{"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 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 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\nWhy use algebraic notation written to represent moves in chess?<\/h2>\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