English Chess Forum

Hello.
When is algebraic notation used in the long form?

Thanks in advance

Some chess books give examples of it but it's main use would be in postal/email, or other slow forms of chess competition, where it is important to transmit the moves as accurately and unambiguously as possible.

"When is algebraic notation used in the long form?"

Also with inexperienced players, I have suggested (especially to those in the military, who are used to coordinates on maps/charts), that saying 1.g1f3 d7d5 makes it clear what you mean. I know that is slightly different.

No, I mean Ng1-f3

The answer is the same (I think). While the compact notation (1. e4 Nf6) is most commonly used (and encouraged) looking at my own scoresheets (as well as those of others) it is common to see mistakes in the form of ambiguous moves (e.g. Nd7 when Nbd7 is required) or in my case (because I first learned English Descriptive) mistakes in the row numbers. The last blind player I saw play recorded his moves on a tape recorder by reciting the original and destination squares of the piece he was moving. The Laws of Chess are not completely prescriptive about the method you use, but it has to be algebraic (unless there is a local rule stating otherwise).

It is also usual, when playing against a blind player, to announce ones own moves using both start and destination squares.

You should use the the long form of algebraic notation when writing down your moves.