{"history":[],"article":{"id":"0bd07334-0a59-455e-ae87-9812ff992f89","title":"Algebraic notation (chess)","slug":"algebraic-notation-chess","content":":::summary\n:::\n\n# \n**Algebraic notation** is the standard method for recording and describing the moves in a game of [chess](https://bliptext.com/articles/chess).\nIt is based on a system of [coordinates](https://bliptext.com/articles/coordinates) to uniquely identify each square on the board.\nIt is now almost universally used by books, magazines, newspapers and software, and is the only form of notation recognized by [FIDE](https://bliptext.com/articles/fide), the international chess governing body.\nAn early form of algebraic notation was invented by the Syrian player [Philip Stamma](https://bliptext.com/articles/philip-stamma) in the 18th century.\nIn the 19th century, it came into general use in German chess literature, and was subsequently adopted in Russian chess literature.\nIn English-speaking countries, the parallel method of [descriptive notation](https://bliptext.com/articles/descriptive-notation) was generally used in chess publications until the 1980s.\nSimilar descriptive systems were in use in Spain and France.\nA few players still use descriptive notation, but it is no longer recognized by FIDE.\nThe term \"[algebra](https://bliptext.com/articles/algebra)ic notation\" may be considered a [misnomer](https://bliptext.com/articles/misnomer), as the system is unrelated to [algebra](https://bliptext.com/articles/algebra).\n# [frame | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b6/SCD///algebraic///notation.svg]\n\n# Naming the squares\nEach square of the board is identified by a unique coordinate pair—a letter and a number—from White's point of view.\nThe vertical columns of squares, called , are labeled a through h from White's left (the ) to right (the ).\nThe horizontal rows of squares, called , are numbered 1 to 8 starting from White's side of the board.\nThus each square has a unique identification of file letter followed by rank number.\nFor example, the initial square of White's king is designated as \"e1\".\n\n# Naming the pieces\nEach [piece type](https://bliptext.com/articles/chess-piece) (other than pawns) is identified by an uppercase letter.\nEnglish-spea[king](https://bliptext.com/articles/king-chess) players use the letters K for [king](https://bliptext.com/articles/king-chess), Q for [queen](https://bliptext.com/articles/queen-chess), R for [rook](https://bliptext.com/articles/rook-chess), B for [bishop](https://bliptext.com/articles/bishop-chess), and N for [knight](https://bliptext.com/articles/knight-chess).\nDifferent initial letters are used by other languages.\nIn modern chess literature, especially that intended for an international audience, the language-specific letters are usually replaced by universally recognized [piece symbols](https://bliptext.com/articles/chess-symbols-in-unicode); for example, **♞c6** in place of **Nc6**.\nThis style is known as figurine algebraic notation.\nThe [Unicode](https://bliptext.com/articles/unicode) [Miscellaneous Symbols](https://bliptext.com/articles/miscellaneous-symbols) set includes all the symbols necessary for figurine algebraic notation.\n\n# Notation for moves\nIn standard (or short form) algebraic notation, each move of a piece is indicated by the piece's uppercase letter, plus the coordinates of the destination square.\nFor example, **Be5** (bishop moves to e5), **Nf3** (knight moves to f3).\nFor pawn moves, a letter indicating pawn is not used, only the destination square is given.\nFor example, **c5** (pawn moves to **c5**).\n\n## Captures\nWhen a piece makes a, an \"x\" is inserted immediately before the destination square.\nFor example, **Bxe5** (bishop captures the piece on e5).\nWhen a pawn makes a capture, the from which the pawn departed is used to identify the pawn.\nFor example, **exd5** (pawn on the e-file captures the piece on d5).\n[En passant](https://bliptext.com/articles/en-passant) captures are indicated by specifying the capturing pawn's file of departure, the \"x\", the destination square (not the square of the captured pawn), and (optionally) the suffix \"e.p.\"\nindicating the capture was en passant.\nFor example, **exd6 e.p.**\nSometimes a [multiplication sign](https://bliptext.com/articles/multiplication-sign) (×) or a [colon](https://bliptext.com/articles/colon-punctuation) is used instead of \"x\", either in the middle (**B:e5**) or at the end (**Be5:**).