What is Algebraic Notation in Chess?
Algebraic Notation: The Language of Chess Moves
If you’ve ever looked at a chess book or followed a master game online, you’ve definitely seen something like this:
1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bb5 a6
What looks like a code is actually the most common and widely understood way to describe moves in chess.
Welcome to algebraic notation—the universal language of chess that lets anyone, anywhere, understand what’s happening on the board.
In this post, we’ll show you exactly how it works—step by step—and how to start reading and writing it like a pro.
What Is Algebraic Notation?
Algebraic notation is the standard method used worldwide to record and describe moves in chess. It’s based on a grid system that gives every square on the board a unique name—kind of like coordinates on a map.
🧭 Every square = a unique letter + number
To understand algebraic notation, you first need to know how the board is labeled:
- Files (vertical columns) = a to h (left to right from White’s view)
- Ranks (horizontal rows) = 1 to 8 (bottom to top from White’s view)
So:
- The square in the bottom-right is h1 (from White’s view)
- The top-left square is a8 (from White’s view)
This system became dominant in the 19th century and is now the only form of notation recognized by FIDE, the international chess federation.
The Basics: How to Read a Move
Each move has two parts:
1. Piece abbreviation (or nothing, if it’s a pawn) 2. Destination square
Example
Nf3
Means: A knight moves to square f3.
Here’s the piece letter guide:
| Letter | Piece |
|---|---|
| K | King |
| Q | Queen |
| R | Rook |
| B | Bishop |
| N | Knight |
| (no letter) | Pawn |
Yep—pawns don’t get a letter. If you see something like e4, it just means a pawn moves to e4.
Examples
- e4 = pawn to e4
- Nf3 = knight to f3
- Bb5 = bishop to b5
White’s and Black’s moves are recorded on the same line, with White’s move listed first and Black’s move following:
1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
Special Symbols in Algebraic Notation
In addition to the piece-square combinations, special symbols are added to indicate unique types of moves, bringing more nuance and precision to chess notation. Think of them as the punctuation marks of chess—turning raw moves into readable stories.
| Symbol | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| x | Capture | Bxf6 |
| + | Check | Qb3+ |
| # | Checkmate | Re8# |
| 0-0 | Kingside castling | - |
| 0-0-0 | Queenside castling | - |
| =Q | Pawn promotion to queen | a8=Q |
| 1–0 | White wins | - |
| 0–1 | Black wins | - |
| ½–½ | Draw | - |
These symbols are mandatory and must be used when relevant. Later, we’ll also look at annotations—which are optional and reflect the annotator’s personal evaluation or style.
Captures and Checks
Captures
- Use x to show a capture.
Examples
- Nxf3 = Knight captures on f3
- exd5 = Pawn on e-file captures on d5
Checks and Checkmates
- + means check
- # means checkmate
Examples
- Qh5+ = Queen moves to h5 and gives check
- Rf8# = Rook moves to f8 and delivers mate
Special Moves: Castling, Promotion, En Passant
Castling
- Kingside: O-O
- Queenside: O-O-O
(You might also see 0-0 with capital zeros—it’s the same thing.)
Want to learn more about castling?
👉 Check out our full guide on castling
Pawn Promotion
When a pawn reaches the 8th rank, you write:
- e8=Q = Pawn moves to e8 and promotes to queen
- You can also promote to R, B, or N (rook, bishop, knight)
If the promotion comes with a capture or check:
- dxe8=Q+ = Pawn captures on e8, promotes to queen, gives check
Want to dive deeper into pawn promotions?
👉 Check out our full guide on pawn promotion
En Passant
En passant uses the same notation as a regular pawn capture — it’s based on the square your pawn lands on.
Example
Your pawn on e5 captures en passant after Black plays d5: exd6
Sometimes, you’ll see “e.p.” added for clarity, but it’s optional: exd6 e.p.
Want a deeper look at this rare but important rule?
👉 Check out our full guide to en passant.
Disambiguation: When Two Pieces Can Move to the Same Square
If two of the same type of piece can go to the same destination, you need to clarify which one.
| Example | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nbd2 | The knight on b-file moves to d2 |
| N3d2 | The knight on 3rd rank moves to d2 |
| Rdf8 | The rook from d-file moves to f8 |
Annotations (Optional but Fun)
While special symbols must be included when relevant, annotations are entirely optional and reflect the annotator’s personal judgment. They’re commonly used in chess books or online commentary to highlight the quality of a move. Below are the most frequent ones you’ll come across.
Moves
These symbols are added after a move to display its quality.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| !! | Brilliant move |
| ! | Good move |
| !? | Interesting |
| ?! | Dubious |
| ? | Mistake |
| ?? | Blunder |
Example
35. Qg7+!!
This suggests that Qg7+ isn’t just a strong move—it’s also likely counter-intuitive or difficult to spot, making it especially impressive.
Positions
These symbols are added after a move to indicate the nature of the position at that exact moment.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| = | The position is balanced |
| ⩲ | White stands slightly better |
| ⩱ | Black stands slightly better |
| ± | White has a clear advantage. |
| ∓ | Black has a clear advantage |
| +− | White has a winning advantage |
| −+ | Black has a winning advantage |
| ∞ | The position is unclear |
Example
16... Ng4∓
This means that after Ng4, Black holds a clear advantage.
PGN: The Home of Algebraic Notation
If you want to store a full game, you use PGN (Portable Game Notation), which is built on algebraic notation.
A PGN file looks like this:
[Event "Casual Game"]
[Site "Online"]
[Date "2024.10.17"]
[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
Each move is listed with its move number, White’s move first, then Black’s.
PGN is the universal system for storing and sharing chess games. Understanging it is crucial and can boost your chess learning. Want to know everything about PGN?
👉 Check out our in-depth guide to PGN.
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