The65thSquare - Learning Chess Notation

Chess Notation

Written by UsChess, Ignominius, and The65thSquare

There are several legitimate methods of notation, but nearly all fall into two categories. They are algebraic and descriptive.
Algebraic notation has been the standard worldwide since 1970. The most common form is abbreviated algebraic (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3...). This is used in most tournaments. Long (or computer) algebraic is similar but uses full descriptions of the moves (1. e2-e4, e7-e5; 2.Ng2-f3, etc.). This is used frequently with computer software. Another common form of algebraic is figurine algebraic. It replaces the letter symbol for a piece with its image. This is used in international reference books where the same version can be published in every country.
Descriptive notation was prevalent in the US, Spain, and Germany before algebraic became a world standard. English descriptive is the most common version, and was used in England from the 19th century until about 1985, where it then gave way to Algebraic Notation. It provides 2 names for each square based on the player's point of view. (1.P-K4, P-K4; 2. N-KB3, etc.)
All of these examples show both White and Black moving the Pawn in front of their King two squares forward, then White moving the King's Knight to the third square on the King's Bishop file.
Algebraic notation became the standard primarily because it uses much less space to describe a game, enabling publishers to provide more games in the same space of the same number of games in a smaller space. For people learning notation for the first time it is easier to picture a unique name for each square, however for those already familiar with descriptive notation it is easier to relate the square description to the piece that started on each file.
Spanish and German descriptive notation differs from English descriptive primarily by the letter used to designate the piece (Knight is N in English but S (Springer) in German, for example.)
Many of the chess books that were available some years ago in descriptive notation have now been updated in algebraic. Nimzovitch's 'My System' and 'Praxis' are two books that come immediately to mind that have recently undergone reprints with the updated scoring.
To the beginner, notation is a chore to learn. However, it must be said here that most sanctioned or recognized tournaments require the player to notate his or her move before making the subsequent move. Mastering notation is also critical to communicative chess, Especially Internet and Correspondence Chess, since explaining or describing moves by any other form is too time consuming.
The above Algebraic and Descriptive notations are the two most widely-used forms of chess notation. I however, believe that there exist other forms of notation which are less widespread, and should the reader wish to have these forms made known, kindly email a note to the65thsquare.

Discuss the game of chess at The65thSquare You will be assured of finding a friend who will understand your obsession with chess.

Contact the committee Monday, 12 March, 2001

Tell us what you think! © 2000, the65thsquare

Written by UsChess, Ignominius, and The65thSquare

There are several legitimate methods of notation, but nearly all fall into two categories. They are algebraic and descriptive. Algebraic notation has been the standard worldwide since 1970. The most common form is abbreviated algebraic (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3...). This is used in most tournaments. Long (or computer) algebraic is similar but uses full descriptions of the moves (1. e2-e4, e7-e5; 2.Ng2-f3, etc.). This is used frequently with computer software. Another common form of algebraic is figurine algebraic. It replaces the letter symbol for a piece with its image. This is used in international reference books where the same version can be published in every country. Descriptive notation was prevalent in the US, Spain, and Germany before algebraic became a world standard. English descriptive is the most common version, and was used in England from the 19th century until about 1985, where it then gave way to Algebraic Notation. It provides 2 names for each square based on the player's point of view. (1.P-K4, P-K4; 2. N-KB3, etc.) All of these examples show both White and Black moving the Pawn in front of their King two squares forward, then White moving the King's Knight to the third square on the King's Bishop file. Algebraic notation became the standard primarily because it uses much less space to describe a game, enabling publishers to provide more games in the same space of the same number of games in a smaller space. For people learning notation for the first time it is easier to picture a unique name for each square, however for those already familiar with descriptive notation it is easier to relate the square description to the piece that started on each file. Spanish and German descriptive notation differs from English descriptive primarily by the letter used to designate the piece (Knight is N in English but S (Springer) in German, for example.) Many of the chess books that were available some years ago in descriptive notation have now been updated in algebraic. Nimzovitch's 'My System' and 'Praxis' are two books that come immediately to mind that have recently undergone reprints with the updated scoring. To the beginner, notation is a chore to learn. However, it must be said here that most sanctioned or recognized tournaments require the player to notate his or her move before making the subsequent move. Mastering notation is also critical to communicative chess, Especially Internet and Correspondence Chess, since explaining or describing moves by any other form is too time consuming. The above Algebraic and Descriptive notations are the two most widely-used forms of chess notation. I however, believe that there exist other forms of notation which are less widespread, and should the reader wish to have these forms made known, kindly email a note to the65thsquare.


Discuss the game of chess at The65thSquare You will be assured of finding a friend who will understand your obsession with chess.
Contact the committee	Monday, 12 March, 2001
Tell us what you think!	© 2000, the65thsquare