Descriptive notation

Descriptive notation identifies squares relatively. Instead of always using files a, b, c, and so on, it names them after the pieces that begin there: king, queen, bishop, knight, or rook, with kingside and queenside distinctions where necessary.

Ranks are counted from the side of the player whose perspective is being used. The same physical square therefore has two names: White's QB3, the third rank of the queen bishop file, is Black's QB6. This double perspective is the central difference from algebraic notation, in which c3 is always c3.

One square with two relative names

c3 from two perspectives

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

a1

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

The physical square remains c3: White counts it as QB3 and Black as QB6 from its own edge.

c3 = White's QB3 = Black's QB6

Under English descriptive notation, the physical square remains c3. Only the edge used to count the rank changes.

1. The physical square remains c3: White counts it as QB3 and Black as QB6 from its own edge.

Reading the classic example

The sequence 1. P-K4 P-K4 means 1. e4 e5. P means pawn, K means king, and K4 means the fourth square on the king file from the mover's side. Abbreviations differ across languages and publishing traditions, which adds another obstacle when reading older books.

One relative expression with two locations

P-K4 on two different squares

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

a1

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

P-K4 corresponds to e4 for White and e5 for Black because each side counts from its own edge.

P-K4: e4 for White, e5 for Black

The board orientation remains fixed. Each side counts its fourth rank from its own edge.

1. P-K4 corresponds to e4 for White and e5 for Black because each side counts from its own edge.

Today the system is found mainly in historical works and older editions. The International Chess Federation (FIDE) recognizes algebraic notation for its tournaments, not descriptive notation. Converting a game is safest when each position is rebuilt move by move, because the square name depends on which color is moving.