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Chess Notation Guide
Learn algebraic notation with clear examples and interactive diagrams.
Quick idea: A move is usually:
Piece + Destination square.
Pawns have no letter (so e4 means “pawn to e4”).
Chessboard Coordinates
Coordinates are the language of chess notation — once they click, everything becomes easier to read and study. This section gives you a simple, visual way to lock them in.
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
Core Notation Examples
Simple Moves
Example moves: e4, Nf3, Bb5
e4
Nf3
Bb5
Captures
Capture uses x (example: Nxe5)
Nxe5
exd5
Check (+)
Check is marked with +
Example: Qh7+ (queen gives check)
Example: Qh7+ (queen gives check)
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