\nSome publications, such as the [Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings](https://bliptext.com/articles/encyclopaedia-of-chess-openings) (ECO), omit any indication that a capture has been made; for example, **Be5** instead of Bxe5; **ed6** instead of exd6 or exd6 e.p.\nWhen it is unambiguous to do so, a pawn capture is sometimes describ**ed** by specifying only the files involv**ed** (**exd** or even **ed**).\nThese shortened forms are sometimes called abbreviated algebraic notation or minimal algebraic notation.\n\n## Disambiguating moves\nWhen two (or more) identical pieces can move to the same square, the moving piece is uniquely identified by specifying the piece's letter, followed by (in descending order of preference):\nIf neither file nor rank alone is sufficient to identify the piece (such as when three or more pieces of the same type can move to the same square), then both are specified (double disambiguation).\nIn the diagram, both black rooks could legally move to f8, so the move of the d8-rook to f8 is disambiguated as **Rdf8**.\nFor the white rooks on the a-file which could both move to a3, it is necessary to provide the of the moving piece, i.e., **R1a3**.\nIn the case of the white queen on h4 moving to e1, neither the rank nor file alone are sufficient to disambiguate from the other white queens.\nAs such, this move is written **Qh4e1**.\nAs above, an \"x\" can be inserted to indicate a capture; for example, if the final case were a capture, it would be written as **Qh4xe1**.\n\n## Pawn promotion\nWhen a pawn [promotes](https://bliptext.com/articles/promotion-chess), the piece promoted to is indicated at the end.\nFor example, a pawn on e7 promoting to a queen on e8 may be variously rendered as **e8Q**, **e8=Q**, **e8(Q)**, **e8/Q** etc.\n\n## Draw offer\nFIDE specifies draw offers to be recorded by an equals sign with parentheses \"(=)\" after the move on the.\nThis is not usually included in published game scores.\n\n## Castling\n[Castling](https://bliptext.com/articles/castling) is indicated by the special notations **0-0** (for castling) and **0-0**-0 ( castling).\n**O-O** and **O-O**-O (letter O rather than digit 0) are also commonly used.\n\n## Check \nA move that places the opponent's [king](https://bliptext.com/articles/king-chess) in [check](https://bliptext.com/articles/check-chess) usually has the symbol \"+\" appended.\nAlternatively, sometimes a [dagger](https://bliptext.com/articles/dagger-mark) (†) or the abbreviation \"ch\" is used.\nSome publications indicate a [discovered check](https://bliptext.com/articles/discovered-check) with an abbreviation such as \"dis ch\", or with a specific symbol.\n[Double check](https://bliptext.com/articles/double-check) is usually indicated the same as check, but is sometimes represented specifically as \"dbl ch\" or \"++\", particularly in older chess literature.\nSome publications such as ECO omit any indication of check.\n\n## Checkmate\n[Checkmate](https://bliptext.com/articles/checkmate) at the completion of moves is represented by the symbol \"#\" in standard FIDE notation and PGN.\nThe word mate is commonly used instead; occasionally a double dagger (\n‡\n) or a double plus sign (++) is used, although the double plus sign is also used to represent \"[double check](https://bliptext.com/articles/double-check)\" when a king is under attack by two enemy pieces simultaneously. A checkmate is represented by \"\n≠\n\" (the [not equal sign](https://bliptext.com/articles/equal-sign)) in the [macOS chess application](https://bliptext.com/articles/list-of-macos-components). In [Russian](https://bliptext.com/articles/russian-language) and ex-[USSR](https://bliptext.com/articles/ussr) publications, where captures are indicated by \":\", checkmate can also be represented by \"X\" or \"x\".\n\n## End of game \nThe notation **1–0** at the completion of moves indicates that White won, **0–1** indicates that Black won, and **½–½** indicates a [draw](https://bliptext.com/articles/draw-chess).\nIn case of, the scores 0–0, ½–0, and 0–½ are also possible.\nIf player(s) lost by default, results are +/−, −/+, or −/−.