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September 27, 2005
A world of chess knowledge: understanding Algebraic Notation
One of the most important skills you could ever learn is chess notation. Chess notation is a way to record a game of chess, and learning how to notate your rank-and-files will open up an entire library of chess books.
There are different flavors of chess notation but the most popular type used today is called Algebraic Notation, and practically all new chess books use this type of notation (pictured).
In Algebraic Notation the chessboard is divided into ranks and files. The ranks are the horizontal rows of squares labeled 1 through 8. The files are the vertical columns of squares labeled a through h. Each square on the chessboard can be identified by a unique combination of file and rank. Some boards do not have the ranks and files labeled so it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with it. From the perspective of the White side, the files are always labeled a through h going from left to right and the ranks are always labeled 1 through 8 going from bottom to top.
Pieces are identified by a single capital letter. This is usually the letter their names start with. The exception is the Knight. Since the K is used for a King, the Knight is identified by an N.
The symbols for each piece are:
K - King
Q - Queen
R - Rook
B - Bishop
N - Knight
P - Pawn
To notate a piece moving on the chessboard first write the piece identifier and then the square the piece is moving to. In the diagram on the left the Knight is moving to square f3 so this is written Nf3.
A King-side castle is represented by O-O. A Queen-side castle is represented by O-O-O. A move attacking the enemy King the notation is followed by a plus (+) sign. When a move checkmates the enemy King the notation is followed by a ++ or a #. When a Pawn makes it to the opposite side of the board and promotes to another piece you would notate the move as usual followed by the piece identifier for the piece the pawn promoted to with an equal (=) sign. For example: f8=Q+. This means a pawn moved from the seventh rank (f7) to the eighth rank and promoted to a Queen and checked the King.
Sometimes additional commentary is added to the end of the notation to describe the move in more detail. Here are a few symbols along with their meanings:
!! - Brilliant move
! - Good move
!? - Interesting move
?! - Dubious move
? - Bad move
?? - Blunder
Now that you are an expert on Algebraic Notation, get out your board and see if you can follow this game:
White Black
1. e4 d5
2. exd5 Nf6
3. d4 Bg4
4. Bb5+ c6?!
5. dxc6! Bxd1?
6. c7+ Qd7??
7. c8Q#
There are many other methods of recording a chess game besides Algebraic Notation. About a decade ago the most popular method used here in the U.S. was a method called Descriptive Notation. Instead of having the files labeled a through h the chessboard is divided into a Queen-side and a King-side and the file names take on the name of the piece that occupied the file in the initial setup position. So the files are QR (for Queen Rook) through KR (King Rook). The ranks are labeled 1 through 8 but unlike Algebraic Notation, the labeling is with respect to the player. 1 represents the row of squares closest to the player and 8 represents the row of squares farthest away.
Descriptive Notation does have a piece identifier for a Pawn and it is what you probably thought it would be, a P. A game that begins: 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 in Algebraic Notation would look like: 1. P-K4 P-K4 2. N-KB3 N-QB3 in Descriptive Notation. It is a good idea to learn this type of notation if only to be able to read the older chess books that use it.
Many books and computer chess programs use a notation called Figurine Algebraic Notation. This is exactly like normal Algebraic Notation except that the piece identifiers are replaced with graphic symbols of the pieces. This looks nice in books and on computer screens but you probably wouldn't want to use it while scoring your own games by drawing each piece by hand.
For more on chess notation check out http://www.uschess.org/beginners/read/
Posted by rene on 9:49 AM | Comments (1)
September 21, 2005
"The Chess Artist"
Chess is still the reigning champion for the most books written about any game or sport. Interesting fact isn't it? Unlike backgammon, checkers or boggle -- chess has that unique allure that fascinates readers to learn more about this wonderful game.
"The Chess Artist: Genius, Obsession, and the World's Oldest Game" written by J.C. Hallman is a book even a non-chessplayer can enjoy. In this extraordinary book, the author himself and the main character, Glenn Umstead, take us on a journey shock-full of oddities, anecdotes, flashbacks and flashforwards in an attempt to "explain" what is most attractive about this game.
And the answers don't come right away, but somewhere hidden between all 352 pages we find an amalgam of questions that reveal themselves within a windowless paradigm of obsession in a unique historical importance and perspective.
On the back the book states "this is a book that chess players should not be without." And rightly so.
Posted by rene on 8:57 AM | Comments (1)
September 20, 2005
Believe it or not....
Keeping up with chess theory, commiting games and patterns to memory, as well as staying alert and keeping in mental shape by moving the arm and staring at your opponent in the eye can be very taxing on one's time.
(Hopefully, I won't have to write another long and dull sentence like that to state the feeling of frustation.)
But to love chess isn't enough to be and stay a strong player. Hower, chess is all about repetition. And if you're not near-OCD, a control-freak or otherwise an unsympathetic slacker, than chess is for you.
For the record, I must state that I'm none of the above -- well, except maybe for the unsympathetic slacker.
Also for the record I promise to do a better job at writing entries more often, and entries that have a bit of more chess-fueled substance.
Don't forget to check out the other blogs in this joint...
Remember: Develop your pieces!
Posted by rene on 3:12 PM | Comments (0)
September 12, 2005
News to Me: Free Chess Instructions for Kids!
Share your passion and knowledge to those who enjoy it the most: kids!
The New Haven Free Publich Library (NHFPL) is offering FREE chess instruction to children ages 5 through 12. The library is located at 133 Elm Street, every Monday from 4-5:30pm starting September 26th. All are welcome.Kids willing to help other kids learn are encouraged to attend. For more info call John Jessen at 946-7001 or via e-mail at john.jessen@nhfpl.org
Posted by rene on 2:20 PM | Comments (0)
September 3, 2005
Chess Players to the Rescue
Our nation and the world is watching the events that are unfolding in the Gulf Coast states, as people are moving away from the devestation that has caused much loss, pain and suffering to the families affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Millions of people are left without water, food, shelter and medical care and they desperately need your help.
Former Women's World Champion Susan Polgar is raising money for the victims. Visit www.PolgarChess.com and make a pledge to help the victims of Hurrinane Katrina. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated by Susan to The Susan Polgar Foundation, Inc.
You can also send a check to:
Susan Polgar Foundation
103-10 Queens Boulevard (Suite 1C)
Forest Hills, New York 11375
Te: 718-897-4600 Fax: 718-459-5613
Make a donation today and make a difference.
Posted by rene on 11:45 AM | Comments (0)
