Notation and standards
Move symbols
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Capture symbol
Level: BasicThe letter x used inside algebraic notation to show that a move captures a piece.
x
Level: BeginnerThe letter x marks a capture and appears immediately before the destination square.
Check symbol
Level: BasicThe + sign added to a move when it leaves the opposing king in check.
+
Level: BeginnerThe + sign is appended to a move when that move leaves the opposing king in check.
Checkmate symbol
Level: BasicThe # sign added to the move that delivers checkmate and ends the game.
#
Level: BeginnerThe # sign is appended to a move that gives checkmate and ends the game.
++
Level: BasicAn ambiguous symbol that can mean checkmate or double check under different conventions.
Castling notation
Level: BasicThe compact notation for castling, using two groups on the kingside and three groups on the queenside.
O-O
Level: BeginnerO-O is the standard notation for castling on the kingside.
O-O-O
Level: BeginnerO-O-O is the standard notation for castling on the queenside.
Promotion notation
Level: BasicThe notation that records the new piece chosen when a pawn reaches the far edge of the board.
=
Level: BeginnerThe = sign introduces the chosen piece when a pawn reaches the last row at the opposite edge and promotes.
e.p.
Level: Beginnere.p. is an optional mark identifying an en passant capture in written chess notation.