How to Notate Moves in Chess

Understanding how to notate moves in chess is an essential skill for anyone who wants to study games, share strategies, or improve through analysis. Chess notation provides a universal language that players around the world use to record and communicate gameplay. Whether you’re a beginner just learning how each piece moves or an advanced player reviewing grandmaster games, chess notation allows you to track each decision on the board with precision and clarity. Proper notation not only helps you document games for future review, but it also plays a crucial role in chess tournaments and learning resources.

What Is Chess Notation?

The Purpose of Notation

Chess notation is a standardized method of recording the moves made during a game. It serves several purposes:

• Allows players to analyze past games
• Provides an accurate record for tournament play
• Enables communication of games across books, websites, and lessons
• Helps identify mistakes and improve strategic thinking

The most commonly used form today is algebraic notation, which is simple and widely accepted in both casual and professional play.

The Basics of Algebraic Notation

Chessboard Coordinates

Before diving into notation, it’s important to understand how the chessboard is mapped:

• The board has 64 squares: 8 rows (ranks) numbered 1 through 8, and 8 columns (files) labeled a through h.
• The bottom right square should always be a light square (h1 for White).
• Each square has a unique coordinate such as e4, b7, or h8.

These coordinates are the foundation of algebraic notation.

Piece Abbreviations

Each piece in chess is represented by a capital letter, except for pawns:

• K= King
• Q= Queen
• R= Rook
• B= Bishop
• N= Knight (N is used instead of K to avoid confusion with King)
• Pawns are indicated by the destination square only, with no letter

For example, if a knight moves to the square f3, you writeNf3. If a pawn moves to e4, simply writee4.

How to Notate Moves

Basic Movements

Each move is written by stating the piece (if applicable) and the destination square. Here are some examples:

• e4– A pawn moves to e4
• Nf3– A knight moves to f3
• Bc4– A bishop moves to c4

If two identical pieces can move to the same square, you disambiguate by adding the file or rank of the moving piece. For instance, if two knights can move to d2, you write eitherNbd2orN1d2depending on which knight moved.

Captures

Captures are indicated by the letter x placed between the piece and the destination square:

• Bxe5– Bishop captures on e5
• Nxd4– Knight captures on d4
• exd5– Pawn on the e-file captures on d5

Pawn Promotions

When a pawn reaches the eighth rank and is promoted, the notation reflects the promotion:

• e8=Q– A pawn promotes to a queen on e8
• fxg8=N– A pawn captures on g8 and promotes to a knight

Castling

Castling is written in a specific way depending on the direction:

• O-O– Kingside castling (short)
• O-O-O– Queenside castling (long)

Checks and Checkmate

To indicate a check, add a plus sign+to the end of the move:

• Qh5+– Queen moves to h5 and gives check

To indicate checkmate, use the hash symbol#:

• Rg7#– Rook moves to g7 and delivers checkmate

Special Notation Symbols

Chess notation also includes symbols that describe the quality or significance of a move:

• !– Good move
• !!– Brilliant move
• ?– Mistake
• ??– Blunder
• !? or ?!– Dubious or interesting move

These annotations are typically used in published games or lessons to provide commentary.

Recording a Full Game

Turn Notation

Each move is numbered by turn. White’s move comes first, followed by Black’s. A complete move looks like this:

1. e4 e5

This means White played e4 and Black responded with e5. The game continues with:

2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bb5 a6

This format continues for the entire game. If the game ends in checkmate or draw, the result is indicated at the end:

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

Using a Scoresheet

In official tournaments, players must write down each move on a scoresheet. The moves are recorded in two columns: one for White and one for Black. This helps track progress, verify legal play, and resolve disputes if needed.

Digital Notation and PGN

What Is PGN?

PGN, or Portable Game Notation, is a plain-text format used to store chess games digitally. It’s widely used in chess software, online databases, and digital archives. A PGN file typically includes metadata like player names, ratings, date, and game result, followed by the complete list of moves in algebraic notation.

PGN Example

[Event 'Friendly Game'] [Site 'Online'] [Date '2025.07.22'] [White 'Alice'] [Black 'Bob'] [Result '1-0'] 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O Be7 6. Re1 b5 7. Bb3 d6 8. c3 O-O 9. h3 Nb8 10. d4 Nbd7 11. Nbd2 Bb7 1-0

Learning Notation Through Practice

Tips for Beginners

• Use a notebook or digital app to record your games regularly
• Watch annotated games to become familiar with notation patterns
• Practice reading and writing notation with simple practice positions
• Double-check each notation to avoid skipping details like captures or checks

Being able to read and write notation opens up access to thousands of historical games, instructional content, and grandmaster strategies.

Why Chess Notation Matters

Learning how to notate moves in chess gives you the tools to grow as a player, whether you’re analyzing past games, preparing for competition, or studying legendary matches. It’s not just about recording the moves it’s about understanding the logic behind them, learning from mistakes, and building a foundation for lifelong improvement. With consistent practice and attention to detail, chess notation becomes second nature and an indispensable part of your journey through the 64 squares.