Chess
Standard algebraic notation

Standard algebraic notation (SAN) is a system for recording chess moves. Moves are represented by the name of the piece and the square to which it is being moved. For example: Nf3, Qb7, Bb5.

Pieces are denoted by their initial letter, with the exception of pawns, for which no initial is used: e4, d6, etc..

The squares are identified by their rank and file, from a1 in White's left-hand corner, to h8 in Black's.

The files (rows of squares going from White's side of the board to Black's) are given lowercase letters, a to h, and the ranks (rows of square running from left to right) are numbered 1 to 8 starting from White's side of the board.

♔♕♖♗♘♙♚♛♜♝♞♟

   In this description, 'piece' means a piece other than a pawn.
   C.2

   Each piece is indicated by an abbreviation. In the English language it
   is the first letter, a capital letter, of its name. Example: K=king,
   Q=queen, R=rook, B=bishop, N=knight. (N is used for a knight, in order
   to avoid ambiguity.)
   C.3

   For the abbreviation of the name of the pieces, each player is free to
   use the name which is commonly used in his country. Examples: F = fou
   (French for bishop), L = loper (Dutch for bishop). In printed
   periodicals, the use of figurines recommended.
   C.4

   Pawns are not indicated by their first letter, but are recognised by
   the absence of such a letter. Examples: the moves are written e5, d4,
   a5, not pe5, Pd4, pa5.
   C.5

   The eight files (from left to right for White and from right to left
   for Black) are indicated by the small letters, a, b, c, d, e, f, g and
   h, respectively.
   C.6

   The eight ranks (from bottom to top for White and from top to bottom
   for Black) are numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, respectively.
   Consequently, in the initial position the white pieces and pawns are
   placed on the first and second ranks; the black pieces and pawns on the
   eighth and seventh ranks.
   C.7

   As a consequence of the previous rules, each of the sixty-four squares
   is invariably indicated by a unique combination of a letter and a
   number.

                        Description: A description...
   C.8

   Each move of a piece is indicated by a) the abbreviation of the name of
   the piece in question and b) the square of arrival. There is no hyphen
   between a) and b). Examples: Be5, Nf3, Rd1.

   In the case of pawns, only the square of arrival is indicated.
   Examples: e5, d4, a5.
   C.9

   When a piece makes a capture, an x may be inserted between a) the
   abbreviation of the name of the piece in question and b) the square of
   arrival. Examples: Bxe5, Nxf3, Rxd1, see also C10.

   When a pawn makes a capture, the file of departure must be indicated,
   then an x may be inserted, then the square of arrival. Examples: dxe5,
   gxf3, axb5. In the case of an 'en passant' capture, 'e.p.' may be
   appended to the notation. Example: exd6 e.p.
   C.10

   If two identical pieces can move to the same square, the piece that is
   moved is indicated as follows:
    a. 1. If both pieces are on the same rank: by a) the abbreviation of
       the name of the piece, b) the file of departure, and c) the square
       of arrival.
    b. 2. If both pieces are on the same file: by a) the abbreviation of
       the name of the piece, b) the rank of the square of departure, and
       c) the square of arrival.

   If the pieces are on different ranks and files, method 1 is preferred.

   Examples:
    a. There are two knights, on the squares g1 and e1, and one of them
       moves to the square f3: either Ngf3 or Nef3, as the case may be.
    b. There are two knights, on the squares g5 and g1, and one of them
       moves to the square f3: either N5f3 or N1f3, as the case may be.
    c. There are two knights, on the squares h2 and d4, and one of them
       moves to the square f3: either Nhf3 or Ndf3, as the case may be.
    d. If a capture takes place on the square f3, the notation of the
       previous examples is still applicable, but an x may be inserted: 1)
       either Ngxf3 or Nexf3, 2) either N5xf3 or N1xf3, 3) either Nhxf3 or
       Ndxf3, as the case may be.

   C.11

   In the case of the promotion of a pawn, the actual pawn move is
   indicated, followed immediately by the abbreviation of the new piece.
   Examples: d8Q, exf8N, b1B, g1R.
   C.12

   The offer of a draw shall be marked as (=).
   C.13

   Abbreviations
   0-0 = castling with rook h1 or rook h8 (kingside castling)
   0-0-0 = castling with rook a1 or rook a8 (queenside castling)
   x = captures
   + = check
   ++ or # = checkmate
   e.p. = captures 'en passant'
   The last four are optional.

   Sample game:
   1.e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 exd4 4. e5 Ne4 5. Qxd4 d5 6. exd6 e.p. Nxd6 7.
   Bg5 Nc6 8. Qe3+ Be7 9. Nbd2 0-0 10. 0-0-0 Re8 11. Kb1 (=)
   Or: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. d4 ed4 4. e5 Ne4 5. Qd4 d5 6. ed6 Nd6 7. Bg5
   Nc6 8. Qe3 Be7 9 Nbd2 0-0 10. 0-0-0 Re8 11. Kb1 (=)