\nOften there is no indication regarding how a player won or lost (other than checkmate, see above), so simply 1–0 or 0–1 may be written to show that one player [resigned](https://bliptext.com/articles/rules-of-chess) or lost due to [time control](https://bliptext.com/articles/time-control) or forfeit.\nSimilarly, there is more than one way for a game to end in a draw.\nSometimes direct information is given by the words \"White resigns\" or \"Black resigns\", though this is not considered part of the notation but rather a return to the surrounding narrative text.\n\n# Similar notations\nBesides the standard (or short) algebraic notation already described, several similar systems have been used.\n\n## Long algebraic notation\nIn long algebraic notation, also known as fully expanded algebraic notation, both the starting and ending squares are specified, for example: **e2e4**.\nSometimes these are separated by a hyphen, e.g. **Nb1-c3**, while captures are indicated by an \"x\", e.g. **Rd3xd7**.\nLong algebraic notation takes more space and is no longer commonly used in print; however, it has the advantage of clarity.\nBoth short and long algebraic notation are acceptable for keeping a record of the moves on a scoresheet, as is required in FIDE rated games.\nA form of long algebraic notation (without piece names) is also used by the [Universal Chess Interface (UCI)](https://bliptext.com/articles/universal-chess-interface) standard, which is a common way for graphical chess programs to communicate with chess engines, e.g. e2e4, e1g1 (castling), e7e8q (promotion).\n\n## ICCF numeric notation\nIn international [correspondence chess](https://bliptext.com/articles/correspondence-chess) the use of algebraic notation may cause confusion, since different languages employ different names (and therefore different initial letters) for the pieces, and some players may be unfamiliar with the [Latin alphabet](https://bliptext.com/articles/latin-alphabet).\nHence, the standard for transmitting moves by post or email is [ICCF numeric notation](https://bliptext.com/articles/iccf-numeric-notation), which identifies squares using numerical coordinates, and identifies both the departure and destination squares.\nFor example, the move 1.e4 is rendered as 1.5254.\nIn recent years, the majority of correspondence games have been played on on-line servers rather than by email or post, leading to a decline in the use of ICCF numeric notation.\n\n## PGN\n[Portable Game Notation](https://bliptext.com/articles/portable-game-notation) (PGN) is a text-based file format for storing chess games, which uses standard English algebraic notation and a small amount of markup.\nPGN can be processed by almost all chess software, as well as being easily readable by humans.\nFor example, the [Game of the Century](https://bliptext.com/articles/game-of-the-century-chess) could be represented as follows in PGN:\n\n# Formatting\nA game or series of moves is generally written in one of two ways; in two columns, as White/Black pairs, preceded by the move number and a period:\nor horizontally:\nMoves may be interspersed with commentary, called .\nWhen the resumes with a Black move, an [ellipsis](https://bliptext.com/articles/ellipsis) (...) fills the position of the White move, for example:\n\n# Annotation symbols\nThough not technically a part of algebraic notation, the following are some symbols commonly used by annotators, for example in publications [Chess Informant](https://bliptext.com/articles/chess-informant) and [Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings](https://bliptext.com/articles/encyclopaedia-of-chess-openings), to give editorial comment on a move or position.\nThe symbol chosen is simply appended to the end of the move notation, for example, in the [Soller Gambit](https://bliptext.com/articles/englund-gambit): 1.d4 e5?!\n2.dxe5 f6 3.e4!\nNc6 4.Bc4+/−\n\n## Moves\n\n## Positions\n\n# History\nDescriptive notation was usual in the Middle Ages in Europe.\nA form of algebraic chess notation that seems to have been borrowed from Muslim chess, however, appeared in Europe in a 12th century manuscript referred to as \"MS. Paris Fr. 1173 (PP.)\".\nThe files run from a to h, just as they do in the current standard algebraic notation.\nThe ranks, however, are also designated by letters, with the exception of the 8th rank which is distinct because it has no letter.\nThe ranks are lettered in reverse – from the 7th to the 1st: k, l, m, n, o, p, q.