Chess Notation for Beginners: How to Read and Record Moves

Chess notation is a compact way to record moves. In English algebraic notation, Nf3 means “a knight moves to f3,” while e4 means “a pawn moves to e4.” Start with square names and these simple moves; add captures and special symbols after they feel familiar.

A child does not need to memorise an entire notation chart before enjoying chess. Learning a little at a time makes it easier to replay a completed game, follow a lesson and show a coach the exact moment a question arose.

Every square has one name

With White’s pieces nearest you, the files run from a to h from left to right, and the ranks run from 1 to 8 away from you. Combine the file letter and rank number: e4 is on the e-file and fourth rank. A square keeps the same name when you turn the board around.

Try finding a1, h8 and e4 before moving any pieces. Then let your child name a square for you to find. Use the printed coordinates if the board has them; this is practice, not a memory test.

Piece letters and pawn moves

The English abbreviations are K for king, Q for queen, R for rook, B for bishop and N for knight. Pawn moves have no piece letter. These conventions are set out in Appendix C of the FIDE Laws of Chess.

In a simple move such as Nf3, the square tells you where the piece arrives, not where it started. The current board position tells you which piece can make the move. If two same-type pieces could legally arrive there, extra information distinguishes them: Nbd2 identifies the knight from the b-file.

Replay this short sequence

Set up the normal starting position, with White to move. Play:

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5

1. White moves the pawn from e2 to e4; Black moves the pawn from e7 to e5.

2. White moves the knight from g1 to f3; Black moves the knight from b8 to c6.

3. White moves the bishop from f1 to c4; Black moves the bishop from f8 to c5.

Each numbered pair contains White’s move followed by Black’s move. The example is a reading exercise, not an opening your child must memorise. Reset the board and let your child give the instructions while you move the pieces.

Captures, check and other common symbols

• x means a capture. Bxe5 means a bishop captures on e5. A pawn capture includes its starting file: exd5 means a pawn from the e-file captures on d5.

• + means check; # means checkmate. These describe what the move does in that position.

• O-O means kingside castling; O-O-O means queenside castling. You may also see these printed with zeroes.

• e8=Q is a common way to write a pawn reaching e8 and promoting to a queen.

• 1-0 records a White win, 0-1 a Black win and ½-½ a draw. These are results, not moves.

This guide to chess notation explains captures and ambiguous moves, while the University of Melbourne chess-club guide provides a compact symbol reference. A symbol alone does not establish that a move is legal; always check it against the board.

Use notation to ask better lesson questions

After a friendly practice game, try replaying the first few moves from your notes. If the record does not match the board, find the first mismatch together. Confusing a destination square is a specific skill to practise, not a reason to abandon recording altogether.

For online games, check whether the platform lets you save a game link or export its moves. Bring the completed game and one question, such as “What did I miss after Black’s sixth move?” Follow the organiser’s recording instructions for any tournament; requirements depend on the event and time control.

If check and checkmate are still confusing, use our checkmate and stalemate examples alongside the notation. If your child would enjoy learning with a coach, book a free Project64 demo. Tell us what they already understand so the first conversation starts at a useful level.