Algebraic Notation - Chess Glossary
Algebraic Notation
Definition
Algebraic notation is the modern, internationally recognized system for recording and communicating chess moves.
Each move is described by naming the piece that moves (or an implicit pawn) and the square of arrival on an 8×8 grid whose
files are labeled a–h (left to right from White’s perspective) and ranks 1–8 (bottom to top).
Special symbols indicate captures (x), check (+), checkmate (#), promotion (=Q),
castling (O-O or O-O-O), and annotations such as ! (good move) or ?! (dubious move).
Basic Elements
- Piece letters (English): K (King), Q (Queen), R (Rook), B (Bishop), N (Knight). Pawns are indicated by the absence of a letter.
- Squares: File letter + rank number (e.g.,
e4,h7). - Captures: Insert
xbetween the piece letter (or file for pawns) and the destination square (Bxe6). - Disambiguation: If two identical pieces can reach the same square, add file or rank (or both) of departure (
Nbd2,R1e2). - Checks and mates:
+(check),#(mate). - Castling:
O-O(kingside) orO-O-O(queenside).
How It Is Used in Chess
Players write their moves in algebraic notation on scoresheets during tournaments, enabling post-game analysis, dispute resolution, and historical archiving. Software, databases, and online platforms rely on algebraic moves—usually wrapped in the Portable Game Notation (PGN) standard—to store and share millions of games.
Historical Context
Until the late 20th century, English-speaking countries favored descriptive notation (“P-K4”). Algebraic notation, used on the Continent for centuries (it appears in Gioachino Greco’s 1620 manuscripts), was officially endorsed by FIDE in 1981. The shift unified chess literature worldwide and simplified computer processing.
Strategic Significance
Consistent notation allows players to:
- Study classic games quickly and accurately.
- Share opening preparation with seconds and engines.
- Annotate ideas (e.g.,
!?for an interesting sacrifice) in magazines and databases.
Illustrative Examples
-
Simple opening sequence:
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 a6 4. Ba4 Nf6 5. O-O– the main line of the Ruy Lopez. After 5. O-O, you can picture White’s king on g1 and rook on f1, illustrating kingside castling (O-O). -
Capture with promotion and mate:
33. fxg8=Q#– a pawn from the f-file captures on g8, promotes to a queen, and delivers checkmate simultaneously. -
Annotated masterpiece: In “Kasparov – Topalov, Wijk aan Zee 1999,” move 24 is often written
24. Rxd4!!—two exclamation points highlight Kasparov’s brilliant rook sacrifice.
Interactive replay:
Common Symbols & Annotations
!good move!!brilliant?mistake??blunder!?interesting?!dubious=equality±White better∓Black better
Interesting Facts & Anecdotes
• In early printings of Bobby Fischer’s book My 60 Memorable Games (1969), algebraic notation appears alongside descriptive,
foreshadowing its eventual dominance in American chess culture.
• Some publishers use figurine algebraic notation, replacing piece letters with small icons—making a single edition language-independent.
• The similarity between O-O (castling) and “0-0” (zero) led to typesetting mishaps; FIDE now recommends capital Os.
Related Terms
- PGN (Portable Game Notation)
- FEN (Forsyth-Edwards Notation)
- Descriptive notation
- Figurine algebraic notation