A couple of ways, in my view, would be to do these two things: a) any OTB games you play, write the moves in algebraic - you will quickly get used to the notation that way, and b) while playing here, add the numbers and letters to the board by going into your Control Panel and changing the Settings for Online and Live to include these.
Best wishes on learning the algebraic system; it is far more precise and concise than the older notation, again, in my view.
Its too hard to learn. Quit now.
I'd recommend getting one of those roll-out plastic boards with the co-ordinates listed on it, and using it in conjunction with the books until you get the hang of the notation.
After decades of English descriptive notation, I spent a few weeks studying a chess book in algebraic and playing the moves on an unmarked board. I've been fluent in algebraic ever since. It is much simpler than descriptive, and less prone to error.
After decades of English descriptive notation, I spent a few weeks studying a chess book in algebraic and playing the moves on an unmarked board. I've been fluent in algebraic ever since. It is much simpler than descriptive, and less prone to error.
I can use both. But, I'm just an old fogey, and I will always prefer descriptive.
It's just easier to visualize. If you should read out to me the moves of a game in descriptive, I would be able to visualize it pretty well, in algebraic, I have to start counting squares, I especially have problems visualizing diagonals.
Quote from a early 20th century author: Watch your KB2!
Translated to modern: Watch f2 if you are playing White, and f7 if you are playing Black!
After decades of English descriptive notation, I spent a few weeks studying a chess book in algebraic and playing the moves on an unmarked board. I've been fluent in algebraic ever since. It is much simpler than descriptive, and less prone to error.
I can use both. But, I'm just an old fogey, and I will always prefer descriptive.
It's just easier to visualize. If you should read out to me the moves of a game in descriptive, I would be able to visualize it pretty well, in algebraic, I have to start counting squares, I especially have problems visualizing diagonals.
Quote from a early 20th century author: Watch your KB2!
Translated to modern: Watch f2 if you are playing White, and f7 if you are playing Black!
Lol. You're sooo much older than me, too. I was in my mid 30s when I trained myself to think in algebraic. It was hard at first, and for ten years I would mistakenly call the b-file the bishop file from time to time to the great confusion of kids. I can think in both, and have played blindfold chess with both, but algebraic is easier to learn, easier to use.
f2/f7 weakness is no more awkward than the weakness on king's bishop two.
For a beginner what is the most efficient way to familariaze yourself with it? I find it hard to cope with chess books etc