bishop to b5
Qd1 = Queen to d1
Ra1 = Rook to a1
Kg1 = King to g1

Special Notations

Captures & Special Moves

exd5 = Pawn on e-file captures on d5
Nxf7 = Knight captures on f7
O-O = Kingside castling
O-O-O = Queenside castling
e8=Q = Pawn promotion to Queen
exd6 e.p. = En passant capture

Check & Checkmate

Qh5+ = Queen to h5, check
Rxf7# = Rook captures f7, checkmate
0-1 = Black wins
1-0 = White wins
1/2-1/2 = Draw

Disambiguation

When two pieces of the same type can move to the same square, specify which piece:

By File:
Nbd7
Knight from b-file to d7

By Rank:
R1a3
Rook from 1st rank to a3

By Square:
Qe2d3
Queen from e2 to d3