Move Notations

Most Chess players realize the advantages of using the algebraic system instead of the descriptive system to record the moves of a game. However, there are several advantages to using numbers instead of letters to denote the files.

Some of the advantages of using a numerical system to record moves are:

Ascending numbers are toward Black and the Kingside.

Descending numbers are toward White and the Queenside.

It is much easier to visualize the moves. A move of five files or ranks (2 to 7, 3 to 8) is easier to "see" than b to g, or c to h, especially when the move is descending (f to a, as compared to 6 to 1).

If both numbers are odd or both are even, the piece is on a white square, especially helpful with bishops and knights.

Notations used to describe moves and situations:

x captures
C castles
- moves to...
+ check
D+ discovered check
++ double check
S# stalemate
P+ perpetual check
# checkmate
! good move
!! excellent move
? poor move
?? blunder
!? surprising, but questionable
?! risky, but not totally unsound
R> threatens repetitive moves
P> threatens perpetual check
T# Threatens mate (add number to indicate in how
many moves).
WM white to move
BM black to move
RR resigns
A// game adjourned. (Add pertinent information)

To note a move, use the letter designating the piece to be moved, followed by a dash (moves to...) or an x (captures), then the number of the square the piece is to occupy.

Pawn moves are indicated by the square the pawn lands on. For example, a white pawn on square 64 (king's pawn on the fourth rank) moving ahead one square would be indicated as 65. The same pawn capturing a piece on an adjacent file would be indicated as 6x55 or 6x75 (capturing the piece on square 55 or 75).

Castling is indicated by C(file the King moves to)-(Guard move, if any).
It helps to underline a castling move to make it more easily noticeable when reviewing a game.

A game would be noted as follows:

54 N-76

44 86

N-43 B-87

B-85 C8

Q-42 36

C3-G4 (Guard moved to 41, King to 31, Rook to 51.)