How do you read chess notation?
To read chess notation, specifically Algebraic Notation (AN):
1. Understand the board setup: Columns are labeled a-h, and rows are labeled 1-8, with each square having a unique coordinate (e.g: e4).
2. Know the piece symbols: King (K), Queen (Q), Rook (R), Bishop (B), Knight (N), and Pawn (no symbol, just the square name)
3. Read a move: The piece and its destination square are written as piece and move. For example, Nf3 means a knight moves to the f3 square. For pawn moves, only the destination square is written (e.g: e4).
4. Special notations:
   * x: Capture (e.g: Nxf3, pawn captures: exf5)
   * +: Check (e.g: Qd5+)
   * #: Checkmate (e.g: Qf7#)
   * O-O: Kingside castle
   * O-O-O: Queenside castle
   * =: Pawn promotion (e.g: e8=Q)
   * en passant capture (e.g: exd6 e.p.)
5. Move pairs are written as white's move followed by black's move (e.g: 1. e4 e5).