\nAnother system of notation using only letters appears in a book of Mediaeval chess, Rechenmeister [Jacob Köbel](https://bliptext.com/articles/jacob-k-bel)'s Schachzabel Spiel of 1520.\nAlgebraic notation exists in various forms and languages and is based on a system developed by [Philipp Stamma](https://bliptext.com/articles/philipp-stamma) in the 1730s.\nStamma used the modern names of the squares (and may have been the first to number the ranks), but he used p for pawn moves and the capital original of a piece (A through H) instead of the initial letter of the piece name as used now.\nPiece letters were introduced in the 1780s by [Moses Hirschel](https://bliptext.com/articles/moses-hirschel), and [Johann Allgaier](https://bliptext.com/articles/johann-allgaier) with [Aaron Alexandre](https://bliptext.com/articles/aaron-alexandre) developed the modern castling notation in the 1810s.\nAlgebraic notation was described in 1847 by [Howard Staunton](https://bliptext.com/articles/howard-staunton) in his book The Chess-Player's Handbook.\nStaunton credits the idea to German authors, and in particular to \"Alexandre, [Jaenisch](https://bliptext.com/articles/carl-jaenisch), and the [Handbuch](https://bliptext.com/articles/handbuch-des-schachspiels) .\"\nWhile algebraic notation has been used in German and Russian chess literature since the 19th century, the [Anglosphere](https://bliptext.com/articles/anglosphere) was slow to adopt it, using descriptive notation for much of the 20th century.\nBeginning in the 1970s, algebraic notation gradually became more common in English language publications, and by 1980 it had become the prevalent notation.\nIn 1981, FIDE stopped recognizing descriptive notation, and algebraic notation became the accepted international standard.\n\n# Piece names in various languages\nThe table contains names for all the pieces as well as the words for, , and in several languages.\nSeveral languages use the Arabic [loanword](https://bliptext.com/articles/loanword) alfil for the piece called bishop in English; in this context it is a chess-specific term which no longer has its original meaning of \"elephant\".","current_revision":null,"created_by":"kACnuQmH5k9Nr5VNVEpVeg7XpvUmMctD","created_at":"2025-01-25T17:35:25.443Z","updated_at":"2025-01-25T17:35:25.443Z","search_vector":"'algebra':1 'chess':3 'notat':2","search_content":" \n \n\n# \n**Algebraic notation** is the standard method for recording and describing the moves in a game of [chess](https://bliptext.com/articles/chess).\nIt is based on a system of [coordinates](https://bliptext.com/articles/coordinates) to uniquely identify each square on the board.\nIt is now almost universally used by books, magazines, newspapers and software, and is the only form of notation recognized by [FIDE](https://bliptext.com/articles/fide), the international chess governing body.\nAn early form of algebraic notation was invented by the Syrian player [Philip Stamma](https://bliptext.com/articles/philip-stamma) in the 18th century.\nIn the 19th century, it came into general use in German chess literature, and was subsequently adopted in Russian chess literature.\nIn English-speaking countries, the parallel method of [descriptive notation](https://bliptext.com/articles/descriptive-notation) was generally used in chess publications until the 1980s.\nSimilar descriptive systems were in use in Spain and France.\nA few players still use descriptive notation, but it is no longer recognized by FIDE.\nThe term \"[algebra](https://bliptext.com/articles/algebra)ic notation\" may be considered a [misnomer](https://bliptext.com/articles/misnomer), as the system is unrelated to [algebra](https://bliptext.com/articles/algebra).\n# [frame | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b6/SCD///algebraic///notation.svg]\n\n# Naming the squares\nEach square of the board is identified by a unique coordinate pair—a letter and a number—from White's point of view.\nThe vertical columns of squares, called , are labeled a through h from White's left (the ) to right (the ).\nThe horizontal rows of squares, called , are numbered 1 to 8 starting from White's side of the board.\nThus each square has a unique identification of file letter followed by rank number.\nFor example, the initial square of White's king is designated as \"e1\".\n\n# Naming the pieces\nEach [piece type](https://bliptext.com/articles/chess-piece) (other than pawns) is identified by an uppercase letter.