Algebraic Notation: An easy way to write chess
Below is a guide to algebraic notation, followed by examples:
The chess board is divided into ranks and files. Ranks are numbered 1-8, and files A-H. Ranks begin at the back of White's side, and move towards the back of Black. Files are measured from the left to right, from White's perspective. So for instance, White's king starts on e1, and blacks on e8. The right-hand back corner from white's perspective is h1.
All pieces have their own symbols, as follows:
Rook = R
Knight = N
Bishop = B
Queen = Q
King = K
Pawn does not have a symbol. If only a square is given, it means that the pawn that can move there is moving there.
To show a move, you first put the piece name, then the destination square. So for instance, if you were moving a knight to the square e5, you say Ne5. If you move a pawn to c6, you say c6.
When capturing, you add an x between the piece name and the destination square. So, if you are capturing the piece on a5 with a bishop, you say Bxa5. Easy enough. However, if you capture with a pawn, add the rank name with it. So, if the c pawn takes d4, you say cxd4.
In the event that two pieces have the same name and can both move to the destination square, you add the file of the original square after the piece name. So for instance, if two rooks are on a5 and h5 and you want to move the a5 rook to c5, you say Rac5. If they are on the file, you use the rank. So if you want to move a rook, one of which is on b3 and the other on b5, and you want to move the b5 rook to b4, you say R5b4.
Special Moves:
The special moves are written as follows:
En passant:
Say that the pawn on f4 captures the pawn that just went from e2 to e4. You say that your pawn takes e3, then add e.p.. So this move would be fxe3 e.p..
Castling:
Kingside castling is denoted as O-O. Queenside castling is O-O-O.
Promotion:
If you get a pawn to, say, e8, it becomes another piece of your choice. You say this by saying e8= and then the piece name. So, if it becomes a queen you say e8=Q, if it becomes a bishop you say e8=B.
Check and Checkmate:
If a piece puts the enemy king in check, end the move with +. So, if you check your opponents king with Be5, say Be5+. Checkmate ends with # or ++. So if you checkmate your opponents king with Qa1, say Qa1# or Qa1++.