ChessWorld.net, founded in 2000, is an online chess site. Play relaxed, friendly correspondence-style chess — with online daily, turn-based games — at your own pace.
Chess Notation Guide
Algebraic notation is the language of chess. Learning to read and write moves (like "e4" or "Nf3") allows you to record your games, read chess books, and follow tournaments. This guide uses clear examples and diagrams to teach you the coordinates of the board, enabling you to communicate and preserve your chess masterpieces.
📝 Language insight: You can't learn from books or videos if you don't speak the language. Notation is the key to chess improvement. Master the grid to unlock the world of chess knowledge.
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
📖 Essential Chess Glossary
This page is part of the Essential Chess Glossary — A quick-reference dictionary of chess terms, jargon, and definitions — filter by category and understand commentary from beginner to advanced.