\nEnglish-spea[king](https://bliptext.com/articles/king-chess) players use the letters K for [king](https://bliptext.com/articles/king-chess), Q for [queen](https://bliptext.com/articles/queen-chess), R for [rook](https://bliptext.com/articles/rook-chess), B for [bishop](https://bliptext.com/articles/bishop-chess), and N for [knight](https://bliptext.com/articles/knight-chess).\nDifferent initial letters are used by other languages.\nIn modern chess literature, especially that intended for an international audience, the language-specific letters are usually replaced by universally recognized [piece symbols](https://bliptext.com/articles/chess-symbols-in-unicode); for example, **♞c6** in place of **Nc6**.\nThis style is known as figurine algebraic notation.\nThe [Unicode](https://bliptext.com/articles/unicode) [Miscellaneous Symbols](https://bliptext.com/articles/miscellaneous-symbols) set includes all the symbols necessary for figurine algebraic notation.\n\n# Notation for moves\nIn standard (or short form) algebraic notation, each move of a piece is indicated by the piece's uppercase letter, plus the coordinates of the destination square.\nFor example, **Be5** (bishop moves to e5), **Nf3** (knight moves to f3).\nFor pawn moves, a letter indicating pawn is not used, only the destination square is given.\nFor example, **c5** (pawn moves to **c5**).\n\n## Captures\nWhen a piece makes a, an \"x\" is inserted immediately before the destination square.\nFor example, **Bxe5** (bishop captures the piece on e5).\nWhen a pawn makes a capture, the from which the pawn departed is used to identify the pawn.\nFor example, **exd5** (pawn on the e-file captures the piece on d5).\n[En passant](https://bliptext.com/articles/en-passant) captures are indicated by specifying the capturing pawn's file of departure, the \"x\", the destination square (not the square of the captured pawn), and (optionally) the suffix \"e.p.\"\nindicating the capture was en passant.\nFor example, **exd6 e.p.**\nSometimes a [multiplication sign](https://bliptext.com/articles/multiplication-sign) (×) or a [colon](https://bliptext.com/articles/colon-punctuation) is used instead of \"x\", either in the middle (**B:e5**) or at the end (**Be5:**).\nSome publications, such as the [Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings](https://bliptext.com/articles/encyclopaedia-of-chess-openings) (ECO), omit any indication that a capture has been made; for example, **Be5** instead of Bxe5; **ed6** instead of exd6 or exd6 e.p.\nWhen it is unambiguous to do so, a pawn capture is sometimes describ**ed** by specifying only the files involv**ed** (**exd** or even **ed**).\nThese shortened forms are sometimes called abbreviated algebraic notation or minimal algebraic notation.\n\n## Disambiguating moves\nWhen two (or more) identical pieces can move to the same square, the moving piece is uniquely identified by specifying the piece's letter, followed by (in descending order of preference):\nIf neither file nor rank alone is sufficient to identify the piece (such as when three or more pieces of the same type can move to the same square), then both are specified (double disambiguation).\nIn the diagram, both black rooks could legally move to f8, so the move of the d8-rook to f8 is disambiguated as **Rdf8**.\nFor the white rooks on the a-file which could both move to a3, it is necessary to provide the of the moving piece, i.e., **R1a3**.\nIn the case of the white queen on h4 moving to e1, neither the rank nor file alone are sufficient to disambiguate from the other white queens.\nAs such, this move is written **Qh4e1**.\nAs above, an \"x\" can be inserted to indicate a capture; for example, if the final case were a capture, it would be written as **Qh4xe1**.\n\n## Pawn promotion\nWhen a pawn [promotes](https://bliptext.com/articles/promotion-chess), the piece promoted to is indicated at the end.\nFor example, a pawn on e7 promoting to a queen on e8 may be variously rendered as **e8Q**, **e8=Q**, **e8(Q)**, **e8/Q** etc.\n\n## Draw offer\nFIDE specifies draw offers to be recorded by an equals sign with parentheses \"(=)\" after the move on the.\nThis is not usually included in published game scores.\n\n## Castling\n[Castling](https://bliptext.com/articles/castling) is indicated by the special notations **0-0** (for castling) and **0-0**-0 ( castling).