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Questions tagged [notation]

Notation refers to any formalized method of recording chess games so they can be replayed and shared later. Common notations include algebraic, figurine algebraic, descriptive, and the digital PGN format. Descriptive notation is considered obsolete, though familiarity with it allows one to read older books that use it.

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When and why was the notation changed from descriptive to algebraic?

When I was young I used to play chess with the the old form of notation KB (King Bishop square number), even books used to have the same notation, then later found that everyone was using algebraic, is descriptive notation dead? Why?
Binoj Antony
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Ambiguity in notation resolved by +

In the board position both knights can move to e4. To distinguish which knight moved one would normally write Nce4 or Nfe4. However in this special situation only Nce4 is check. Would it be sufficient here to write Ne4+ (meaning Nce4) only (i.e.…
user1583209
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Tools for automated notation: webcam movie to PGN

Sometimes during blitz games over the board, or when in zeitnot, it gets very difficult to annotate them. I've seen several software / hardware to help in writing the notation, even one that's FIDE approved; these require that you repeat the moves…
Riccardo Zorn
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Does move disambiguation happen before or after legality checking?

I am wondering if disambiguation occurs before or after the legality of such moves has been established. Given this position: [FEN "5k2/5n2/3R4/1n6/8/5Q2/8/4K3 b - - 0 1"] Both knights are targeting d6, but the one on f7 is pinned. In PGN notation,…
Olympiloutre
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Why are players required to record the moves in World Championship Classical games?

I understand that in some lower-level games, if the players do not record the moves, nobody else will do it for them. But what is the point of requiring the players at World Championship classical games to record the moves? After all, they can…
Zuriel
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Why is algebraic notation called algebraic?

How does algebra relate to this chess notation? Why do they call this chess notation algebraic?
DrStrangeLove
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How is notation done for similar pieces capturing the same piece?

When a capture can be made by two rooks, or two knights, etc., how does the notation clarify which piece makes the capture? For example, if two pawns, one at e4 and one at c4, capture a pawn at d3, the notation will say exd3 or cxd3, sure. But if…
Jason P Sallinger
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How are PGN ambiguities handled?

How are ambiguities handled when writing the PGN when more than one piece of the same type can move into the same square? [FEN "1R4QQ/R1R4Q/8/6pP/5P1P/8/NK1k4/1N1N4 w - g6 0 1"] Note: It isWhite to move, with an en passant capturing square on…
ajax333221
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Why is offering draw not recorded but giving a check recorded?

In recording a game, one typically does not record offering draws (if yes, how and is it required?) while one does indicate that a particular move gives a check by using + (or ++ for double checks). I am wondering if this is logical. In fact, it is…
Zuriel
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Why do I need to notate the file when capturing with a pawn?

As we all know, in algebraic notation, we usually suppress the notation for pawns. That is, unless they are capturing something. Then, for some reason, we must notate the file of that pawn. For all other moves, you only need to notate the file (or…
Gaussler
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Why are the symbols 0-0 and 0-0-0 used for castling in algebraic notation?

I'm curious about why the symbols O-O and O-O-O are used for castling in algebraic notation. Why not use the consistent and logical Kg1/Kc1 for White and Kg8/Kc8 for Black? Why adopt the less than obvious O-O and O-O-O from descriptive notation?
Jim Davis
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What is the origin of descriptive notation?

Algebraic Notation is the modern standard for recording chess games. It is easily human-readable, yet it can be parsed by computers without difficulty. Descriptive notation predates algebraic significantly. Essentially all English-language chess…
Jonathan Garber
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Is "Rdxd2" algebraic chess notation valid?

Is the algebraic notation Rdxd2 valid? If there is a problem with this notation, then how can it be corrected?
micsthepick
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Differences between FEN and EPD?

I just read the description of FEN (Forsyth–Edwards Notation) and EPD (Extended Position Description), I have a basic idea of what they are, but I still have some points that are not entirely clear: What are the main differences between those…
ajax333221
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Is there a space between the move number and the move algebraic notation?

I know everyone will say that this is a stupid question, but I'm going to ask it anyway... Is there a space between the move number and the move algebraic notation? In other words, which of these is the correct notation? : 1.e4 e5 or 1. e4 e5…
Fate
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