Full Algebraic Notation

The moves of a chess game can be recorded in a variety of ways. You will  probably see algebraic notation used more often but older chess books often use descriptive notation. It is a good idea to be conversant with them both. Chess positions can be recorded using Forsyth notation.

There are some symbols you should know when reading or writing chess notation.

If you play in tournaments you will have to record the game so it is a good idea to practise as soon as you begin playing. You can also later go over your games to find out where you or your opponent made mistakes. The moves are written in two numbered vertical columns like this:
                                        1.f2-f4      e7-e5
                                        2.f4xe5     d7-d6
                                        3.e5xd6    Bf8xd6  
                                        4.g2-g3    Qd8-g5              
                                        5.Ng1-f3   Qg5xg3+                                  
                                        6.h2xg3    Bd6xg3#
The first column is for the White moves and the second column is for the Black moves. First of all the symbol for the piece is written, then the square on which this piece was standing, then a hyphen (-), then the square to which this piece moves. If a pawn moves the symbol is omitted.
For example, 1. f2-f4 means on the first move the pawn on the f2 square moved to the f4 square. 5. Ng1-f3 means the Knight on the g1 square moved to the f3 square. 
If you wish to refer to a Black move by itself you put three dots before the move. For example, 4. ... Qd8-g5 means on move 4 Black moved his Queen on d8 to g5.
x indicates a capture took place so: 5. ... Qg5xg3+ means the Black Queen on g5 captured a piece on g3 and the + means with this move the opponent's King was checked.
# means checkmate so: 6. ...Bd6xg3# means the Black Bishop on d6 moved to g3 and checkmated the White King.