Algebraic notation is the standard system used to record chess games, commonly seen in tournaments, books, and game analysis. Learning it allows players to track and review their own moves, study grandmaster games, and improve their play. In this article, we’ll explore how algebraic notation works and how to use it properly.
What is algebraic notation in chess?
Algebraic notation is a system that assigns a name to every square on the board and records each move accurately. This format allows players to follow a game step by step and is the most widely used system globally. It simplifies both the writing and reading of games, and it’s the only notation accepted in official chess tournaments.
How algebraic notation works
In this system, each square is identified by a letter and a number. The board has 8 columns, labeled from a to h, starting from the left of the white player’s side. It also has 8 rows, numbered from 1 to 8. Every square is uniquely identified, such as a1, e4, or h8.
Identification of the pieces in algebraic notation
In Spanish algebraic notation, each piece is represented by a capital letter:
- R for the King
- D for the Queen
- T for the Rook (Tower)
- A for the Bishop
- C for the Knight (Horse)
Pawns are not assigned a letter. Their moves are indicated only by the square they go to.
Write the movements in algebraic notation.
Moves are written with the letter of the piece (if not a pawn), followed by the destination square. Here’s how different actions are notated:
Annotate part movements
To record a move, use the corresponding letter and the destination square:
- Example:
Cg5indicates that a knight moves to the g5 square. - Example:
Dd4indicates that the queen moves to the d4 square.
For pawns, only the destination square is written:
- Example:
e5indicates that a pawn moves to the e5 square.
Annotate the captures
When a piece captures another, add an x between the letter and the destination square:
- Example:
Axf6indicates that a bishop captures on f6. - Example:
exd5indicates that a pawn on the e column captures on the d5 square.
For pawns, indicate the file of origin before the “x” to show which pawn made the capture.
Annotate the castling
Castling is a special move where the king and rook move at the same time. Use the following symbols:
- O-O for short castling (king on g and rook on f).
- O-O-O for the long castling (king on c and rook on d).
Note the promotion of pawns
When a pawn reaches the last rank, it is promoted to another piece (usually a queen). To record this, use the destination square followed by “=” and the promoted piece:
- Example:
e8=Dindicates that a pawn moves to e8 and becomes a queen.
Check and checkmate annotation
When a move puts the opposing king in check, a + sign is added at the end of the notation:
- Example:
Dg5+indicates that the queen moves to g5 and gives check.
If the move results in checkmate, # is added to the end of the notation:
- Example:
Df7#indicates that the queen moves to f7 and gives checkmate.
Practical examples of algebraic notation
Let’s see a couple of short game sequences written in algebraic notation to reinforce what we’ve learned:
Example 1
Initial movements:
1. e4– White moves the pawn to e4.1... c5– Black responds by moving the pawn to c5.2. Cf3– The white knight moves to f3.2... d6– Black moves the pawn to d6.
Example 2
Captures and check:
1. e4 e5– Initial pawns in the center.2. Cf3 Cc6– The knights go to f3 and c6.3. Ab5– The white bishop is placed on b5.3... d6– Black responds with d6.4. Axc6+– The bishop captures on c6, and gives check.
Advantages of learning algebraic notation
Mastering this notation system brings several benefits:
- Study games: Analyze grandmaster games and learn from their strategy
- Improve your play: Review your own games to spot and correct mistakes
- Play in tournaments: Algebraic notation is required in official events
- Access more resources: Most books, videos, and apps use this system
Tips for mastering algebraic notation
Algebraic notation might seem confusing at first, but with a bit of practice, it becomes second nature. At Chesscul, we make sure our students understand it thoroughly, as it’s essential for improvement. If you want to take your chess to the next level, sign up for our school today, your first class is FREE!
