What is chess notation?
This refers to the method players use to record the moves of a game. Each player uses a type of shorthand to write each move, including the opponent’s move, as the move is played on the board. There are actually several different types of notation that can be used to record a chess game. It is not important which type a player chooses as long as the notation allows replaying the game move-by-move. The rules of chess do not require a specific type of notation, only that each player record the moves. If a player does not take notation, that player will lose the right to certain claims and can be penalized by the Tournament Director. There are several important reasons for keeping notation. Doing so promotes the discipline of thoroughly considering each move and not rushing through the game. Without a notation sheet, a player cannot make certain types of claims such as claiming a draw based on three-time repetition of a position. If there is a dispute about an illegal position, the Tourna
