Long Algebraic Notation LAN in Chess

Explanation

Long Algebraic Notation, abbreviated LAN, makes explicit where a piece starts and where it lands. A common form is Ng1-f3 for a knight moving from g1 to f3, or e2-e4 for a pawn. Showing both squares reduces the need to infer the origin from the position.

No single universal spelling

Conventions vary. Some sources use a hyphen for an ordinary move and x for a capture; others omit the separator and write Ng1f3 or e2e4. The notation appendix of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) accepts a long form containing the piece abbreviation, origin, and destination. The Universal Chess Interface (UCI) protocol, which lets a user interface communicate with an analysis program, calls bare strings such as e2e4 long algebraic.

Because of that variation, LAN can overlap with . In this glossary, LAN keeps the idea of an extended , possibly with a piece letter and extra symbols; coordinate notation means the minimal origin-and-destination form often used by software. is shorter because it omits the origin when it is unnecessary.

Usage and context

LAN appears in teaching material, older systems, and technical documentation. Identify the source's exact convention before interpreting its strings.

Common confusions

Coordinate notation

Both may show origin and destination. LAN can retain a piece letter and other symbols, while coordinate notation usually contains only the two squares and an optional promotion letter.

View term

SAN

SAN records only the information needed, such as Nf3. LAN normally includes the origin as well, such as Ng1-f3.