How to Read Chess Notation
The universal language of chess - learn to read and write moves in algebraic notation.
Published 2026-02-01 | Last verified 2026-02-12
Professor Archer says: Notation is the alphabet of chess. Until you can read it fluently, you cannot access the vast library of recorded games, annotated masterpieces, and training material that exists. Invest an hour in learning it, and an entire world opens up.
The Basics of Algebraic Notation
In algebraic notation, each square on the board has a unique name made up of a letter (a through h) for the file and a number (1 through 8) for the rank. The square in the bottom-left corner from White's perspective is a1, and the square in the top-right corner is h8.
Pieces are identified by capital letters: K for King, Q for Queen, R for Rook, B for Bishop, and N for Knight (K is already taken by the King). Pawns have no letter - a pawn move is written using only the destination square.
How Moves Are Written
- Piece moves - Write the piece letter followed by the destination square. A knight moving to f3 is written Nf3. A bishop moving to c4 is Bc4. A queen moving to d7 is Qd7.
- Pawn moves - Write only the destination square. A pawn moving to e4 is simply e4. A pawn moving to d5 is d5. No piece letter is needed.
- Captures - Insert an x between the piece letter and the destination square. A knight capturing on e5 is Nxe5. For pawn captures, use the file the pawn came from: exd5 means the e-pawn captured on d5.
- Special moves - Kingside castling is written O-O. Queenside castling is O-O-O. Check is indicated with a + symbol after the move. Checkmate is indicated with a # symbol.
Reading a Full Game Score
A game score lists moves in pairs: White's move followed by Black's move, preceded by a move number. For example: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6. This is the beginning of the Ruy Lopez opening.
When only Black's move is given (after analysis text), three dots follow the move number: 3... a6. This tells you it is Black's third move.
With a little practice, you will be able to read through a game score and follow the entire game in your mind. This skill is foundational for serious chess study.
Notation FAQ
What if two knights can move to the same square?
Add the file or rank of the departing piece to distinguish them. If knights on a3 and c3 can both go to b5, you write Nab5 or Ncb5 to specify which knight moved.
Do I need to memorize all the square names?
With practice, the square names become second nature. Start by always noting the coordinates when looking at a board. Within a few days of regular practice, you will know them by heart.
Professor Archer says: Practice reading notation by replaying one master game per day on a physical board. Within a week, you will read chess notation as naturally as you read English.
Quick Quiz
How is the move "knight captures on e5" written in algebraic notation?
- Ke5 - K stands for King, not Knight. The knight is represented by N to avoid confusion with the king.
- Nxe5 (Correct) - Correct. N for knight, x for capture, and e5 for the destination square.
- Ne5x - The x for capture goes before the destination square, not after it.
- KNe5 - KN is not used in modern algebraic notation. The knight is simply N.