Notation and standards
Moves and results
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Move number
Level: BeginnerThe number that groups one White move and Black's reply within the written record of a game.
Ply
Level: BeginnerA ply is one move by one side, rather than the pair formed by White's move and Black's reply.
Ellipsis
Level: BeginnerIn chess notation, three periods after a move number show that the displayed move belongs to Black.
Main line
Level: BeginnerThe main line is the central sequence followed continuously while alternatives appear as branches.
Variation
Level: BeginnerA variation is a legal sequence of moves that explores an alternative from a particular position.
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.
Result notation
Level: BasicSymbols showing whether White won, Black won, the game was drawn, or no final result is available yet.
1-0
Level: BeginnerA result marker stating that White won the game.
0-1
Level: BeginnerA result marker stating that Black won the game.
1/2-1/2
Level: BeginnerA result marker stating that the game ended in a draw.
(=)
Level: BasicA symbol written beside a move to record that a player offered a draw.
*
Level: BeginnerAn asterisk used in Portable Game Notation when no final result is available.
+/-
Level: IntermediateThe FIDE result for an unplayed game in which White wins because Black forfeits.
-/+
Level: IntermediateThe FIDE result for an unplayed game in which Black wins because White forfeits.
-/-
Level: IntermediateThe FIDE result for an unplayed game in which both players lose by forfeit.