Algebraic Notation: Course Module Format

Algebraic Notation: Course Module Format

Please read the background about the course concept, and then practice the concept using the 'Practice Resources' found at the end of this course module page


The Theory

The form of chess notation by using a combination of letters and numbers - a to h and 1 to 8 - which denote the 64 squares on a board. It is also known as "Standard Notation".

There is "Short"/ "Abbreviated" Algebraic notation which has become the standard for PGN (Portable Game Notation), which looks like the following:-

1.e4 c5
2.Nf3 Nc6
3.d4 cxd4

There is also "Long"/"Full" Algebraic notation, which fully specifies the start and end squares. The above game score would look like the following:-

1.e2-e4 c7-c5
2.Ng1-f3 Nb8-c6
3.d2-d4 c5xd4

In both of the above, the symbols for the pieces are given and the symbols for the pawns are not.

In the first example above captures were explicitly indicated with the "x" sign on cxd4. But in very concise notation, it would just be written as "cd". In main usage PGN, captures or checks are indicated.
There are minor differences in international usage. For example for the move Bf1xb5, Soviets might give Cf1-b5 or Lb5

Practice resources

Master Collection Games illustrating this Glossary concept (Glossary Recommended illustrations)

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Games generally tagged with the Glossary item

Master Collection Games illustrating this Glossary concept

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