Chess notation is a system used to record and describe the moves of a chess game. There are two main types of chess notation: long algebraic notation and short algebraic notation.
1. Long algebraic notation:
Long algebraic notation includes the starting file and rank of the piece, followed by the ending file and rank of the destination square. It is a more detailed and explicit way of recording chess moves. For example, if a pawn moves from e2 to e4, it would be written as “e2-e4”. Similarly, if a knight moves from g1 to f3, it would be written as “Ng1-f3”.
Long algebraic notation provides a complete description of the move, making it easier to understand and recreate the game. It is commonly used in chess books, magazines, and online chess platforms. However, it can sometimes become cumbersome and repetitive, especially when multiple pieces of the same type can move to the same square.
2. Short algebraic notation:
Short algebraic notation, also known as algebraic notation, is a more concise way of recording chess moves. It omits the starting file and rank of the piece unless it is necessary to disambiguate the move. It is widely used in chess literature, tournaments, and among chess players.
In short algebraic notation, each piece is represented by a single letter: “K” for king, “Q” for queen, “R” for rook, “B” for bishop, “N” for knight, and no letter for pawn. The destination square is indicated by the file and rank it resides on. For example, the move of a pawn from e2 to e4 would be written simply as “e4”. If two pawns on different files both can move to e4, the starting file is included to distinguish between them, for instance, “dxe4” for a pawn on the d-file capturing on e4.
Short algebraic notation is more compact and easier to read, especially during gameplay. It allows for faster recording and understanding of moves and is the standard notation used in chess databases and computer chess programs.
Long algebraic notation includes the starting file and rank of the piece in addition to the destination square, while short algebraic notation omits the starting file and rank unless necessary for disambiguation. Both notations have their advantages and are widely used in the chess community.