Learn chess
How to read chess notation
Algebraic notation records every chess move with a short description of the piece and destination square.
Squares and piece letters
Files are labelled a through h and ranks 1 through 8. Their combination names a square, such as e4. Knights use N, bishops B, rooks R, queens Q and kings K. Pawn moves use no piece letter.
Nf3 means a knight moved to f3. A capture adds x, so Bxe6 means a bishop captured on e6. When two identical pieces can reach the same square, a file or rank identifies the mover.
Special symbols
O-O means kingside castling and O-O-O means queenside castling. Promotion adds the chosen piece, such as e8=Q. A plus sign marks check and a hash marks checkmate.
Wizard Chess displays recent moves in standard notation in the game HUD. Reading that list helps you reconstruct plans and discuss a game with another player.