If you do not fully understand the rules of chess, check out explanation of files and ranks on a chess board, or an explanation of the rules of chess.

A short example

Let’s explore the infamous Scholar’s Mate with this notation:

The Scholar’s Mate. You don’t want to lose this way.

1. e4 e5

2. Qh5 Nc6

3. Bc4 Nf6??

4. Qxf7#

Black had some major troubles in this game. As you can see, 3. … Nf6?? Is a massive blunder, allowing white to checkmate in one move with 4. Qxf7#.

Why so complicated?

Chess algebraic notation is optimized for handwriting, since tournament players often record moves as they play. Other notation systems are much easier to understand initially, such as the coordinate system. (eg: E2-E4 E7-E5) The coordinate system doesn’t tell the whole story though. (Which piece moved? Is the opponent in check?)

Here’s the same game using the coordinate system:

1. e2-e4 e7-e5

2. d1-h5 b8-c6

3. f1-f4 g8-f6

4. h5-f7

While it’s much easier to learn this notation, it doesn’t paint the same picture that the algebraic notation does.

Actually, it’s not so bad.

When you completely understand algebraic notation, it will feel very natural. Most redundant text is omitted, and decorators such as king threats (# for checkmate, + for check) and move strength (??, go home, you’re drunk) help explain what’s happening on the board. Because of the descriptive and concise nature, you will find algebraic notation in nearly every chess book.