Chess Notation for Kids: How to Read and Write Chess Moves

Chess notation is the shorthand that lets players record, study and share games. It looks like a secret code at first, but it follows a few simple rules. Here is how your child can read and write chess moves confidently, which is also essential for tournaments.

Why learn notation?

• Tournaments need it. In most standard-time tournament games, players must record their moves on a scoresheet.
• Reviewing games. You cannot learn from a game you did not record. See how to analyse a game with your child.
• Books, lessons and puzzles all use it.
• It builds visualisation, the ability to see the board in your mind.

Step 1: Name the squares

Every square has a unique name made of a letter and a number.

• The columns, called files, are lettered a to h from left to right as White sees the board.
• The rows, called ranks, are numbered 1 to 8, starting with White's side.

So the square in the bottom-left corner is a1, and the square in the top-right corner is h8. The central squares are d4, e4, d5 and e5. If you can name any square quickly, you are most of the way there.

Step 2: Use letters for the pieces

Piece	Letter
King	K
Queen	Q
Rook	R
Bishop	B
Knight	N (because K is the king)
Pawn	No letter

Step 3: Write the move

A move is the piece letter plus the square it moves to.

• e4 means a pawn moves to e4.
• Nf3 means a knight moves to f3.
• Bc4 means a bishop moves to c4.

Step 4: Add the special symbols

Symbol	Meaning	Example
x	Capture	Bxf7 (bishop captures on f7); exd5 (pawn from the e-file captures on d5)
+	Check	Qh5+
#	Checkmate	Qxf7#
O-O	Kingside castling	O-O
O-O-O	Queenside castling	O-O-O
=	Promotion	e8=Q

For pawn captures, you write the file letter the pawn came from, then x, then the target square: exd5 means the pawn on the e-file captured on d5.

Step 5: When two pieces can go to the same square

If two identical pieces can move to the same square, add the file (or, if needed, the rank) of the piece that moves. For example, if knights are on b1 and f3 and both can go to d2, Nbd2 means the b1 knight, and Nfd2 means the f3 knight. If both are on the same file, use the rank number, such as N1d2.

Reading a short game

Here is how the opening of the Italian Game looks, which you can play on a board right now:

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

The numbers count full moves (one White move plus one Black reply). Read it as: White pawn to e4, Black pawn to e5, White knight to f3, Black knight to c6, White bishop to c4, Black bishop to c5. See more ideas in chess openings for kids.

Scoresheets in tournaments

A scoresheet has two columns per move number, one for White and one for Black. Tips for children:

1. Write the move after you play it, or after your opponent's, but be consistent.
2. Write clearly, with capital letters for pieces so Bishop (B) and the b-file are not confused. Many players write the file lower-case and pieces upper-case.
3. If you miss a move, ask the arbiter or look at your opponent's sheet at a suitable moment, following the event's rules.
4. When time is very short, rules often allow stopping notation. Check the event notice for details.

First-timers should also read our first tournament tips.

Descriptive vs algebraic notation

Older books use "descriptive" notation (like P-K4). Modern chess, including FIDE events, uses algebraic notation, the system explained above. Children only need algebraic.

Practising notation: five games to try

1. Name that square. Call a square, and your child finds it on the board as fast as possible.
2. Dictation. You say "Nf3" and they play it; then swap roles.
3. Record one friendly game a week, even if it is slow.
4. Replay a game from a notation list on a real board.
5. Blindfold basics. Ask: "What colour is h3?" or "Which piece is on c6 after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6?" This builds visualisation.

Frequently asked questions

What is algebraic notation in chess?

It is the standard system for recording moves, using letters a to h for files, numbers 1 to 8 for ranks, and letters like N and B for pieces.

Why is the knight written N and not K?

The letter K is used for the king, so the knight uses N.

Do kids have to write down moves in tournaments?

In most standard-time tournaments, yes. Check the rules of each event, because some events have exceptions, for example in very fast games.

What does x mean in chess notation?

It means a capture. For example, Bxf7 means a bishop captures a piece on f7.

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