\n**O-O** and **O-O**-O (letter O rather than digit 0) are also commonly used.\n\n## Check \nA move that places the opponent's [king](https://bliptext.com/articles/king-chess) in [check](https://bliptext.com/articles/check-chess) usually has the symbol \"+\" appended.\nAlternatively, sometimes a [dagger](https://bliptext.com/articles/dagger-mark) (†) or the abbreviation \"ch\" is used.\nSome publications indicate a [discovered check](https://bliptext.com/articles/discovered-check) with an abbreviation such as \"dis ch\", or with a specific symbol.\n[Double check](https://bliptext.com/articles/double-check) is usually indicated the same as check, but is sometimes represented specifically as \"dbl ch\" or \"++\", particularly in older chess literature.\nSome publications such as ECO omit any indication of check.\n\n## Checkmate\n[Checkmate](https://bliptext.com/articles/checkmate) at the completion of moves is represented by the symbol \"#\" in standard FIDE notation and PGN.\nThe word mate is commonly used instead; occasionally a double dagger (\n‡\n) or a double plus sign (++) is used, although the double plus sign is also used to represent \"[double check](https://bliptext.com/articles/double-check)\" when a king is under attack by two enemy pieces simultaneously. A checkmate is represented by \"\n≠\n\" (the [not equal sign](https://bliptext.com/articles/equal-sign)) in the [macOS chess application](https://bliptext.com/articles/list-of-macos-components). In [Russian](https://bliptext.com/articles/russian-language) and ex-[USSR](https://bliptext.com/articles/ussr) publications, where captures are indicated by \":\", checkmate can also be represented by \"X\" or \"x\".\n\n## End of game \nThe notation **1–0** at the completion of moves indicates that White won, **0–1** indicates that Black won, and **½–½** indicates a [draw](https://bliptext.com/articles/draw-chess).\nIn case of, the scores 0–0, ½–0, and 0–½ are also possible.\nIf player(s) lost by default, results are +/−, −/+, or −/−.\nOften there is no indication regarding how a player won or lost (other than checkmate, see above), so simply 1–0 or 0–1 may be written to show that one player [resigned](https://bliptext.com/articles/rules-of-chess) or lost due to [time control](https://bliptext.com/articles/time-control) or forfeit.\nSimilarly, there is more than one way for a game to end in a draw.\nSometimes direct information is given by the words \"White resigns\" or \"Black resigns\", though this is not considered part of the notation but rather a return to the surrounding narrative text.\n\n# Similar notations\nBesides the standard (or short) algebraic notation already described, several similar systems have been used.\n\n## Long algebraic notation\nIn long algebraic notation, also known as fully expanded algebraic notation, both the starting and ending squares are specified, for example: **e2e4**.\nSometimes these are separated by a hyphen, e.g. **Nb1-c3**, while captures are indicated by an \"x\", e.g. **Rd3xd7**.\nLong algebraic notation takes more space and is no longer commonly used in print; however, it has the advantage of clarity.\nBoth short and long algebraic notation are acceptable for keeping a record of the moves on a scoresheet, as is required in FIDE rated games.\nA form of long algebraic notation (without piece names) is also used by the [Universal Chess Interface (UCI)](https://bliptext.com/articles/universal-chess-interface) standard, which is a common way for graphical chess programs to communicate with chess engines, e.g. e2e4, e1g1 (castling), e7e8q (promotion).\n\n## ICCF numeric notation\nIn international [correspondence chess](https://bliptext.com/articles/correspondence-chess) the use of algebraic notation may cause confusion, since different languages employ different names (and therefore different initial letters) for the pieces, and some players may be unfamiliar with the [Latin alphabet](https://bliptext.com/articles/latin-alphabet).\nHence, the standard for transmitting moves by post or email is [ICCF numeric notation](https://bliptext.com/articles/iccf-numeric-notation), which identifies squares using numerical coordinates, and identifies both the departure and destination squares.\nFor example, the move 1.e4 is rendered as 1.5254.