Teaching Your Child the Unique Language of Chess Notation

If your child has started to enjoy chess, you might be wondering how to introduce them to chess notation — the “secret code” chess players use to record and share games. The good news is: children can learn it earlier than you think, especially if you keep it fun and simple.

Step One : Show the Chessboard as a Map

Explain that every square has its own “address.”

• The bottom of the board has letters (a–h).

• The side has numbers (1–8).

When you put a letter and a number together, you get a square’s name — like e4 or g6.

Tip: Play a quick “treasure hunt.” Call out a square (like “Find d2”) and let your child place a piece there. Kids love the idea of squares having names.

Step Two: Teach the Piece Letters

Each chess piece has its own letter:

• King = K

• Queen = Q

• Rook = R

• Bishop = B

• Knight = N (we use N so it’s not confused with King)

• Pawns don’t use a letter — just the square they move to.

Tip Write these on a flashcard or a sticky note for quick reference while playing.

Step Three: Put It Together

Moves are written by combining the piece letter + the square name:

• Nf3 = Knight moves to f3

• Bb5 = Bishop moves to b5

• e4 = Pawn moves to e4

Tip: Keep a notebook and let your child "be the scribe" during a casual game. Kids love the responsibility of recording the moves.

Step Four: Make It Playful

Children learn best when it feels like a game:

• Pretend they’re learning a secret code.

• Replay famous games together using notation.

• Celebrate when they can write down an entire game — even if it’s short!

Why It Matters

Learning notation isn’t just about writing moves. It teaches kids focus, memory, and discipline. Plus, it allows them to revisit their games, spot mistakes, and track their progress — just like real chess masters do.

Final Thought

Chess notation may look complicated at first, but with patience and creativity, it can become second nature for your child. Start simple, keep it fun, and remind them: every time they write down a move, they’re learning the language that connects chess players around the world.