Chess uses algebraic notation, where each square has a letter for its file, from a to h, and a number for its rank, from 1 to 8. A move is written with the piece letter and the destination square, for example Nf3 means a knight moves to f3; pawn moves show just the square, like e4. Captures use an x, as in Bxe5, castling is written 0-0 for kingside and 0-0-0 for queenside, check is +, and checkmate is #. Notation lets you record, share, and study games move by move. Learning it early makes chess books and puzzles far easier to follow.