--- title: "Long algebraic notation in chess" url: "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/long-algebraic-notation.md" canonical_url: "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/long-algebraic-notation" last_updated: "2026-11-07" type: "reference" summary: "Long algebraic notation is the fuller form of algebraic notation in which each move lists its square of departure as well as its square of arrival." related: ["https://georgelichess.com/glossary/algebraic-notation.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/coordinates.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/disambiguation.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/pgn.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/scoresheet.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/descriptive-notation.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary/category/rules-notation.md", "https://georgelichess.com/glossary.md"] --- # Long algebraic notation in chess > **For AI agents:** the complete index of GeorgeLiChess pages is [llms.txt](https://georgelichess.com/llms.txt). Every page is also served as markdown at its URL plus .md. Long algebraic notation is the fuller form of algebraic notation in which each move lists its square of departure as well as its square of arrival. Long algebraic notation is the fuller form of algebraic notation in which each move lists its square of departure as well as its square of arrival, so the knight move Nf3 becomes Ng1-f3 and the pawn move e4 becomes e2-e4. FIDE's own rules accept this form. Appendix C allows the [square](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/square.md) of departure to be added, with examples such as Ng1f3 and e7e5, and its sample game is printed both ways. Books often add a hyphen between the two squares, e2-e4, and put an x between them for a [capture](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/capture.md), e5xd4. Its strength is that nothing has to be worked out. The reader never needs to ask which of two rooks or [knights](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/knight.md) moved, since the starting square says so, and a move can be replayed on a board without studying the rest of the position. That clarity keeps it alive in a few places. Coaches use it with beginners who lose track of where a piece came from, and [engine](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/chess-engine.md) software speaks a stripped-down version without piece letters, sending moves such as g1f3. The cost is length and clutter. A game in long form takes noticeably more writing, which is why books and [databases](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/database.md) prefer the short form and add a departure file or rank only when two pieces could reach the same square. Tip: when you replay an old game written in long form, say the short form aloud for each move. Converting Ng1-f3 to Nf3 and back without effort is a small but useful notation skill. A neighboring idea is [Descriptive notation](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/descriptive-notation.md). Descriptive notation is the older system that records moves relative to each side's own pieces and ranks, such as P-K4 or N-KB3, and it has been largely replaced by algebraic notation. Once "Long algebraic notation" is familiar, the next question is what to work on at your rating, which the [improvement plans by rating band](https://georgelichess.com/improve.md) answer with game and puzzle data. ## Related terms - [Algebraic notation](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/algebraic-notation.md) - [Coordinates](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/coordinates.md) - [Disambiguation](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/disambiguation.md) - [PGN](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/pgn.md) - [Scoresheet](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/scoresheet.md) - [Descriptive notation](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/descriptive-notation.md) ## Guides that go further - [How to choose a chess coach](https://georgelichess.com/how-to-choose-a-chess-coach.md): What to decide first, the questions to ask, what a first lesson should show and the red flags to avoid. - [How much does chess coaching cost?](https://georgelichess.com/chess-coaching-cost.md): Published rates for private, group and subscription chess coaching, with the source and the date of each. - [The first lesson](https://georgelichess.com/book/first-lesson.md): A game review, a read on your level and a written study plan from George Li. ## Sources - FIDE Laws of Chess (taking effect from 1 January 2023) (Appendix C.8), read 2026-10-21: https://handbook.fide.com/chapter/E012023 - FIDE Laws of Chess (taking effect from 1 January 2023) (Appendix C.13), read 2026-10-21: https://handbook.fide.com/chapter/E012023 [Book your first lesson](https://georgelichess.com/book.md) and George Li reviews your games and builds a study plan around them. Questions about lessons: write to hello@georgelichess.com. ## Related - [Algebraic notation in chess](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/algebraic-notation.md) - [Coordinates in chess](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/coordinates.md) - [Disambiguation in chess](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/disambiguation.md) - [PGN in chess](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/pgn.md) - [Scoresheet in chess](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/scoresheet.md) - [Descriptive notation in chess](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/descriptive-notation.md) - [Chess terms: Rules, notation and equipment](https://georgelichess.com/glossary/category/rules-notation.md) - [Chess terms glossary: plain definitions](https://georgelichess.com/glossary.md)