Our algebraic chess notation calculator helps players translate best chess moves into a standardized system of notation.
In algebraic notation, each square on the chessboard is uniquely identified by a combination of a letter (a-h) and a number (1-8). The pieces are represented by their first letter, capitalized (K for King, Q for Queen, R for Rook, B for Bishop, N for Knight). Pawns are not represented by a letter.
e4: A pawn moves to the e4 squareNf3: A knight moves to the f3 squareBxc6: A bishop captures a piece on c6
Algebraic Chess Notation Calculator
| Starting Position | Move Description | Algebraic Notation |
|---|---|---|
| White’s first move | Pawn to e4 | e4 |
| Black’s response | Knight to f6 | Nf6 |
| White’s second move | Knight to c3 | Nc3 |
| Black’s second move | Pawn to d5 | d5 |
| White captures | Pawn takes on d5 | exd5 |
| Black recaptures | Knight takes on d5 | Nxd5 |
| White develops | Bishop to c4 | Bc4 |
| Black’s kingside knight | Knight to c6 | Nc6 |
| White castles kingside | Castling | O-O |
| Black’s queen move | Queen to e7 | Qe7 |
Algebraic Chess Notation Calculation Formula
- Piece Identification: Determine which piece is moving (except for pawns).
- Destination Square: Identify the square where the piece lands.
- Capture Indication: Use ‘x’ if a piece is captured.
- Disambiguation: If two identical pieces can move to the same square, specify the file (column) or rank (row) of the starting square.
- Special Moves: Use ‘O-O’ for kingside castling, ‘O-O-O’ for queenside castling, and ‘=’ followed by the piece symbol for pawn promotion.
Rad1: Rook from the a-file moves to d1Nbd7: Knight from the b-file moves to d7exd5: Pawn from the e-file captures on d5Qh4xf6: Queen moves from h4 to capture on f6
How to find algebraic chess notation?
- Observe the move being made on the board.
- Identify the piece being moved (skip this for pawns).
- Determine the destination square.
- Check if it’s a capture, and add ‘x’ if so.
- Assess if disambiguation is necessary.
- Combine the elements into a single notation.
Examples:
- A bishop moves from c4 to e6, capturing a pawn:
Bxe6 - A knight on c3 moves to d5, but another knight on f3 could also reach d5:
Ncd5 - A pawn on e2 moves to e4:
e4 - Kingside castling:
O-O
How to find the best move in chess?
Evaluate the position: Assess material balance, piece activity, king safety, and pawn structure.
Consider your opponent’s threats: Look for ways to neutralize or counter their plans.
Look for tactical opportunities: Check for forks, pins, skewers, or other combinations.
Think ahead: Calculate potential variations several moves deep.
Follow strategic principles: Control the center, develop pieces, and ensure king safety.
Use the process of elimination: Narrow down your options by ruling out weak moves.
- In an open position with undeveloped pieces, the best move might be to castle, ensuring king safety.
- If your opponent has weak pawns, the best move could be to attack those weaknesses.
- In a materially even endgame, the best move might involve activating your king or creating a passed pawn.
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