{"id":1872,"date":"2021-11-30T02:46:46","date_gmt":"2021-11-30T02:46:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chessquestions.com\/?p=1872"},"modified":"2021-11-30T02:46:51","modified_gmt":"2021-11-30T02:46:51","slug":"why-do-chess-players-write-down-moves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chessquestions.com\/why-do-chess-players-write-down-moves\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do Chess Players Write Down Moves? Because They Have To!"},"content":{"rendered":"

⭐⭐⭐ Take 6 minutes to read and improve your chess game ➡️ : This article was first published on, and is Copyright of Chessquestions.com<\/p>\n

You might be wondering why chess players write down their moves on a piece of paper. Why don’t they just remember them? Why not use an app or something to track the game? There are many reasons that chess players do this, but one is because they have to! The rules state that both sides must keep written records of what has happened in the game if played competitively under federation rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chess players write down their moves on a scoresheet using only algebraic notation<\/a> as a requirement of the FIDE Chess Competition Rules. They’ve also to note the opponent’s moves in a clear and legible manner and sign both scoresheets when the result is known or agreed in the event of a draw.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So without further ado, it is best we find out some more about writing our moves down and about algebraic notation in terms of how to read and write it so we can compete in chess tournaments.- it is quite simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why use algebraic notation written to represent moves in chess?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Algebraic notation is used in a game of chess because it represents each square on the board with a unique letter and number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does this help us? Well, the algebraic notation can easily be translated to allow players around the world to compete against one another without confusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each chess piece is allocated an abbreviation and there are some other set notes for special moves and events including time control<\/a>, within a game. You can view all the abbreviations and special symbols including player notes in my dedicated guide to algebraic notation<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is it important for both players write records of what has happened during the game?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Keeping records of what has happened during the game is important for both players because it ensures that there isn’t any cheating or foul play among other things, but primarily as a record of the game so the arbiter can confirm the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why would anyone cheat in a chess competition?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, sometimes people might do anything to win and if they get caught out by not keeping accurate records – well, their efforts will be pretty useless!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully there is not a lot of cheating in this regard with over-the-board play, and notation is simply a way for the arbiter to check the game, the result, and any time disputes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cheating in chess<\/a> is far more common with online chess play where moves are recorded automatically for you<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It also provides a record of every move that was made so it can be placed on record and reviewed by the players themselves in analysis<\/a>, or for the avid chess fan to follow the game at a later date.<\/p>\n\n\n

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<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chess Scoresheet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Scoresheets are simple to create on an excel document if you wish but can also be purchased in bulk quite cheaply on Amazon<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

I’d recommend making some up and practicing by playing chess against yourself<\/a> and recording the moves<\/p>\n\n\n

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Learn Chess Notation<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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this move is e4 when writing down a chess move<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You can not participate in competitive chess matches without completing a scoresheet by recording your moves.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

Whether it is a local club, league or national, or international chess match from the US Chess Federation or FIDE events, the recording of all moves within a match is an essential part of the game and provides proof of the outcome of any chess match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For me personally, it was something that for whatever reason, I was always concerned about. I had seen books<\/a> with the notation written, both in algebraic and figurine style, and despite looking, I didn’t either understand it or thought that I would never understand it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Within a few minutes of reading the very basics, I understood perfectly and realized it was nothing to be concerned about, and making notes of the moves was far more simple than I would have imagined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What it did to my game is the key part. once I understood it, I was able to look back on my games, without having to play them through again and see my mistakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If I had a board to hand I would play the moves through to see how bad some of my decisions were, and where I had made great moves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It helped my chess improve<\/a> no end, and in no time my rating was on the rise to levels never previously achieved, simply because I was learning so much more and much quicker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, do please take a note of the date and of your current ELO rating right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practice writing your chess moves<\/a>, reading games, and studying your own games retrospectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Revisit the first recording of your rating in one month’s time, and I bet<\/a> it has increased not only quickly but to a level you have never recorded before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good luck, and go get those ‘++’s<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does one read and write algebraic notation, and how can you learn more about this type of writing system?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You should be able to recognize the algebraic notation almost immediately because it is quite easy by adding the abbreviation for the piece combined with the chess board notation, which indicates the various squares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each move is recorded first with the abbreviation of the chess piece, q=Queen for example, and then the chess board notation number it has moved to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n