How to Read Chess Notation
Files, ranks, and piece letters so you can follow any game or lesson.
Read the guide →Chess Basics
Reading and writing chess notation
Notation lets you read lessons, follow famous games, and record your own.
How to Write Down Your Moves
Record your games so you can review them and improve later.
Read the guide →More in Chess Basics
← All Chess Basics
How each piece moves
Setting up the board correctly
Special moves: castling, en passant, promotion
Check, checkmate, and stalemate explained
The value of the pieces
Rules, draws, and how a game ends
The three phases: opening, middlegame, endgame
Basic etiquette and how to play online
Common beginner mistakes to avoid