\nIn recent years, the majority of correspondence games have been played on on-line servers rather than by email or post, leading to a decline in the use of ICCF numeric notation.\n\n## PGN\n[Portable Game Notation](https://bliptext.com/articles/portable-game-notation) (PGN) is a text-based file format for storing chess games, which uses standard English algebraic notation and a small amount of markup.\nPGN can be processed by almost all chess software, as well as being easily readable by humans.\nFor example, the [Game of the Century](https://bliptext.com/articles/game-of-the-century-chess) could be represented as follows in PGN:\n\n# Formatting\nA game or series of moves is generally written in one of two ways; in two columns, as White/Black pairs, preceded by the move number and a period:\nor horizontally:\nMoves may be interspersed with commentary, called .\nWhen the resumes with a Black move, an [ellipsis](https://bliptext.com/articles/ellipsis) (...) fills the position of the White move, for example:\n\n# Annotation symbols\nThough not technically a part of algebraic notation, the following are some symbols commonly used by annotators, for example in publications [Chess Informant](https://bliptext.com/articles/chess-informant) and [Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings](https://bliptext.com/articles/encyclopaedia-of-chess-openings), to give editorial comment on a move or position.\nThe symbol chosen is simply appended to the end of the move notation, for example, in the [Soller Gambit](https://bliptext.com/articles/englund-gambit): 1.d4 e5?!\n2.dxe5 f6 3.e4!\nNc6 4.Bc4+/−\n\n## Moves\n\n## Positions\n\n# History\nDescriptive notation was usual in the Middle Ages in Europe.\nA form of algebraic chess notation that seems to have been borrowed from Muslim chess, however, appeared in Europe in a 12th century manuscript referred to as \"MS. Paris Fr. 1173 (PP.)\".\nThe files run from a to h, just as they do in the current standard algebraic notation.\nThe ranks, however, are also designated by letters, with the exception of the 8th rank which is distinct because it has no letter.\nThe ranks are lettered in reverse – from the 7th to the 1st: k, l, m, n, o, p, q.\nAnother system of notation using only letters appears in a book of Mediaeval chess, Rechenmeister [Jacob Köbel](https://bliptext.com/articles/jacob-k-bel)'s Schachzabel Spiel of 1520.\nAlgebraic notation exists in various forms and languages and is based on a system developed by [Philipp Stamma](https://bliptext.com/articles/philipp-stamma) in the 1730s.\nStamma used the modern names of the squares (and may have been the first to number the ranks), but he used p for pawn moves and the capital original of a piece (A through H) instead of the initial letter of the piece name as used now.\nPiece letters were introduced in the 1780s by [Moses Hirschel](https://bliptext.com/articles/moses-hirschel), and [Johann Allgaier](https://bliptext.com/articles/johann-allgaier) with [Aaron Alexandre](https://bliptext.com/articles/aaron-alexandre) developed the modern castling notation in the 1810s.\nAlgebraic notation was described in 1847 by [Howard Staunton](https://bliptext.com/articles/howard-staunton) in his book The Chess-Player's Handbook.\nStaunton credits the idea to German authors, and in particular to \"Alexandre, [Jaenisch](https://bliptext.com/articles/carl-jaenisch), and the [Handbuch](https://bliptext.com/articles/handbuch-des-schachspiels) .\"\nWhile algebraic notation has been used in German and Russian chess literature since the 19th century, the [Anglosphere](https://bliptext.com/articles/anglosphere) was slow to adopt it, using descriptive notation for much of the 20th century.\nBeginning in the 1970s, algebraic notation gradually became more common in English language publications, and by 1980 it had become the prevalent notation.\nIn 1981, FIDE stopped recognizing descriptive notation, and algebraic notation became the accepted international standard.\n\n# Piece names in various languages\nThe table contains names for all the pieces as well as the words for, , and in several languages.\nSeveral languages use the Arabic [loanword](https://bliptext.com/articles/loanword) alfil for the piece called bishop in English; in this context it is a chess-specific term which no longer has its original meaning of \"elephant\".","revisionCount":0},"hasMore":false,"nextCursor":null}