Chess: How to Read and Write Chess: Chess Notation

There are many different ways to write chess moves. The most popular method (described below) is called algebraic notation:

The main idea is that every square has a name like this:

It looks very complicated but it's not! Each square on a chessboard has a first name (a letter) and a last name (a number). The letter identifies a file (column) and the number identifies a rank (row). Now, the important part is to know how to identify the pieces you are moving. You just need to use a single capital letter:

K = King Q = Queen R = Rook B = Bishop N = Knight

Note that "P" is not used. Chess players have agreed that a move without a letter — such as e4 — is
understood to be a pawn move. You are almost ready to start using chess notation. Just pay attention to the following symbols:

x = Take or Capture
0-0 = K-side castle
0-0-0 = Q-side castle
+ = check
# = checkmate
! = good move
? = bad move
?? = blunder

It’s a great idea to note your games. You can analyze and learn from your mistakes. We all make a lot of mistakes when we are learning a new thing. Don’t worry! Mistakes will help you improve your chess skills. Let’s put in practice what you are learning. We will use the famous "Scholar Mate," also called the four–move checkmate.